With the dual degree program, you'll earn a bachelor's degree and seamlessly advance toward your Master of Science in exercise & sport science.
A career in exercise & sport science provides you with opportunities to help others improve their health and well-being, and excel in athletic competition. Sacred Heart University’s program and faculty are recognized as industry-leading educators in the field of exercise & sport science, having earned accreditation by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).
Dual degree students complete their bachelor’s degree in exercise science at SHU and are guaranteed admission to the Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science program provided they continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress into graduate program enrollment. There are two tracks to choose from:
Students will complete three years of undergraduate coursework and two years of graduate coursework. Students in this program choose exercise science as their undergraduate major and all requirements for the bachelor’s degree in exercise science must be completed by the end of the third year. Students choosing the 3+2 option work carefully with their undergraduate adviser to follow a specific sequence of study, which includes some summer coursework. With appropriate planning, summer coursework may be completed at other universities offering equivalent courses.
Students initially pursuing the 3+2 option may move to the 4+2 option by consulting with their academic adviser.
Students will complete the traditional four years of undergraduate coursework and two years of graduate coursework. This option is open to students in any major.
At Sacred Heart, exercise & sport science students benefit from comprehensive hands-on learning acquired through multi-semester internships and access to on-campus state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll save time and money by earning your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five or six years.
Throughout the program, students learn how to design and implement training programs under the mentorship of Division 1 head strength and conditioning coaches and conduct research related to athletic performance, sport nutrition, applied physiology or biomechanics, with the support of expert faculty. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a career as a professional sport scientist or coach in private, high school, collegiate or professional strength and conditioning settings. Graduates may also go on to pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D.
As undergraduates, students have an academic adviser, as well as other faculty and staff resources that help them stay on track and progress toward their graduate degree. Industry-specific events and student clubs are also available for undergraduate students to become more deeply involved in their graduate field.
Students who participate in dual degree programs may save on tuition costs as compared to completing a separate graduate program.
When you take advantage of the dual degree program, your spot in graduate school is already reserved. There’s no need for last-minute applications to graduate school during the final months of senior year.
With your Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science, you’ll be prepared for a career as a:
Students apply to the Bachelor’s-Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science dual degree program by selecting the dual degree program on the Common Application. Admission to the dual degree program is competitive, with minimum criteria including:
Students admitted to the dual degree program must continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress to enrollment in the exercise & sport science program.
For additional information for prospective first-year students, contact:
Undergraduate Admissions
203-371-7880
enroll@sacredheart.edu
For additional information for current dual degree students, contact:
Graduate Admissions
203-365-7619
gradstudies@sacredheart.edu
