graduate study in Exercise Sciences

Graduate programs within the Department of Exercise Sciences are designed to provide an atmosphere where increased knowledge and practice prepare our students to become leaders in their profession, family, community, and in the world.  Instruction takes the form of lectures and laboratory courses, seminars, examinations, independent study, research and, in many cases, teaching and/or research assistantships. 

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. J. William Myrer
120G RB
(801) 422-2690
bill_myrer@byu.edu

degrees offered

Application deadline: 1 February.

MS Exercise Science

PhD Exercise Science

Refer online to the current BYU Graduate Catalog for degree prerequisites and requirements.

applying to graduate school

Application deadline: 1 February. Begin the application process online.

Sandy Alger
214 RB
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah 84602
801-422-4271 
sandy_alger@byu.edu

Graduate assistantships

The Department of Exercise Sciences offers graduate students two types of assistantships.  The first is a teaching assistantship; the second is a research assistantship.  Often a graduate student will have a combination assistantship with teaching/research.  Both teaching and research experiences are integral to the graduate experience so the department attempts to provide ample opportunities in each of these areas.  It is recommended that all graduate students take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the department.

A limited number of teaching assistantships is available.  If selected as a teaching assistant, the teaching assignment will primarily be in the university wellness program, meaning that the teaching assistant will teach beginning or intermediate activity/fitness courses.  A teaching assistantship may also include opportunities to teach lab courses in physiology, anatomy, motor learning, or athletic training.  Doctoral students, after assisting a professor in an undergraduate lecture course, may be assigned to teach an undergraduate major course. 

• Applicants must be accepted into a graduate program in the department.
• Applicants must have skill and knowledge in a variety of fitness and sport courses offered by the department.
• Teaching assistants must successfully complete EXSC 586R during their first semester on campus.

Research assistantships are offered on a limited basis.  Upon selection, the research assistant will work with a faculty member on one or more research projects.  A master's level assistant may be assigned to work with a doctoral student on certain projects. 

• Applicants must be accepted into a graduate program in the department.
• Applicants must have research interests and skills that match a graduate faculty member's research agenda or be willing to develop skills applicable to a particular area of research.

Graduate faculty and their specializations

Graduate Course offering rotation
Click here to view the course rotation schedule.