Internship

MS ESS students complete an appropriate curriculum, grounded in foundational exercise and sport science knowledge and foundational competencies with specialized knowledge and expertise in a selected discipline. Students have an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the curriculum, and demonstrate a broad understanding of the areas basic to exercise and sport science through the internship requirement (for all students who do not complete a thesis).

The intern is an emerging professional who in the future must guide the course of his or her own career. Consequently, a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the experience rests with the student and the supervising agency.

An internship is included in the program for several reasons. First, the internship serves as the final segment of the formal education process. This experience, following the required didactic courses, provides the finishing touches for the student entering the exercise and sport science fields. Second, entry into the field usually requires experience on the part of the applicant. The internship helps the student meet this experience requirement. Third, the internship often serves as a stepping stone to employment. At times the student is hired by the site with which the student interns. At other times, the student networks with professionals in the field and makes valuable contacts that sometimes lead to employment opportunities within the profession.