Where this degree can take you:

• Become a strength and conditioning coach
• Health and wellness coach
• Preparation for future clinical degree
• Preparation for doctoral programs

To start, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree

Begin your MS in Human Wellness and Performance program:

• Fall 2024

Finishing will take:

• 5-6 terms
• 45 credits minimum
• Internship with a professional project
  • Option to complete a thesis or pass a professional certification exam.
• Exit interview

Where you will take classes:

• Campus, with the possibility of online or hybrid courses

Technology you will need:

• Computer with internet connection
• Video conferencing capability (e.g., Zoom)

What you will learn:

This program provides a broad student-centered approach to the application of a bio-mechanical-psycho-social model of wellness and human performance. This coupled with an interdisciplinary curriculum meets the diverse and evolving needs of students and their communities.

Learning outcomes:

Combining elements of criminal justice, sociology, and political science students will:

1. Knowledge & Inquiry: The graduate will be able to apply research-based knowledge and principles of Exercise Science under a variety of individual, environmental, and task constraints.
2. Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: The graduate will be able to design, implement and assess effective exercise programs and interventions using a diverse range of equipment facilities and pedagogical resources and methods.
3. Professional Practice: The graduate will demonstrate appropriate professional skills and ethics.
4. The graduate will demonstrate sensitivity in their interactions and professional practice with individuals from diverse physiological, intellectual, emotional, philosophical, social, economic, racial, gender, and cultural backgrounds.

Program Start Dates:

You may apply to start the program in the fall, winter, or spring terms.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Term: September 1st
• Winter Term: December 10th
• Spring Term: March 10th

Graduate Student Assistant Positions:

Graduate Student Assistant Positions offer a valuable opportunity for student employment, providing a compensation package comprising both salary and tuition remission. These positions involve the performance of research or teaching services to the University, contributing to students’ academic and professional training and development.

Application Deadline for Graduate Assistant Positions:

If you’re interested in applying for a Graduate Assistant Position, please ensure to submit your application no later than March 1st for priority processing. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Detailed application requirements:

Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:

• Application Fee $60
• Transcripts
  • You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. Save as a PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission.
  • Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted.

• Current Resume
  • Save as PDF with your first and last name in the title.
• Letter of Intent
  • Please describe your professional goals relative to why you are pursuing a master’s degree in Human Wellness and Performance.

Process: Applications will be reviewed once all application materials have been submitted. Please refer to the Application Checklist in your Graduate Application Portal to confirm the status of your submitted materials. The Graduate Application Portal will also provide additional details about the checklist items for further clarification. You will be notified via email regarding changes in the status of your application or if you are missing any application components.

MS Human Wellness & Performance curriculum overview:

The primary target of the program is the student with an interest in pursuing a broad variety of exercise science-related careers including strength and conditioning, sports performance, health and wellness coaching, or have an interest in pursuing a future clinical degree (e.g., physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy). Additionally, the degree maintains the flexibility to prepare the student to engage with a variety of populations (e.g., older adults, youth, and individuals with a variety of physical limitations). The degree will emphasize the guidelines and requirements set forth by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), which establish industry standards.

Your plan of study:

Once admitted to your MS Human Wellness & Performance program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filling out this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.