In addition to submitting the standard graduate application, applicants for the Master of Exercise & Sport Science program must:

• Have graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution with a baccalaureate degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or related disciplines.
• Applicants with unrelated degrees must have an NCCA-accredited certification (e.g., CSCS, CPT, ACSM-CEP, CHC) and 1–2 years of relevant professional experience in fitness, coaching, strength & conditioning or sport management

To begin the application process:

• Secure an application packet from the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services at (219) 473-4215.
• Complete the application form and submit it with the $25.00 application fee and appropriate accompanying documents at least two months prior to the cohort start date.
• Accompanying documents include:
  • An 800-1000 word personal statement outlining career goals and program fit (800-1000 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts
  • Official transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework completed

The Master of Exercise & Sport Science is delivered fully online, offering a flexible and accessible format ideal for working professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, incorporating virtual labs, case studies, video analysis and applied projects that connect theory to real-world practice. Students are encouraged to attend an in-person orientation at the start of the program to meet faculty and peers. Two campus visits are required: a summer proposal session after Year 1 to present capstone or thesis plans and a final poster presentation in Spring of Year 2 following a successful defense. These in-person experiences provide valuable opportunities for feedback, mentorship and professional networking.

Purpose and Rationale

The rationale of a Graduate Assistantship is to further the professional academic development of the graduate student. The assistantship is expected to serve as a meaningful learning experience and a way for the graduate student to work for an institution in his or her chosen field. It is expected that the student will contribute on a professional level to enhance the learning environment of undergraduate and other graduate students.

The responsibility of a Graduate Assistant

The Graduate Assistant (GA) is responsible for working with various Faculty members across different Graduate Programs. Activities may include the following:

• Support of teaching, which can include work as a Teaching Assistant (TA). This task may involve grading assignments and working directly with students under the tutelage of Graduate Faculty.
• The Graduate Assistant may also conduct academically significant research related to his or her academic program under the guidance of a faculty member.
• The student could also be involved in administrative duties and other professional activities, ideally related to his or her field.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Assistantship, the student must first gain admission to graduate study. He/she must register and maintain at least 6 semester credits of graduate coursework. Full time Assistantships are awarded for each academic year but can be awarded for up to (2) years. Students must apply each academic year.

• There is a limit of one GA per Graduate Program (Certain conditions apply).
• GA’s receive a full tuition waiver for up to 12 credits per semester (Fees not included).
• GA’s work approximately 15 hours a week while school is in session during the academic year.
• Only students in good academic standing with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 are eligible for selection as GA’s.
• The GPA of 3.0 must be maintained during the assistantship process.

Application

Student must apply directly to Academic Affairs Office for each position of interest.

• Student must submit a general application to the Academic Affairs Office.
• A resume must accompany the application.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Applications are due at least two months before the start of the fall or spring semester.
• Interview with the Graduate Program Director of the program in which the student is applying.

How are positions allocated and assigned?

Application forms are submitted to Graduate Program Directors for initial review. If the Graduate Program Director approves the application, he or she then forwards it for approval to the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Following all three approvals both the Financial Aid Office and the Academic Affairs Office will issue a letter of appointment for the GA to sign. Each Graduate Assistant reports to the Supervising Faculty Member identified in the letter of appointment. Although most Graduate Assistants apply for work in their own department, other Graduate Program Directors may require the skills of a student from another department. This can be a great way for a Graduate Assistant to get varying types of experiences.

Evaluation

The supervisor will review the job description with the Graduate Assistant and determine a mutually agreeable schedule for the year. Graduate Assistants should have some significant responsibility/project assigned which may be included on their resumes for the future. A collaborative evaluation will be conducted at the end of each academic year to examine how the original job description matches the reality of day to day activities. In a rare instance where a Graduate Assistant is not performing his/her duties, at the written request of the Graduate Supervisor, the person may be removed by the Vice/President of Academic Affairs.

How Fellowship Award is Applied

The Graduate Assistant Grant is to be applied to the student’s financial aid package for the current semester that he or she is serving. This grant will be applied for graduate coursework only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other form of outside scholarships, tuition reimbursement, or veteran’s benefits. Students must comply with the following:

• Must file a FAFSA for the award year
• Must be registered for at least 6 graduate credit hours
• Must work 10-15 hours per week during the semester for which the grant is to be applied
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA while receiving the grant

These numbers do not reflect additional fees which are applicable to every student. For complete tuition and fee amounts, see the tuition and fee schedule.