Program Requirements
Qualifying students may apply for the dual Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Master of Science (M.S.) at the Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) and University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL). The D.C. and degrees are conferred by the TCC and UHCL, respectively. Entry into the program requires independent university acceptance by the admissions office at both institutions. Completion of the joint program provides students with an opportunity to earn a clinical doctorate degree while gaining theoretical knowledge and practical field experience in exercise/sports science. Additionally, the dual degree program:
- Provides students with advanced knowledge in the physiological and physical mechanisms underlying exercise adaptation.
- Provides students with the knowledge needed to design and implement evidence-based strength and conditioning programs.
- Prepares students for employment in scientific environments that place emphasis on practical exercise and clinical outcomes research.
- Provides students with the knowledge and degree necessary to sit for state chiropractic licensing exams.
Students currently enrolled in the TCC-DC program who wish to enroll in the Master of Science in Exercise and Health Sciences program must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree at TCC or another institution prior to enrollment in the dual program.
- Complete the UHCL application form and pay the appropriate application fee. Copies of the student’s official TCC transcripts showing conferred B.S. degree will be transferred to the UHCL admissions office and to the program director for review.
- Earn passing grades in all Tri-1 through Tri-5 courses at TCC. Earn a TCC GPA of 3.00 or higher at the time of application to the program.
Follow all UHCL academic standards and policies in addition to those of TCC.
Students enrolled in the dual program complete a total of 30 hours of advanced courses in the master’s program at UHCL. Course requirements for EXHS 6032 and a concentration course of a student’s choice will be waived, contingent upon earning a grade of B or higher in the following TCC classes: CH 6432: Orthopedics I and CP 6212: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Students may complete the capstone requirement by selecting EXHS 6739 or another course from the EXHS curriculum.
Students pay current UHCL tuition and fees for all courses in which they are enrolled. In addition, students are responsible for any optional fee selected (parking, etc.). If students need to register for additional semesters at UHCL beyond graduation from TCC for the sole purpose of completing the degree, they will be charged only UHCL tuition and fees related to their remaining coursework and not general TCC tuition and fees.
It is a student’s obligation to schedule their coursework to complete the degree in a timely manner. TCC is not responsible for students failing to complete the coursework necessary to earn the master’s degree. Students must complete the master’s degree within five years of starting their first course or they will be automatically dismissed from the joint program and will not receive the Master of Science degree. Students are eligible to attend graduation at UHCL upon completion of the 30-hour degree.
For additional information about this dual degree, students should contact Dr. Bill Amonette at amonette@uhcl.edu or 281-283-3381.
