Overview of Master of Arts (MA) Degree Program in Sport Exercise
Majors Overview November 30, 2017This article talks about the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in Sport Exercise and their education requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Master of Arts Degree Program in Sport Exercise
Individuals seeking to gain knowledge in the multifaceted field of human movement would benefit from enrolling in a master’s degree in exercise, health and/or sports science program. Program coursework may cover in-depth instruction and training in many disciplines, including physiology, biomechanics, and motor control.
Apart from general instruction, a specialized area of study may be chosen in sports psychology, exercise physiology, or human performance. Coursework features an array of environments, such as seminars, classrooms, clinics, independent study sessions, and laboratories. A thesis project based on original research may have to be completed before the program culminates.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Schools may also consider those who have completed undergraduate education in areas that prepare them sufficiently for physical education, exercise and sports science, or health promotion. Students who do not meet the undergraduate education requirement may also find consideration if they complete developmental courses before they begin core coursework. Incoming students are also required to submit letters of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.
Coursework
Students learn important theoretical concepts related to exercise and sport, such as the psychological and biological underpinnings of disease and stress, theories of data organization, fundamentals of human exertion, and principles of effective leadership. They could gain expertise in the correct taping and bracing of injuries, provision of sound nutritional advice, the conduct of injury diagnoses and carrying out of emergency management procedures. Program coursework may cover topic areas such as amateur sports, professional sports, and fitness regimens.
Program coursework combines practical and theoretical training. Apart from academic training, students are taught through close association with various professionals, including physical therapists and athletic coaches. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Biomechanics instrumentation
•Systematic Biology
•Exercise Psychology
•Statistical methods
•Sport psychology
Career Options
Graduates may seek careers involving work with sports facilities or sports teams. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Physical education teacher
•Clinical researcher
•Coach
Job and Wage Outlook
Coaches and scouts are expected to see a 13% job growth over the 2016 – 2026 decade. Coaching professionals and exercise physiologists brought in respective average annual wages of $31,460 and $47,340, in 2016 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Options
Program graduates seeking continuing education may pursue a Ph.D. in a field such as sports nutrition or exercise science that could lead to advanced careers in research. Ph.D. programs provide training in healthcare and government institutions, along with preparation for careers in research or academia.