The University of Memphis

The graduate program in Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences (ESMS):

• • is a 36-hour program with four six-hour capstone options: 1) applied project, 2) research lab residency, 3) thesis and 4) non-research. 
  • provides a research-centered program if you're interested in pursuing advanced graduate study (PhD) in exercise science (e.g., exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, etc.) or a related discipline (e.g., nutrition science, vascular biology, bioenergetics).
  • provides a comprehensive overview of the exercise science field if you are not interested in pursuing PhD studies, but would like to obtain further knowledge and skills necessary to work or serve in a clinical, physical activity or research setting.
  • provides a strong focus on research methods and statistics relevant to exercise science, promoting research understanding regardless of your career goal (12 of the 36 required credit hours).
  • provides freedom, in collaboration with your major professor, to select elective courses specific to your personal interests and career goals.
  • provides opportunities to complete an internship in a clinical, research or health-fitness setting.
  • provides opportunities to work within one of the faculty-directed laboratories to gain valuable research experience, either as a volunteer or graduate research assistant.

Depending on your chosen path, you will gain experience in many aspects of animal and/or human subject research. This may include recruitment and screening of subjects, equipment operation, phlebotomy and blood processing, animal handling and surgery, biochemical analyses, biomechanical analyses, data collection and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and oral and written presentation of research findings.