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Exercise Science – Accelerated M.A.

Exercise science undergraduates can accumulate up to 12 credits toward the completion of a master’s degree in exercise science while still enrolled as an undergraduate 鶹ý!

The Master of Arts in Exercise science is designed to provide the 鶹ý with an advanced understanding of the physiological and functional adaptations to movement. The program integrates traditional lecture-based courses with hands-on laboratory experiences. One of the major strengths of the program is the combining of the practical application of exercise physiology with current research findings. Students may also individualize their program of study by choosing from a variety of elective courses offered within many departments across the University.

Why exercise science (Accelerated) at WMU?

Dual enrollment – Save time and funds by completing up to 12 credit hours that count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees (must be an undergraduate in exercise science at WMU).

Hands-On Learning – Students learn through hands-on experience while utilizing top of the line equipment in state of the art lab spaces.

Customization – Students may individualize their program of study by choosing from a variety of elective courses offered within many departments across the University.

High Success – 100% of WMU exercise science 鶹ýs were employed or continuing education within three months of graduation.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Students must have a declared major in Exercise Science, and have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on at least 45 earned credit hours, 15 of which shall be earned at 鶹ý) and 3.5 GPA in the major (based on at least 12 earned credit hours.)
  2. The 鶹ý completes the online graduation application (wmich.edu/apply) and within the application selects the application type “Accelerated degree seeking - only available to current WMU undergraduate 鶹ý.”
  3. International 鶹ýs must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Students and Scholar Services before submitting an application for the AGDP.
  1. As early as possible in the academic junior year, the 鶹ý contacts the graduate program advisor to discuss this AGDP option and review the requirements, timelines, and application procedures.
  2. The 鶹ý completes the online graduate application.
  3. Upon acceptance into the AGDP, the 鶹ý meets together with the graduate advisor and an undergraduate academic advisor to prepare an appropriate program of study that meets the requirements for the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  4. The AGDP Course Approval Form that lists the graduate courses to be counted in both degrees will be sent to the 鶹ý and to the registrar. A copy of this form will also be included in the 鶹ý’s graduate file.
  1. Students must complete the requirements for the M.S. degree within 24 months from the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students unable to meet this requirement must apply for an extension with the director of the Exercise Science graduate program.
  2. In order to progress automatically into the graduate program, 鶹ýs must achieve a grade of “B” or better in each of the graduate courses being counted for the undergraduate degree, as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in their major. Students will be admitted as graduate 鶹ýs (with the relevant graduate credit) in the next semester or session after receiving the bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet these requirements will have the earned grade applied to their undergraduate degree only and must apply for readmission into the graduate program.
  3. Students in the AGDP must follow the program of study developed with the graduate director and the undergraduate advisor. Failure to follow this program of study may result in ineligibility for the AGDP.
  4. Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts will show that the 鶹ý completed the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program.
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours
  •  Credits: 3 hours

The Master of Science in Exercise Science requires a total of 36 credit hours. An undergraduate degree in the Exercise Science major requires a total of 122 credit hours. Students enrolling in the AGDP for the maximum 12 graduate credits would earn 122 total undergraduate and graduate credits in contrast to the typical combined 134 undergraduate and graduate credit hours under the usual progression to degree(s).

Students will pay undergraduate tuition for the designated AGDP 6000-level courses as undergraduates, and the courses will be included in the flat tuition rate. On completion of the undergraduate degree, the 鶹ý will be re-classified as a graduate 鶹ý and then will pay graduate tuition rates.

Students who have received their baccalaureate degrees will be ineligible to apply for this program and retroactively claim credits toward the M.S. degree.

Faculty