Ripon College students practice using exercise science equipment.

Ripon College celebrated a historic moment as its first class of graduate students walked the stage in mid-May, following the launch of the inaugural master’s degree program in exercise science in summer 2024.

The master’s program features three tracks, including exercise physiology, designed for those aiming to work with athletes and clinical groups; sport psychology, which addresses the psychological needs of athletes; and sports management, tailored for individuals interested in sports marketing, sales, or pursuing careers as athletic directors.

Ripon’s 4+1 master’s direct-entry program enables Ripon students to start graduate-level courses during their senior year as undergraduates, allowing them to complete their master’s degree in just one extra year after earning their bachelor’s degree.

High school seniors can apply for the master’s program at the same time as their undergraduate degree. Ripon’s direct-entry program allows these students to be accepted directly into the master’s program, assuming students maintain their GPA. For those who do not join the 4+1 program, a traditional master’s program is available, which lasts fifteen months.

“Majors in our Department of Exercise Science are among the most popular on campus,” said John Sisko, vice president and dean of faculty. “With Ripon’s strengths, including the Willmore Center, strong undergraduate interest in exercise majors, and growing interest among exercise students in pursuing graduate work after the undergraduate degree, graduate programming in exercise science stands out as a clear area for growth.”