Program Overview
The Exercise and Nutrition Science program is officially becoming the Exercise and Human Performance program beginning in the Fall of 2023! Stay tuned for exciting updates as this program is refined to meet today's job market.
There’s never been a better time for exercise and health professionals in today’s world. Approaching human performance holistically by studying in a program that combines your areas of interest from the interrelated fields of exercise science, performance nutrition, business and psychology helps you set yourself apart in today's job market.
Gain expertise on how the body moves, functions and is fueled. Explore how to improve quality of life and performance for a variety of populations. Learn from our passionate and experienced faculty, surrounded by our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
Go on from here to have a lasting impact through a degree that is uniquely designed to accommodate your interests and abilities. Let us empower you— so you can empower your community.
Exercise and Human Performance Program Foundations
The curriculum features three aspects:
- Seven core courses, offering advanced training in exercise physiology, organizational behavior, and research
- Electives chosen based on your area of emphasis
- A culminating capstone which is either a thesis or portfolio
This framework allows for maximum flexibility, allowing students to forge their own unique path in preparing for their career aspirations.
Admissions Requirements
- Pre-requisites, 12 or more total credit hours in:
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
OR - Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Nutrition/Dietetics, or other science-related majors are exempted from the pre-requisites specifications.
- Official transcripts.
- 2.75 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work (higher science GPA is desirable).
- Three recommendations, including at least one academic reference and one professional reference.
- An essay (no more than 750 words) including reflections on 1) personal philosophy of exercise/human performance, 2) career aspirations, and 3) purpose, passion, faith, etc.
- In-person (or virtual as needed) interview for finalists.
Transcripts and forms should be mailed to:
Graduate Studies in EXHP
Lipscomb University
One University Park Drive
Nashville TN 37204-3951
Courses
The following core courses are required for this degree (15 hours):
- EXNS 5003 - Advanced Exercise Physiology I
- EXNS 5013 - Exercise and Nutrition Strategies
- EXNS 5063 - Research Methods I: Biostatistics
- EXNS 5103 - Research Methods II: Design & Analysis
- EXNS 5203 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry I
The following elective courses are chosen based on interest and professional goals (15 hours):
- EXNS 5043 - Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition
- EXNS 5053 - Electrocardiography
- EXNS 5073 - Dietary and Nutritional Supplementation
- EXNS 5123 - Advanced Exercise Physiology II: Adaptations to Exercise
- EXNS 5133 - Advanced Exercise Physiology III: Laboratory Techniques
- EXNS 5143 - Exercise Psychology
- EXNS 5233 - Current Trends II: Obesity
- EXNS 5243 - The Business of Exercise & Nutrition
- EXNS 5253 - Nutrition Across the Life Span
- EXNS 5263 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry II: Micronutrients
- EXNS 5273 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry IIII: Macronutrients
- EXNS 5403 - Special Topics in Exercise & Nutrition Science
- EXNS 541V - Independent Study
- EXNS 5443 - Advanced Strength & Conditioning Methods
- EXNS 5453 - Exercise Evaluation & Prescription for Special Populations
- EXNS 5463 - Advanced Medical Nutritional Therapy
- EXNS 5473 - Current Trends I: Eating Disorders
As a capstone project, students choose either Portfolio or Thesis and complete the Comprehensive Exam (6 hours):
- EXNS 5900 - Comprehensive Exam
- EXNS 5953 - Portfolio I
- EXNS 5963 - Portfolio II
- EXNS 5973 - Thesis I
- EXNS 5983 - Thesis II
Other elective courses outside the EXHP program:
Students who have not previously transferred credit from the dietetic internship or another graduate school may apply up to six hours from the Lipscomb Graduate business and/or psychology programs toward the EXHP degree. (Note: Graduate business and/or psychology program tuition applies to students who take these courses.) Courses could include:
- BU 6303 - Health Services Management
- BU 6323 - The U.S. Health Care System
- BU 6803 - Sports Management
- BU 6813 - Marketing, Fundraising and Public Relations in Sports
- BU 6823 - Sports Law and Risk Management
- PSFT 5903 - Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy Skills
Note:
Graduate business and/or psychology program tuition applies to students who take these courses.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition and fees for the EXHP program are as follows:
36-hour program / $1,030 per credit hour*
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.