The Master of Science in Health (MSH) in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease (ESCD) integrates an evidenced-based curriculum in an applied research environment. Students pursuing the MSH in ESCD are required to take nine core exercise science, epidemiology, and biostatistics courses for a total of 30 credit hours. The remaining credits will be satisfied with nine credits of elective coursework and either a six credit internship, project, or thesis option. Elective coursework is available in the areas of strength and conditioning, epidemiology, pharmacology, and nutrition. Students must declare a thesis or non-thesis option upon acceptance in to the program. The MSH in ESCD requires the completion of 45 graduate credit hours and should be completed in two years. <br><br>The MSH in ESCD curriculum will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work and provide leadership in the areas of health and fitness, preventive medicine, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, diabetes education, strength and conditioning, lifestyle coaching, and research. Thesis option students will begin preparation towards becoming independent investigators by developing the skills necessary to conduct original research. Thesis option students may be exposed to both primary data collection (human subjects) and secondary data analysis (existing data sets). Students planning on pursuing a thesis and terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.) are strongly encouraged to pursue elective coursework in chronic disease and nutrition epidemiology. Thesis option students will be accepted each fall on a competitive basis and contingent upon graduate assistantship funding. Students are encouraged to sit for the national certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).