The Master of Science in Physical Activity and Wellness Science (PAWS) prepares graduates to design evidence-based programs that promote health and wellness, help reduce disease risks, and improve quality of life for individuals and communities.
Chronic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are not only the most common and costly diseases, but also the most preventable health problems in the U.S. Graduates of the PAWS program are equipped to develop evidence-based programming that addresses the modifiable behaviors underlying chronic diseases to improve health outcomes. Graduates are immediately eligible for employment in a wide variety of public and private settings, prepared for doctoral and professional programs in public and allied health, and eligible to sit for credentialing as a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS) with the American College of Sports Medicine. An integrative health and wellness coaching certificate option is also available.
The M.S. in PAWS is unique in its approach to graduate study as students and professionals from varied disciplines are welcome. Courses are offered in a hybrid format and can be completed in-person or remotely.
Curriculum
The PAWS curriculum can be completed in one or two years, with an opportunity to obtain an Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Graduate Certificate as part of the two-year option. The coursework examines the science underlying the relationship between chronic diseases and health behaviors, focusing on modifiable behaviors, including physical inactivity and poor nutrition and emphasizing evidence- and theory-based health interventions that address health issues across the socio-ecological range.
Upon completion of the master's degree in PAWS, the successful student should be able to assess the current health status and needs of a community, identify existing resources that could be accessed and applicable to addressing the community’s needs, design an evidence-based program targeting the community’s needs including critical steps, timelines, and measurable outcomes, successfully implement and evaluate the program, and then effectively communicate program outcomes.
M.S. in PAWS one-year curriculum
Fall Semester, 15 credits
- EXSC 6020 - Evidence-based Practice in Physical Activity
- EXSC 6030 - Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- EXSC 6450 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription
- EXSC 6540 - Physical Activity & Wellness Promotion
- EXSC 6600 - Physical Activity, Weight Management, and Energy Balance
Spring Semester, 15 credits
- EXSC 6500 - Physiological Aspects of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
- EXSC 6065 - Activity in the Underserved
- EXSC 6680 - Physical Activity and Wellness Program Design
- EXSC 6700 - Physical Activity and Wellness: Communication & Evaluation
- Elective Graduate Course
Total = 30 credits
The final spring semester includes a comprehensive exam.
Download the one-year curriculum plan (PDF)
View the program handbook (PDF)
Interested in earning a Certificate in Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching with your master's degree?
The joint PAWS and Wellness Coaching program offers the added benefit of preparation for certification as an integrative health and wellness coach. The coaching component of the curriculum offers motivational and behavioral skills to help individuals make lifestyle changes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board Certified - Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential offered by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
PAWS M.S. and Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate Curriculum
1st Year Fall Semester (9 credits)
- EXSC 6020 - Evidence-based Practice in Physical Activity
- EXSC 6450 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription
- EXSC 6600 - Physical Activity, Weight Management, and Energy Balance
1st Year Spring Semester (10 credits)
- EXSC 6500 - Physiological Aspects of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
- EXSC 6650 - Activity in the Underserved
- Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Immersion Introduction
- Motivational Interviewing Introduction & Lab
- Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Skills Introduction & Lab
2nd Year Fall Semester (10 credits)
- EXSC 6030 - Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- EXSC 6054 - Physical Activity and Wellness Promotion
- HLTH 5860 - Advanced Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching
- HLTH 5870 - Health and Wellness Coaching Practicum*
2nd Year Spring Semester (6 credits)
- EXSC 6030 - Physical Activity and Wellness Program Design and Evaluation
- EXSC 6700 - Physical Activity & Wellness: Communication & Evaluation
* HLTH 5870 is highly recommended but not required for completion of the Certificate in Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching.
Total credits = 35
The final spring semester includes a comprehensive exam.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for application to the Physical Activity and Wellness Science M.S. program include:
- Undergraduate degree from accredited college or university
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Recommended coursework: Research Methods
- TOEFL scores (international students only)
- Statement of Career Interests
- Three letters of recommendation
- UVM Graduate College application form
Virtual Info Sessions
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn about the Master of Science in Physical Activity & Wellness Science graduate program. Details including admissions criteria, course offerings and timing, and deadlines will be discussed during each 30-minute virtual webinar.
- Tuesday, January 23, 1 PM EST Register to attend >>
- Wednesday, January 24, 6 PM EST Register to attend >>
- Tuesday, February 6, 12 PM EST Register to attend >>
- Wednesday, February 7, 6 PM EST Register to attend >>
- Monday, March 4, 6 PM EST Register to attend >>
Email cnhsgrad@med.uvm.edu with the date of the session you plan to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WELLNESS SCIENCE M.S.:
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The program can be completed in one year or two years, depending on the interests and needs of the student. There is no thesis, formal research or field work required for the degree, although you may elect to pursue an internship to prepare for specialty certification.
IS THIS PROGRAM HYBRID?
Yes, the core courses in the PAWS curriculum are offered in a hybrid format (synchronous meetings, on-campus or remotely, and asynchronous online). In other words, each course has an asynchronous component where students complete required coursework independently online. Each course also has synchronous meetings that can be attended on-campus or remotely. The synchronous portion of the courses are offered in late afternoons and evenings.
WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND THE TUITION COSTS FOR THE PROGRAM?
To obtain current information for financial aid, tuition, and fees, refer to the Student Financial Services website. If you have questions about whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident, refer to the Registrar's Residency Policy. Residents of CT, ME, MA, NH, and RI are eligible for the New England Board of Higher Education's Tuition Break program.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
The application deadline is March 1; however the application system is currently open and you are welcome (and encouraged) to submit your application at any time prior to the deadline. We review applications on an ongoing basis and notify applicants as soon as applications are reviewed (typically within 6 weeks).
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM GRE SCORES?
We do not require GRE scores for application to the PAWS graduate program.
I DO NOT HAVE A BACKGROUND IN EXERCISE SCIENCE OR IN ANY OTHER HEALTH-RELATED FIELD. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE M.S. IN PAWS?
A background in exercise science and/or a health-related field is not required. There is recommended, pre-requisite coursework, but these courses are not required for application or admission to the program. Courses in the PAWS program will expose students to evidence-based, theoretical models to guide the planning, evaluation and implementation of physical activity interventions, health promotion and wellness programs at community levels.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GPA THAT I NEED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM? MAY I RETAKE COURSES TO OBTAIN A BETTER GRADE?
Applications with GPAs of 3.0 and higher will be reviewed. Applicants are welcome to retake classes to obtain a better grade if they would like to do so.
WHERE SHOULD I SEND MY APPLICATION MATERIALS?
The UVM Graduate Application, official transcripts, a statement of career interests and 3 letters of recommendation must be submitted online.
WHEN WILL I LEARN WHETHER I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE PROGRAM?
Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ABOUT THE JOINT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WELLNESS SCIENCE M.S. PLUS INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING CERTIFICATE:
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The program is designed to be completed over a 2-year period, although the timeline to complete PAWS courses may be extended over a longer period.
IS THIS PROGRAM HYBRID?
Yes, the core courses in the PAWS curriculum are offered in a hybrid format (synchronous meetings, on-campus or remotely, and asynchronous online). In other words, each course has an asynchronous component where students complete required coursework independently online. Each course also has synchronous meetings that can be attended on-campus or remotely. The synchronous portion of the courses are offered in late afternoons and evenings. The certificate courses are also offered in a hybrid format but vary in meeting patterns (i.e., one course involves an on-campus weekend class at the beginning of the semester while most content is offered synchronously online). More detail can be provided upon request.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE COURSES IN ORDER?
There is some flexibility in the sequence of PAWS courses; however all courses required for completion of the certificate must be taken in consecutive semesters.
AM I REQUIRED TO TAKE A CERTIFICATION EXAM TO EARN THE CERTIFICATE IN INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING?
No, the certification exam is not a required component for successful completion of the certificate. Completion of the certificate coursework however, allows you to sit for the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) certification exam. Upon successful completion of the coursework and passing of the national certification exam, you would be recognized as a National Board Certified - Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
Careers
Potential careers for graduates of the PAWS program include:
- Health program planner
- Wellness/lifestyle coach
- Health promotion program coordinator
- Community physical activity specialist
- Healthy communities coordinator
- School district health coordinator
- Health educator
- Corporate wellness program coordinator
- Health researcher or writer
- Instructor in college or graduate/undergraduate program