weight room

Exercise Science – Accelerated M.A.

Exercise science undergraduates can accumulate up to 12 credits toward the completion of a master’s degree in exercise science while still enrolled as an undergraduate student!

The Master of Arts in Exercise science is designed to provide the student with an advanced understanding of the physiological and functional adaptations to movement. The program integrates traditional lecture-based courses with hands-on laboratory experiences. One of the major strengths of the program is the combining of the practical application of exercise physiology with current research findings. Students may also individualize their program of study by choosing from a variety of elective courses offered within many departments across the University.

Why exercise science (Accelerated) at WMU?

Dual enrollment – Save time and funds by completing up to 12 credit hours that count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees (must be an undergraduate in exercise science at WMU).

Hands-On Learning – Students learn through hands-on experience while utilizing top of the line equipment in state of the art lab spaces.

Customization – Students may individualize their program of study by choosing from a variety of elective courses offered within many departments across the University.

High Success – 100% of WMU exercise science students were employed or continuing education within three months of graduation.

  • Industry Demand

    Exercise science and related careers in the field are expected to grow 9% between 2021 and 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Video of Accelerated Graduate Degree Programs (AGDP) - How It Works

The Accelerated Master's in Exercise Science (AGDP) is for current undergraduate students at Western Michigan University with a major in exercise science. Once accepted, students may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate course work and apply it towards both degrees. 

About AGDP AGDP Checklist

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the admissions requirements?
    1. Students must have a declared major in Exercise Science, and have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on at least 45 earned credit hours, 15 of which shall be earned at Western Michigan University) and 3.5 GPA in the major (based on at least 12 earned credit hours.)
    2. The student completes the online graduation application (wmich.edu/apply) and within the application selects the application type “Accelerated degree seeking - only available to current WMU undergraduate student.”
    3. International students must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Students and Scholar Services before submitting an application for the AGDP.
  • What is the admission procedure?
    1. As early as possible in the academic junior year, the student contacts the graduate program advisor to discuss this AGDP option and review the requirements, timelines, and application procedures.
    2. The student completes the online graduate application.
    3. Upon acceptance into the AGDP, the student meets together with the graduate advisor and an undergraduate academic advisor to prepare an appropriate program of study that meets the requirements for the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
    4. The AGDP Course Approval Form that lists the graduate courses to be counted in both degrees will be sent to the student and to the registrar. A copy of this form will also be included in the student’s graduate file.
  • What are the continuing eligibility and graduation requirements?
    1. Students must complete the requirements for the M.S. degree within 24 months from the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students unable to meet this requirement must apply for an extension with the director of the Exercise Science graduate program.
    2. In order to progress automatically into the graduate program, students must achieve a grade of “B” or better in each of the graduate courses being counted for the undergraduate degree, as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in their major. Students will be admitted as graduate students (with the relevant graduate credit) in the next semester or session after receiving the bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet these requirements will have the earned grade applied to their undergraduate degree only and must apply for readmission into the graduate program.
    3. Students in the AGDP must follow the program of study developed with the graduate director and the undergraduate advisor. Failure to follow this program of study may result in ineligibility for the AGDP.
    4. Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts will show that the student completed the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program.
  • What are the designated AGDP exercise science courses?
  • How many credits can I dual enroll for?

    The Master of Science in Exercise Science requires a total of 36 credit hours. An undergraduate degree in the Exercise Science major requires a total of 122 credit hours. Students enrolling in the AGDP for the maximum 12 graduate credits would earn 122 total undergraduate and graduate credits in contrast to the typical combined 134 undergraduate and graduate credit hours under the usual progression to degree(s).

    Students will pay undergraduate tuition for the designated AGDP 6000-level courses as undergraduates, and the courses will be included in the flat tuition rate. On completion of the undergraduate degree, the student will be re-classified as a graduate student and then will pay graduate tuition rates.

    Students who have received their baccalaureate degrees will be ineligible to apply for this program and retroactively claim credits toward the M.S. degree.

Faculty

  • Dr. Timothy Michael

    Program Coordinator

    Contact