M.S. in Health and Movement Sciences

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
   • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. This is typically around 65% or higher, depending on the grading system of the institution.
      

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 120.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 65.                                                                                                                                  

3. Standardized Test:

   • GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A  overall GRE score of 300 is required.

Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.

2. International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.

3. VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.

4. VCU School of Business Scholarships: The School of Business at VCU offers scholarships for international graduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships aim to support students who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership qualities.

5. VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.

6. VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.

7. VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.

8. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.

9. External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.

10. Graduate Assistantships: While not traditional scholarships, graduate assistantships at VCU provide international graduate students with opportunities for financial support. These positions may include teaching, research, or administrative roles and often come with stipends and tuition waivers.

It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Health and Movement Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is designed to prepare graduates for a diverse range of rewarding careers in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, rehabilitation, and sports performance. This program equips students with a solid foundation in health sciences, human movement, and exercise physiology, allowing them to make a meaningful impact on individuals' health and well-being.

1. Clinical Exercise Physiology: Graduates can work as clinical exercise physiologists in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, and clinics. They design and implement exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases or conditions to improve their overall health and quality of life.

2. Corporate Wellness Programs: Many organizations are increasingly investing in employee wellness programs to promote health and productivity among their workforce. Graduates can manage and develop these wellness initiatives.

3. Strength and Conditioning Coaching: For those interested in sports performance, careers as strength and conditioning coaches are an option. They work with athletes at various levels to improve strength, endurance, and overall performance.

4. Health Promotion and Education: Graduates can become health educators, working in schools, community organizations, or public health agencies. They promote healthy behaviors and provide educational programs to improve community health.

5. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Some graduates may choose to pursue additional training or degrees to become physical therapists or occupational therapists. Their expertise in exercise science can complement these roles.

6. Sports Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition plays a vital role in health and sports performance. Graduates can become sports nutritionists or dietitians, helping athletes optimize their diets for peak performance.

7. Research and Academia: For those interested in research and academia, careers in research institutions or universities are an option. Graduates can conduct research in exercise science, health promotion, or related fields and teach the next generation of professionals.

8. Health and Fitness Industry: Opportunities exist in the commercial health and fitness industry, including fitness centers, wellness resorts, and personal training studios. Graduates can work as fitness trainers, wellness coaches, or facility managers.

9. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: Graduates can specialize in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, working with patients who have cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. They help patients improve their cardiovascular fitness and overall health.

10. Gerontology and Aging Services: The aging population requires specialized health and movement services. Graduates can work in gerontology settings, helping older adults maintain their health and mobility.

11. Public Health Roles: Graduates can contribute to public health initiatives by working on projects related to physical activity promotion, injury prevention, or health policy development.

12. Sports Medicine and Athletic Training: Some graduates may choose to become certified athletic trainers, providing healthcare services to athletes, including injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation.