Hands-on, experiential learning in laboratory setting
Small student cohorts to ensure strong faculty mentorship
Robust curriculum with a public health emphasis
Interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty and community partners
The MS Program in Exercise Science requires students to complete 36 credits of core and elective coursework which includes a thesis option. Full time students typically complete requirements in two years.
The 5 required courses provide the foundation for understanding advanced principles of exercise physiology on acute and chronic responses to endurance and strength exercise in major body systems, including the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems (15 credits total).
The 3 required courses provide the foundation for understanding the fundamental principles and concepts of conducting scientific research, including study design, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Students apply this knowledge through an experiential learning-based practicum, in which they design a research study and undergo peer evaluation (9 credits total).
The 2 required courses provide the foundation to plan, develop, and evaluate primary prevention programs. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to implement evidence-based physical activity wellness programs in real-world settings (6 credits).
Students select one of three concentrations, and do two courses within that concentration to deepen their knowledge and competency within that area (6 credits).
1 | Public Health Concentration | Practicum | Urban Community Health Assessment | Global Health or Environmental Health | Public Health Nutrition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | Clinical Concentration | Clinical Nutrition Applications in Health & Disease | Patient-Centered Health Informatics | Internship | — |
3 | Research Concentration | Thesis I & II | Directed Study | Applied Regression Analysis | Advances in Measuring Behavior |
Curriculum subject to change. For a sample curriculum, please click here.
The Exercise Science Program accepts applications for Fall entry only.
Applicants accepted: | Domestic and International |
Delivery: | Primarily on campus with one or two classes online |
Student status: | Full-time or part-time |
Term Start: | Fall only |
Application deadline: | Priority 3/1*, Final 8/1 |
*Recommended for those applicants interested in scholarships and assistantships.
Click each required application item for more information.
Applicants who have completed the anatomy and physiology prerequisite but not the exercise physiology prerequisite may be conditionally admitted and take it concurrently during their first semester of study. Northeastern offers an undergraduate course that will fulfill this prerequisite.
GRE (code #7533)
GRE scores taken within the last five years are required for submission. Applicants with advanced degrees and all applicants who wish to request a waiver should submit a petition to have the GRE waived, the GRE Waiver form should be sent to the Exercise Science Program Director with supporting materials (CV and or/transcripts). The petition will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Waivers will be granted on a case by case basis and the applicant will be notified of the decision.
TOEFL (code #5688)
TOEFL scores are required from international applicants whose native language is not English. The Exercise Science Program requires a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL (official test scores from similar English-language tests may not be substituted in place of the TOEFL).
Students are encouraged to explore other departmental offerings and opportunities to interface with faculty.
Students can complement their didactic instruction through faculty, research, and/or interdisciplinary engagement. Example partners include:
Students are encouraged to explore other departmental offerings and opportunities to interface with faculty.
Faculty in the department are exploring a range of research topics including:
Faculty in the department are exploring a range of research topics including:
“I was lucky enough to work under Dr. Dinesh John during my time at Northeastern, which offered me the opportunity to both learn and grow my research capabilities in ways I never could have imagined. Constantly in the lab, I surrounded myself with all that the program had to offer. Ideas were readily encouraged!
In my current role, I am responsible for coordinating multiple research studies from the ground up that involve looking at effective ways for people with type 2 diabetes to overcome barriers to exercise. Coordination includes recruitment, conducting research visits utilizing the metabolic cart and a number of other measurement tools, compiling and analyzing data collected, and regulatory compliance involving the Institutional Review Board.
I see myself focusing on behavioral health in the future, integrating exercise science as a way to implement behavior changes for the better. I aim to eventually become a tenured professor conducting research at the university level.”
– Ian M. Leavitt, class of 2014, Professional Research Assistant, University of Colorado Anschultz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
“Northeastern is extensively networked, and the institution places high value on experiential learning. While Northeastern University provides the networks and resources of a large institution, the Exercise Science program is small and intimate.
Two experiences made my graduate school experience. I worked as a part of an interdisciplinary health informatics research team that partnered with a start-up tech company to study on-body physical activity sensors. I interned at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where the physiology I learned in the classroom took on another dimension through clinical significance and patient interaction.
Clinical Exercise Physiologists contribute to the next wave of professionals in the field by training undergraduate and graduate interns. The patient population is diverse in age, race, language, and culture. I enjoy exposure to and learning from these differences, and being part of patients’ lives during a critical time.”
– Tricia Povilonis, class of 2014, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
“I was lucky enough to work under Dr. Dinesh John during my time at Northeastern, which offered me the opportunity to both learn and grow my research capabilities in ways I never could have imagined. Constantly in the lab, I surrounded myself with all that the program had to offer. Ideas were readily encouraged!
In my current role, I am responsible for coordinating multiple research studies from the ground up that involve looking at effective ways for people with type 2 diabetes to overcome barriers to exercise. Coordination includes recruitment, conducting research visits utilizing the metabolic cart and a number of other measurement tools, compiling and analyzing data collected, and regulatory compliance involving the Institutional Review Board.
I see myself focusing on behavioral health in the future, integrating exercise science as a way to implement behavior changes for the better. I aim to eventually become a tenured professor conducting research at the university level.”
– Ian M. Leavitt, class of 2014, Professional Research Assistant, University of Colorado Anschultz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
“Northeastern is extensively networked, and the institution places high value on experiential learning. While Northeastern University provides the networks and resources of a large institution, the Exercise Science program is small and intimate.
Two experiences made my graduate school experience. I worked as a part of an interdisciplinary health informatics research team that partnered with a start-up tech company to study on-body physical activity sensors. I interned at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where the physiology I learned in the classroom took on another dimension through clinical significance and patient interaction.
Clinical Exercise Physiologists contribute to the next wave of professionals in the field by training undergraduate and graduate interns. The patient population is diverse in age, race, language, and culture. I enjoy exposure to and learning from these differences, and being part of patients’ lives during a critical time.”
– Tricia Povilonis, class of 2014, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
The program consists of 36 credits. For up-to-date information regarding Northeastern University tuition per credit, please refer to the University’s tuition page.
The program offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships to qualified students. Nothing more than a completed application is required for consideration.
Federal financial aid and institutional scholarships may be available to qualified students. The Office of Student Financial Services provides the most up-to-date information and recommends that every student consider applying for financial aid, regardless of his/her income and assets. You may also call 617.373.5899 or email sfs@neu.edu.
No, once a student is accepted into to the program, he or she will work with a designated faculty advisor to choose one of the following pathways for the elective concentration: clinical, research, or public health.
Yes, it is possible to complete the program in less than two years, depending on whether or not certain required classes are available to be taken over the summer.
Yes, as long as the courses are offered by an accredited institution.
Our program offers small class sizes of about 10 to 15 students.
Yes, our students graduate from our program are well prepared and may be eligible for this certifications from organizations such as ACSM, NPAS, NSCA and we encourage them to apply for certifications.
Many courses in the Master Program meet in the early evenings, and some meet during the day. Most courses meet once a week or twice a week. With enough work flexibility, it is possible to work full time and attend school part-time.
We welcome any questions you might have about our program. Please feel free to send general program inquiries and admissions-related questions to Dr. Rui Li.
Specializations: Exercise Physiology, Skeletal Muscle Function and nutritional intervention
Research: Exercise and nutritional interventions on metabolic diseases prevention; Training and nutritional strategies for health fitness and sport performance
Membership: ACSM, AAAS
Courses:
Key Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students (undergraduate and graduate):
Rui Li, PhD
Program Director
617.373.2526
r.li@northeastern.edu