Program Handbook MS in Exercise, Fitness, and … EFHP Program...Resume: A resume of your...

Program Handbook MS in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion

Division of Health and Human Performance

College of Education and Human Development George Mason University

Email: [email protected] Phone: (703) 993-2123 Fax: (703) 993-2026

Update: 8/31/15*

* This handbook describes the program guidelines. Program faculty reserves the right to alter guidelines as needed

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 2. Program Concentrations ........................................................................................................... 1 3. Application Requirements ....................................................................................................... 1 4. Concentrations ......................................................................................................................... 2 5. Coursework .............................................................................................................................. 3 6. Research Project or Thesis ....................................................................................................... 4 7. Oral Presentation / Defense or Final Written Submission ....................................................... 7 8. Institutional Review Board Approval ...................................................................................... 9 9. Research Authorship ................................................................................................................ 9 10. Program, Class, and Housing Locations .............................................................................. 10 11. SMART Laboratory ............................................................................................................. 11 12. Independent Study Courses .................................................................................................. 11 13. Courses At Other Universities ............................................................................................. 11 14. Transfer Of Credits .............................................................................................................. 12 15. Funding Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 12 16. Enrollment ............................................................................................................................ 12 17. Grade Requirements ............................................................................................................. 13 18. Grading Policies ................................................................................................................... 13 19. Graduation Requirements .................................................................................................... 13 20. Grievance Procedure ............................................................................................................ 14 21. Leave Of Absence ................................................................................................................ 15 22. Careers In The Field ............................................................................................................. 15 23. Registration .......................................................................................................................... 15 24. Withdrawal ........................................................................................................................... 15 25. Advising and Contact Information ....................................................................................... 16 26. Program Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 16 27. Program Website .................................................................................................................. 16 28. Appendix A: Template Plans Of Study ............................................................................... 17 29. Appendix B: Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (APRC) .............................. 18 30. Appendix C: Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (WPRC) ............................. 19 31. Appendix D: Student Progress from Admission to Graduation ........................................... 20

Jatin. P Ambegaonkar Page 1 of 22 11/4/15

1. Introduction The MS EFHP takes a science-based approach toward the fields of health and human performance. The program focuses on the role of physical activity in the promotion of health, fitness and quality of life. The degree promotes scholarly inquiry and cultivates ‘research-savvy practitioners’. A research-savvy practitioner is a professional who can recognize and use the latest cutting-edge knowledge when working with clients, patients, and community. Completion of this 36-credit degree prepares students for employment in allied health and human performance related professions or the pursuit of further academic study (doctoral programs).

2. Program Concentrations The program two concentrations:

2.1. Wellness Practitioner Concentration (WPRC): a. The course of study in this concentration is specially designed for students with

minimal previous educational experience in the EFHP-related educational background, but who are interested in the EFHP field.

b. This concentration can be completed part-time and has multiple distance learning courses.

c. Completing this concentration will provide practitioners the knowledge, skills, and abilities to design and manage exercise science, fitness, wellness, and health and human performance programs and facilities.

d. Prospective careers include wellness and fitness facility managers, and exercise science, health and human performance professionals.

2.2. Advanced Practitioner Concentration (APRC): a. The course of study in this concentration is specially designed for students with

prior undergraduate or entry-level education in health and human performance related areas with emphasis in the fields of athletic training, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning.

b. This concentration is designed using a full-time cohort model and has multiple distance learning courses.

c. Completing this concentration will provide practitioners advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in the EFHP field.

d. Prospective careers include athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, exercise scientists, and/or the pursuit of further academic study (doctoral) programs.

3. Application Requirements In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission section of this catalog, applications should submit:

3.1. Resume: A resume of your educational background and professional work experience


3.2. Three letters of recommendation: At least one reference must be from a professional who can state to your qualifications in your chosen field and one must be from academic faculty member who can attest to your academic ability to successfully pursue graduate level study

3.3. Goals Statement: A carefully written goals statement (up to 500 words) outlining how your background, experiences and graduate study relate to your future career goals

3.4. Transcripts: Current official transcripts showing required undergraduate baccalaureate degree and all previous college course work from each post-secondary institution attended. Typical successful applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 over the last 60 undergraduate credits; and a minimum of 3.0 in all course work, and/or significant work experience in the EFHP fields

3.5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and/or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) Scores: Satisfactory GRE scores (within the previous five years) with verbal scores and quantitative scores of at least 145-150 on each section or at least a score of 395 on the MAT

3.6. International Students: TOEFL score must be a minimum of 88

Begin the application process by 1. Visiting the George Mason University Office of Admissions website at

http://admissions.gmu.edu/ApplyNow/ 2. Fill out the Graduate Application Core section 3. Choose College of Education and Human Development in the Specific Academic Units

section. 4. Choose concentration

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Admission to the graduate program is competitive and meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.

4. Concentrations 4.1. When to Choose: When students submit the application, they should also indicate their

choice of concentration. Faculty will review the application and determine whether student’s application materials fulfill requirements for chosen concentration. Once students are admitted to a specific program concentration, they will be required to complete all coursework and concentration requirements for successful graduation.

4.2. What if I want to change concentrations: If students want to change concentrations, they need to discuss their status and rationale with the Academic Program Coordinator (APC). The APC will work with students on a case-by-case basis. However, as the coursework and foci of the concentrations are different, students are not guaranteed of automatic transfer of their admission acceptance status from one MS. EFHP concentration to the other. The students may need to reapply to the program to be admitted into another concentration in a future semester.


5. Coursework

All MS. EFHP students are required to complete the same required core courses irrespective of their chosen concentration. Students must also complete concentration-specific courses and a capstone thesis or research project.

5.1. Required Core Courses (15 credits) 1. EFHP 610: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits) 2. EFHP 611: Fitness Assessment: Theory and Practice (3 credits) 3. EFHP 612: Scientific Foundation of Applied Kinesiology (3 credits) 4. EFHP 640: Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3 credits) 5. EFHP 620: Research Methods for Applied Kinesiology (3 credits)

5.2. Concentration Specific Courses (15 credit hours)

Students select one of the concentration options below:

5.2.1. Advanced Practitioner Concentration (APRC) 1. EFHP 613: Advanced Applied Biomechanics (3 credits) 2. EDRS 620: Quantitative Inquiry in Education (3 credits) 3. EFHP 690: Scientific Communications (3 credits) 4. EFHP 599: Independent Study EFHP (1 - 3 credits) (Must register for 3 credits) 5. EFHP 614: Advanced Exercise Nutrition (3 credits) OR EFHP 618: Exercise and

Sport Psychology (3 credits)

5.2.2. Wellness Practitioner Concentration (WPRC) 1. EFHP 520: Medical Terminology of Health Professionals (3 credits) 2. EFHP 522: Functional Anatomy for Health and Wellness Practitioners (3 credits) 3. EFHP 526: Prevention, Recognition, and Management of Fitness Related Injuries (3

credits) 4. EFHP 660: Management of Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion Organizations (3

credits) 5. EFHP 614: Advanced Exercise Nutrition (3 credit hours) OR EFHP 618: Exercise

and Sport Psychology (3 credit hours)

5.3. Research Project or Thesis Option 1. EFHP 598: Special Topics (1 - 6 credits) (Must register for 3 credits) and either: 2. EFHP 798: Project OR EFHP 799: Thesis (Must register for 3 credits)

In the Research Project Option, students complete EFHP 598 (3 credits) and EFHP 798 (3 credits). In the special topics course, students conduct a directed research project with an EFHP faculty member that is aligned with the faculty member’s research agenda. Then, in the project course, students work with the primary EFHP faculty member (and a secondary member as needed) as determined by the EFHP Academic Program Coordinator (APC) to develop a paper and presentation in the format of submission to a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at professional conferences, respectively.


To complete the Research Project requirements:

1. In the APRC, students will typically conduct a research study project 2. In the WPRC, students will typically conduct a case study project

In the Thesis Option, students complete EFHP 598 (3 credits) and EFHP 799 (3 credits). Students develop independent research proposals. Then, in consultation with the EFHP APC, students select two additional faculty members to form a three-member thesis committee. One committee member may be selected from faculty outside of the program. Students may not register for thesis credit until the student’s thesis committee and the EFHP APC have approved a proposal. Once the committee approves the proposal, students register for thesis credit and conduct their research projects. What distinguishes master's research projects from master's theses is that, although they may include original laboratory or field research, they may also take the form of management plans, handbooks, educational curricula, or other such products. Master's research projects that are original research should be of publishable quality, although they need not be comprehensive enough to stand alone as a publication (although some are published either as stand-alone papers or as part of a larger piece of work). Master's research projects that do not follow the usual format for scientific research (i.e., introduction, objectives, methods, results, discussion, conclusions), such as case reports, technical reports etc., should follow a framework that is considered good practice in the field (e.g., a critical appraisal of topic). Not all projects need include quantitative analysis, but all, including those using qualitative methods (e.g., case study, text analysis), should explicitly follow an accepted method of analysis. The research project may include but is not limited to the following types of research:

1. Experimental research, 2. Survey research, 3. Meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 4. Qualitative research

The case study project may include but is not limited to the following types of research:

1. Single case research, 2. Clinical case series

Overall the students will complete a Total of 36 credits See Appendix A for Template Plans of Study

6. Research Project or Thesis

All students must satisfactorily complete a Research Project or Thesis. This work must clearly demonstrate the students’ abilities to apply evidence based EFHP principles in their


concentration. It must integrate knowledge of various disciplines with knowledge of relevant educational practice and theory. The project must also make a significant contribution to existing knowledge or practice.

6.1. Requirements

To be acceptable, the Research Project or Thesis must:

6.1.1. Address a clearly identified need or address an important issue as derived from the testimony of experts, analysis of research, projection of trends, and other accepted sources;

6.1.2. Be scholarly - it should be grounded in critically evaluated research and theory presented in a form consistent with the highest standards of organization and writing or other appropriate form of communication;

6.1.3. Be clearly in the EFHP field; 6.1.4. Demonstrate that the student’s work has potential to benefit the EFHP field.

Students’ research project must be based on a topic that has been approved by the Research Project Committee. If there are questions about the research and/or about the committee, these should be directed to the APC. When students complete the research project, they must defend it before the research project committee. The defense must be conducted and a final draft submitted no later than fourteen (14) days before the date on which students expect to graduate.

6.2. Dyad (2 person) or Group projects

Students can work on Dyad (2 person) or Group projects if approved by faculty advisors and the APC. If students choose to complete project with classmates, the project must be of sufficient breadth and depth to require all contributors. These projects are to be completed in the same manner as individual projects, with only final manuscript submitted to the committee.

Organization and individual responsibility of each member of this partnership is the responsibility of the dyad or group members, not the research project advisor. All members should collaborate to ensure that all project timelines are met appropriately.

Faculty members may choose not to sign paperwork for any student of the dyad or group project until they deem that all members have successfully completed requirements.

6.3. Research Project/Thesis Committee

All students’ projects will be conducted under the supervision of the student’s research project/thesis committee or advisors in the following order:

6.3.1. The APC will work with the student and the EFHP faculty to devise students’ research project/thesis advisors or committee


6.3.2. Once the APC and student have tentatively decided the faculty advisors and committee members, students should formally meet and request the faculty to serve as advisor(s) via email and cc the APC on this email.

6.3.3. Students should also meet the faculty in person and discuss the project 6.3.4. Once advisors accept to work with the student, the student and their advisors will

sign the top portion of the Student Progress Form (APRC- Appendix B or WPRC- Appendix C)

6.3.5. Students will then submit one copy of this form to each advisor, one copy to the APC, and keep one copy with them.

6.3.6. Only after the students will provide the APC a copy of this signed form, the APC will indicate – via email – that students can begin working on the project.

It is the responsibility of the thesis committee or advisors, to assist and supervise the student in the preparation of thesis or research project and to assure that the project meets all standards for graduate work. The major responsibility for this work, however, rests with the student, who is expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct research through the study.

Members of this committee or advisors act in accord with MS EFHP procedures to accept, modify or reject a student's proposal(s), conduct and evaluate the student’s presentation of the completed project, accept or reject the student's completed project, and certify the student's completion of all research project or thesis requirements preparatory to qualifying for graduation.

Membership on the committee or of the advisors, once established and approved, may not be altered without prior approval of the EFHP APC.

Consideration of a change in committee or advisor membership should include discussion with the EFHP APC. To initiate a change, the student should request the change, in hard copy writing or email format, clearly specifying the reasons for the change, and submit this request to EFHP APC. A student requesting a change in membership must have ascertained the new member's willingness to serve prior to submitting the written request and so indicate this on the request.

6.4. Research Topic

The research project is intended to allow the student to demonstrate the ability to examine a clinically relevant question in a systematic and scholarly manner. Topics may be broad in scope but must address a clinically relevant question. Students are not restricted as to topic, but must align their interests with that of the EFHP faculty member who will serve as the primary research advisor. The primary research project advisor of the student’s research project committee must approve all research project topics. A primary goal of the research project experience is the creation of a scholarly work that contributes to the body of knowledge in EFHP.

Students’ research topics will be within the areas of expertise of the EFHP faculty members. The student’s primary advisor will decide the student’s research project topic in consultation with the secondary advisor (Research project option), or the other committee members (thesis option). In


case of conflicts, the student’s Primary Advisor will be final approver of students’ research project.

Research topics should address clinically-based or basic science questions within the EFHP field. Topics must be faculty driven (i.e. questions based on their research focus) and mentored by a faculty advisor.

Students can use a variety of research designs to fulfill their research project including but not limited to:

6.4.1. Case Report: A report describing any element of practice not previously documented in the literature. Most Case Reports focus on a patient or a group of patients. Issues addressed may include patient management, ethical dilemmas, use of equipment or devices, or administrative strategies. References are needed to support rationales and approaches.

6.4.2. Research Report: Any original research, regardless of the methods used. Included in this category are research using quantitative or qualitative methods and research using single-subject designs.

6.4.3. Technical Report: An original report that describes and documents the specifications or mechanical aspects of a device used by physical therapy practitioners in intervention or measurement. Evaluation of the device should be part of the report. References should be minimal, with major emphasis on the description of the methods used to evaluate the device.

6.4.4. Perspective: A scholarly paper expounding on a specific clinical approach to patient care (on either a theoretical or practical basis) or addressing professional issues in physical therapy, health care, and related areas.

6.5. Student Progress

Students will chart their progress on their projects using the Student Progress Form (APRC- Appendix B or WPRC- Appendix C). This form contains multiple steps that will help students show that they are making appropriate progress towards successfully completing their projects.

Only when students complete all the requirements on the form, as indicated by their primary advisor’s signature on each of item, can schedule their oral presentation or defense (APRC- Appendix B) or final written submission (WPRC- Appendix C).

7. Oral Presentation / Defense or Final Written Submission 7.1. APRC

An oral presentation follows submission of the student's final draft of the masters’ research project or thesis, in the APRC. One copy each of the final draft of the student's thesis or research project must be with the EFHP APC and each faculty advisor at least two weeks prior to the scheduled oral presentation. Once student submits these drafts, they can schedule their oral presentation date.


In the oral presentation, the advisors or committee may discuss and critically evaluate the draft. Following this presentation, the student's committee determines whether the thesis or project is acceptable as submitted or needs further revision or work and students are so notified.

Students are also required to submit multiple items that may include, but not be limited to the following to their primary advisor

7.1.1. Final Manuscript along with tables and figures 7.1.2. PowerPoint along with video files that students have used for the project 7.1.3. Abstract with most current information 7.1.4. Poster with most current information 7.1.5. ALL raw, processed, excel and SPSS data. Basically ALL data that students have

collected 7.1.6. ALL informed consent forms 7.1.7. Zotero library shared as a group with advisors and exported with articles for

EndNote 7.1.8. All articles used

Faculty may sign the student research project progress form to indicate that students have successfully completed all requirements only after they receive all the above-mentioned documents and any other documents they deem appropriate for project completion.

7.2. WPRC

One copy each of the final draft of the student's thesis or case study project in the WPRC must be with the EFHP APC and each advisor at least two weeks prior to the students submitting to their advisors for approval. After submission, the committee may discuss and critically evaluate the draft and determines whether the thesis or case study project is acceptable as submitted or needs further revision or work and the student is so notified.

Students are also required to submit multiple items that may include, but not be limited to the following to their primary advisor

7.2.1. Final case study manuscript along with tables and figures 7.2.2. PowerPoint along with video files that students have used for the project 7.2.3. Abstract with most current information 7.2.4. Poster with most current information 7.2.5. ALL raw, processed, excel and SPSS data. Basically ALL data that students have

collected 7.2.6. ALL informed consent forms 7.2.7. Zotero library shared as a group with advisors and exported with articles for

EndNote 7.2.8. All articles used


8. Institutional Review Board Approval

All projects that use people as participants, must receive clearance from the George Mason University Office of Research Integrity & Assurance (ORIA) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) according to university policies and procedures. Such clearance must be obtained in writing and in advance of beginning work on the project as proposed. Final faculty approval of a project requiring review board clearance is contingent on receipt of this approval.

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for and receive approval by the IRB of a proposed MS in EFHP project. Any project undertaken without prior written approval from the board will not be deemed to meet GMU or program requirements and will not be authorized or sanctioned by the EFHP APC. Forms for securing IRB approval may be obtained from the ORIA Office at http://oria.gmu.edu/irbnet/

9. Research Authorship 9.1. Authorship

In academia, the question always arises as to whom will be the first author on any journal or conference papers on which the student has worked. The program policy on this issue is as follows:

• If the student independently conducts the research project included but not limited to, research question, study design, statistical analysis, development of results, and discuss (with the faculty input throughout the process), then student is first author.

• If the student conducts the experiment, but does not write the paper leaving that for the faculty, then the faculty will be the first author, and the student second author.

• If the student contributes significantly to the work, but does not have a leadership role, then the student is included as a co‐author (the determination of “significantly” is made by the faculty).

• If the student conducts the work (as previously described) and writes the paper, but the paper is rejected, and the faculty has to do significant additional work and writing to get the paper published (e.g., because the student graduated and is no longer available to work on the paper), then the faculty becomes first author and student second author. However, if student performs all of the additional work and writing needed to get the paper published, then the student remains first author.

• In general, every paper that comes out of the lab will have multiple authors. Author order will be in order of significance of contribution, with the most significant contributors being listed first. The faculty supervisor name will typically go in second or at the end of the author list and as the corresponding author.

9.2. Manuscript Preparation All students will be required to use the following standards when preparing journal or conference papers for submission:


• Microsoft Word, or similar word processor, will be used for all text, including the title page, abstract, body of the manuscript, references, and figure and table captions. All of these items will be included in a single document.

• All figures will be provided as a figure image (e.g., TIFF, JPEG) based on journal guidelines. No figures should be mixed in with the text in the main Word document. If the student does not know how to use an image software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, MatLab) it should start learning and asking for advise sooner rather than later.

• All tables will be provided in a separate Word document. No tables should be mixed in with the text in the main Word document.

• A signed copyright transfer agreement form found on the journal’s website will be filled out by the student who is the lead author. All signatures required on the form will be obtained at least one week before the planned submission date of the manuscript. This standard will prevent last�minute crunches trying to obtain signatures form faculty members who cannot be found or are out of town.

• The student who is the lead author will check the journal website for all formatting standards (e.g., page size and margins, word count limitations, reference formatting), all items that must be submitted with the manuscript (e.g., copyright transfer agreement, list of suggested reviewers), and any other requirements imposed by the journal.

• It will be the responsibility of the student who is the lead author to ensure that all of these guidelines are followed. Please take these requirements seriously. The faculty will return any journal manuscripts or conference papers that do not meet these guidelines.

10. Program, Class, and Housing Locations

10.1. Program and Class Location The EFHP Program is primarily housed on Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia. EFHP program classes are offered in both face-to-face and distance learning (online) formats. To accommodate student needs, several classes are scheduled in the mornings while others are scheduled in the evenings. The majority of the face-to-face classes are held on Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Prince William County, with some face-to-face classes are held on Mason’s Fairfax campus. The Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion (EFHP) master's program is closely affiliated with the Sports Medicine Assessment, Research, and Testing (SMART) Laboratories.

10.2. Housing Our program is based on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Prince William County. Several of our graduate students stay in the special graduate residence hall on campus - Beacon Hall https://housing.gmu.edu/halls/apartments/beaconhall.cfm This is where our program and faculty are housed. We recommend living with roommates to reduce living expenses. On campus housing is on a first come first serve basis.


11. SMART Laboratory The SMART Laboratories are three state-of-the art facilities where faculty and students from the Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion (EFHP), Athletic Training Education (ATEP), and Kinesiology (KINE) Programs conduct evidence-based research in the areas of injury prevention, lower extremity neuromechanical assessment, traumatic brain injury (TBI) concussions, youth sport, and sports performance. The SMART Laboratories are located both on the Prince William and Fairfax campuses. SMART Lab faculty and EFHP students conduct evidence-based research in the areas of injury prevention and human performance.

12. Independent Study Courses

Where the university does not offer a course in a specific subject required by a student's approved program of study, a student might arrange to undertake such study with a faculty member of the university. However, the university is not obligated to offer such courses. Only independent study courses approved in advance by EFHP APC may be counted toward fulfillment of a student's program of study requirements.

In undertaking independent study, students have the following responsibilities:

12.1. To prepare, in consultation with the potential Independent Study instructor, a syllabus for the Independent Study in accordance with the specified requirements.

12.2. To submit one complete copy of the syllabus, with required documentation, signatures and completed cover sheets, to the EFHP APC by the appropriate deadline. Please keep a copy for yourself.

12.3. To revise or modify the syllabus or develop alternative proposals, resubmitting requested revisions to the EFHP APC until approval is secured.

12.4. To register for the course in a timely and proper fashion. A completed individualized section form is required to register.

Independent study courses not approved in advance by the EFHP APC will not be considered as meeting Program requirements and may not be counted toward the degree.

13. Courses at Other Universities

Students may take up to 6 credits of masters-level coursework at other universities as part of their MS in EFHP program of study as approved by the MS EFHP APC. In addition, permission of the GMU College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) to take such courses is required prior to taking them, even if they appear on an approved program of study. Forms for obtaining such permission may be obtained from the CEHD Office of Academic and Student Affairs See also Transfer of Credits.


14. Transfer of Credits

Students may transfer up to 6 hours of graduate credit to their program of study, if (a) the coursework was undertaken no more than six years prior to admittance into the program, (b) the coursework was not applied to any previous degree, and (c) the coursework is deemed applicable to the student's program by EFHP APC. Once the student has enrolled in the MS in EFHP Program, prior written permission of the EFHP APC is required to take courses at another institution. In some limited cases, with approval of EFHP APC, more than 6 credits may be transferred.

15. Funding Opportunities The program has a limited number of competitive graduate research assistantships may be available via the College of Education and Human Development and others subject to external research funding. Other university funding opportunities (e.g., scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, loans) exist as well. Students can indicate their willingness to be considered for such an assistantship in their admissions application.

16. Enrollment 16.1. GMU Enrollment Rules:

16.1.1. Students must be enrolled in the semester they graduate (in a course or by a special continuing registration fee).

16.1.2. GMU requires continuous registration for at least one credit hour per semester once students commence work on their project and until graduation.

16.1.3. When students fail to enroll for two consecutive semesters (summers are not included) they are declared inactive. To register for courses after this, students must complete a re-enrollment form and be readmitted to the program by the EFHP APC.

16.1.4. The APC is not obligated to readmit students. Re-admission, if granted, is under the policies of the graduate catalog and Program requirements in force at the time of the re-admission.

16.2. Continuous Enrollment 16.2.1. All students must meet all CEHD enrollment requirements. 16.2.2. They must enroll in at least one course on their individual, approved programs of

study at least every other semester, not counting summers. 16.2.3. It is strongly recommended, however, that students enroll in at least one course on

their programs each fall and spring semester in order to complete the program within prescribed time limits.

16.2.4. Time allowed to complete the coursework phase of the program assumes continuous, part-time enrollment and does not vary to accommodate those who enroll only in alternating semesters.

16.2.5. Students who fail to enroll in two consecutive semesters (summers are not counted) are declared inactive and must submit a re-enrollment request to the program director. Re-admission is not guaranteed.


MS students have a maximum of six years from the time of their enrollment in their first course to satisfactorily complete all degree requirements. See additional information about Enrollment and Time Limits: http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=1172

17. Grade Requirements

In addition to meeting all university and College grade requirements, MS EFHP students must also meet the following requirements:

17.1. Students must have at least a B average in all courses. Any C grade must be offset by an A grade.

17.2. No more than three credits of C in a student's program of study may be counted toward degree requirements. Students may not accumulate more than a total of two C grades in their programs of study. Students who do so are dismissed from the program. All components of the program are important because they are interrelated. All require serious commitment and study and a level of performance appropriate to doctoral study. This requirement seeks to ensure such performance.

17.3. Courses in which students receive less than a C final grade must be repeated and passed with a C or better to meet program graduation requirements.

17.4. In addition to the policies stated in 1, 2, and 3 above, University policy states a graduate student is dismissed upon accumulating either an F in two courses, or upon accumulating nine hours of unsatisfactory grades in graduate level courses.

17.5. Any student who receives a grade of F in a core course will be dismissed from the program. Students earning less than a B grade in either or both of these courses must repeat the course(s) and earn at least a B grade in each. See also Grading Policies.

18. Grading Policies

The program uses the university system of graduate grading See link for details here: http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=1172#gradgrading

* Although a B- is a satisfactory grade for a course, students must maintain a 3.00 average in their degree program and present a 3.00 GPA on the courses listed on the graduation application.

18.1. Academic Dismissal

A degree-seeking graduate student is dismissed after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses. Any student who receives a grade of F in a core course will be dismissed from the program.

19. Graduation Requirements

In order to satisfactorily complete the Program and receive the MS degree, a student must meet all requirements of the College of Education and Human Development (see catalog)


The process of graduation is initiated by certification by EFHP APC of the student's completion of the research project or thesis. If all student coursework, presentation and other requirements have been completed, the APC confirms to the College of Education and Human Development that the student is ready to receive a MS in EFHP degree.

All graduation requirements must have been met by approximately March 31 - (the exact deadline is set by the College of Education and Human Development each year) - of the year in which the student expects to graduate, if the degree is to be awarded at the annual May commencement exercises of that year. For graduation at other times, appropriate College of Education and Human Development regulations and deadlines must be followed.

Students with the College of Education and Human Development must file applications for graduation and completed, approved theses by the deadline. See the GMU Catalog and annual calendar for details. See also Enrollment.

Program requirements fall into four areas as described in the sections related to:

1. Coursework: Core Courses, Concentration-specific courses, and research project or thesis 2. Enrollment 3. Grading Requirements and Policies 4. Graduation Requirements

See Appendix D describing student progress from admission to graduation

20. Grievance Procedure

Students who wish to appeal decisions on applications of doctoral policies and procedures, grades, or other matters affecting their academic progress, and for which there are no existing GMU or CEHD appeal procedures, should follow the steps listed below:

20.1. The student should discuss the matter with the instructor, advisor, or other faculty member involved in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

20.2. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, the student should write a letter to the EFHP APC describing the issue, the nature of the appeal and efforts that have already been made to resolve the matter, and asking that an appeals committee be formed to consider the appeal.

20.3. The APC will decide whether consideration should be given to the appeal. If their decision is affirmative, they will appoint a three-person ad hoc appeals committee, including two CEHD faculty members and graduate one student. This committee will investigate the matter. Normally, this investigation will include interviews with the student and faculty involved in the appeal. It is the responsibility of the student to present relevant documents and information in support of the appeal.

20.4. The appeals committee will present its recommendation to the EFHP APC within two months of its appointment.

20.5. The EFHP APC will make the final determination on the disposition of the appeal and will inform the student and relevant others of its decision.


21. Leave Of Absence

Under extenuating circumstances, a student may petition the EFHP APC to approve a leave of absence from the program and extend to a given date the deadline for completing any phases of the program of study. In making such a petition, the student must state precisely the plans for completing the program. The EFHP APC is not obligated to approve any such petition. The Dean of the College of Education and Human Development must approve extension of time limits.

See also Enrollment and Continuous Enrollment, as well as the GMU Graduate Catalog: http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=1315

22. Careers In The Field The program has an excellent history of preparing professionals in health and human performance fields. Recent graduates have assumed successful positions in public and private schools, colleges and universities, medical and sports medicine clinics, community health agencies, public health departments, health care centers including hospitals and corporate fitness facilities located in a variety of businesses and industries. Prospective careers in the wellness practitioner concentration include, but are not limited to

• Wellness and fitness facility managers, • Exercise science professionals, • Gymnasium and health and human performance professionals • Personal trainers (e.g. Cross Fit, Pilates)

Prospective careers in the advanced practitioner concentration include:

• Athletic trainers, • Strength and conditioning coaches, • Exercise scientists, and/or • Doctoral study in EFHP, Kinesiology and related fields

23. Registration

Students register for courses each semester as prescribed by university procedures. Only courses included in the student’s approved program of study count toward program requirements. However, students may register for and take any University courses they desire to take insofar as these courses are open to them.

NOTE: Students may be required to take undergraduate courses or graduate courses as prerequisites for courses included on their programs of study or to complete other preparation in areas where they are judged by their advisors to be deficient; such required courses at any level are not counted as part of a student's MS in EFHP Program of study.

24. Withdrawal 24.1. Withdrawal from Courses


Students may withdraw from courses, which they are currently taking, but only under extreme circumstances and only by following GMU regulations and procedures. Withdrawal from the Program does not constitute withdrawal from any courses in which they may be enrolled at the time of withdrawal. Separate action is required to withdraw from courses.

24.2. Withdrawal from Program

Students may withdraw from the Program at any time by following the withdrawal procedures specified by the College of Education and Human Development. Notification of withdrawal should be made by the student in writing to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development and to the EFHP APC no later than two weeks before the date of intended withdrawal. All university exit procedures should be completed as required. See also: http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=1315

25. Advising and Contact Information All EFHP students receive advising from the Academic Program Coordinator, Dr. Jatin Ambegaonkar at [email protected]. Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, PhD ATC OT CSCS (link) Director, Sports Medicine Assessment, Research, and Testing (SMART) Laboratory Coordinator, Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion (EFHP) Graduate Program Associate Professor, Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) Bull Run Hall, MS 4E5, 10900 University Blvd., George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110 Tel: 703 993 2123 Fax: 703-993-2025 Students can contact Dr. Jatin Ambegaonkar for all program specific questions

26. Program Evaluation

The MS in EFHP Program undergoes continuous formative evaluation. Students are encouraged to communicate ideas for program improvements to EFHP faculty members of the and to the EFHP APC as they see fit. In addition, the program conducts periodic formal and informal evaluations of the program. Feedback from all evaluations provides information used as the basis for changing various aspects of the program.

27. Program Website All program related information can be found on the program website at http://rht.gmu.edu/exercise-fitness-health-promotion/


28. Appendix A: Template Plans Of Study (

*Note- these are template plans – however the order of classes offering may change

Advanced Practitioner (APRC) Year 1 Year 2 EFHP 598 – Special Topics EFHP 610 – Advanced Exercise Physiology Fall EFHP 598 – Special Topics EFHP 612 – Scientific Foundations of

Applied Kinesiology EFHP 611 – Fitness Assessment EFHP 620 – Research Methods for Applied

Kinesiology EFHP 690 – Scientific Communications EFHP 640 – Principles of Strength and

Conditioning Spring EFHP 614 – Advanced Exercise

Nutrition or EFHP 618 – Exercise and Sport Psychology

EFHP 613 – Advanced Applied Biomechanics

EDRS 620 – Quantitative Methods in Educational Research

EFHP 798 – Research Project

Wellness Practitioner (WPRC) Year 1 Year 2 Fall EFHP 520 – Medical Terminology for

Health Professionals EFHP 610 – Advanced Exercise Physiology

EFHP 522 – Functional Anatomy for Health and Wellness Practitioners

EFHP 611 – Fitness Assessment

EFHP 526 – Prevention Recognition and Management of Fitness Related Injuries

EFHP 612 – Scientific Foundations of Applied Kinesiology

Spring EFHP 640 – Principles of Strength and

Conditioning EFHP 599 – Special Topics

EFHP 614 – Advanced Exercise Nutrition or EFHP 618 – Exercise and Sport Psychology

EFHP 620 – Research Methods for Applied Kinesiology

EFHP 660 – Management of Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion Organizations

EFHP 798 – Research Project


29. Appendix B: Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (APRC)

Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (Advanced Practitioner - APRC)

Student Name:

This completed document with appropriate signatures and dates must be submitted to the EFHP Academic Program Coordinator (APC) before student can schedule their final research project presentation. Students must take this progress form with them to every meeting with their advisors and the APC. Students are responsible for (1) working with advisors to establish due dates for all requirements, (2) scheduling all meetings, (3) proceeding in a timely manner to complete the research project, and (4) continually seeking advice and assistance to complete the research project By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand these requirements: ____________________________________________________ ____________ Student Signature Date

I agree to serve as the student’s Primary Advisor __________________________________ _________________________ ___________ Primary Advisor Name Signature Date I agree to serve as the student’s Secondary Advisor __________________________________ _________________________ ___________ Secondary Advisor Name (if deemed needed by APC) Signature Date

Requirement * Primary Advisor Signature Date

Literature Review Completed

Research Question Identified

Research Project Design Finalized

Research Techniques Mastered

IRB Application Submitted

IRB Approved

Data Collection Completed

Data Analyses and Interpretation Completed

Initial Project Manuscript Submitted

Final Abstract Submitted

Final Project Manuscript Submitted

Final PowerPoint Presentation Submitted

Final PowerPoint Poster Submitted

The student has successfully completed all requirements and can schedule the Research Project Presentation. ____________________________________________________ ____________ Primary Advisor Signature Date ____________________________________________________ ____________ Secondary Advisor Signature Date * Note – not all requirements are needed for all projects – Advisors can note N/A and sign as needed


30. Appendix C: Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (WPRC)

Research Project/Thesis Student Progress Form (WPRC)

Student Name:

This completed document with appropriate signatures and dates must be submitted to the EFHP Academic Program Coordinator (APC) before student can schedule their final research project presentation. Students must take this progress form with them to every meeting with their advisors and the APC. Students are responsible for (1) working with advisors to establish due dates for all requirements, (2) scheduling all meetings, (3) proceeding in a timely manner to complete the research project, and (4) continually seeking advice and assistance to complete the research project By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand these requirements: ____________________________________________________ ____________ Student Signature Date

I agree to serve as the student’s Primary Advisor __________________________________ _________________________ ___________ Primary Advisor Name Signature Date I agree to serve as the student’s Secondary Advisor __________________________________ _________________________ ___________ Secondary Advisor Name (if deemed needed by APC) Signature Date

Requirement Primary Advisor Signature Date

Literature Review Completed

Case Study Question Identified

IRB Application Submitted

IRB Approved

Initial Project Manuscript Submitted

Final Abstract Submitted

Final Project Manuscript Submitted

Final PowerPoint Presentation Submitted

Final PowerPoint Poster Submitted

The student has successfully completed all requirements and can schedule the Research Project Presentation. ____________________________________________________ ____________ Primary Advisor Signature Date ____________________________________________________ ____________ Secondary Advisor Signature Date * Note – not all requirements are needed for all projects – Advisors can note N/A and sign as needed


31. Appendix D: Student Progress from Admission to Graduation

Admitted

Complete Core Courses (15 credits)

Complete Concentration Specific Courses (15 credits)

Complete Research Project or Thesis (6 credits)

Graduate

Program Handbook MS in Exercise, Fitness, and … EFHP Program...Resume: A resume of your...

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