Are you a fitness fan eager to pursue higher education? Look no further than the online master’s of exercise science degree. This program offers students full lessons in understanding the connections between fitness, exercise, diet, and health. Because of this, people who have a strong love for fitness and exercise, with an interest in the scientific parts of physical training would be ideal for getting this degree. To succeed easily in this field, it would be best suited for students who have fast critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, as well as strong discipline. Let’s take a deep dive into the cheapest master’s in exercise science online programs, their curriculums, and what career opportunities are available for graduates.
GetEducated's Picks
- Concordia University-Saint Paul Master of Science in Exercise Science
- Aurora University Master of Science in Exercise Science
- Calvin University Master of Science in Exercise Science
Article Navigation: What is Exercise Science? | Top Online Master’s Exercise Science | Curriculum | Accreditation | Career Info | Conclusion
What is Exercise Science?
Master’s of exercise science degree programs focuses on understanding the connection between fitness, exercise, diet, and health. It focuses on elements such as physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, exercise psychology, and nutrition. The exercise science definition is not only about learning more about how our bodies work. It is also about creating plans to increase our body’s performances. Additionally, exercise science can be applied in various settings. These include settings such as physical training, and in rehabs when you get injured. The field is valued by both people with good health, and those with chronic conditions.
Exercise science definition is about exploring the different types of exercises you can do. Firstly, exercise science graduates find out if there are any risks with the different types of exercise. Then, they find ways to improve your performance while also decreasing your risk of injury. Next, they create different workout routines for each individual since everyone is unique. Finally, they use proper progression schemes to monitor each individual to make sure the desired outcomes are met while preventing any unwanted injuries.
Another important part of the master’s of exercise science degree is diet. Students learn how to create nutrition plans that reach a balance between macronutrient ratios, hydration, as well as nutrient density. In other words, you need to carefully balance the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat you consume, while making sure the correct amounts of vitamins and minerals are met. All these different requirements come together to support your muscle growth and repair.
Exercise Science vs. Kinesiology
Exercise science and kinesiology are two closely related fields of study that share several core principles. However, exercise science is a more focused field with an emphasis on understanding the bodily responses to physical activity. This includes researching how the human body responds to different types of exercise and movements.
Kinesiology, on the other hand, mainly focuses on the study of human movement, and the lack of them, in all forms. For example, this can be from the benefits of walking daily to how staying still for too long can negatively affect the human body.
Both fields study how the body moves in response to various situations and try to understand what changes can be made for the best improvements to performance while doing their best to prevent injuries at the same time. Kinesiology examines the movement components at a more detailed level than Exercise Science which focuses more on the links between fitness, exercise, diet, and health.
This list features online master’s exercise science degree options. If you’re interested in an online master’s in kinesiology, check out our cost rankings.
Top 6 Online Master’s Exercise Science Under $20,000
North Dakota State University
Degree: Master of Science in Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science / Leadership in Physical Education & Sport
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,495.70North Dakota State University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers the Master of Science in Health degree, which comes with 2 concentrations. The first is the Nutrition & Exercise Science concentration while the second is the Leadership in Physical Education & Sport concentration.
Nutrition & Exercise Science:
The Nutrition & Exercise Science concentration trains students for top-leveled roles in fields like exercise science, nutrition, sports, as well as health promotion. Because of this, graduates in this field can pursue exercise science jobs as fitness center managers or registered dietitians. This concentration mainly focuses on researching the long-term effects of physical activity and nutrition. This line of study gives graduates the knowledge needed to create successful wellness programs for people who need this.
To be eligible for admission to the Nutrition & Exercise Science concentration, applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree in Dietetics, Exercise Science, or a closely related field. There are currently no GRE requirements for this degree option. To apply, simply submit an application to the North Dakota State University. With the application, include a clear statement of purpose, official transcripts, in addition to two professional letters of recommendation. During the application process, you need to specify your preferred degree path (Plan A – Thesis, Plan B – Paper, or Plan C – Internship/Capstone). Applications are accepted for both the fall and spring admission for this concentration.
The Plan A Thesis is made up of three parts: First, you explain what problem you’re trying to solve. Second, you read about information that has been written about your problem before. Finally, using the new information you’ve just learned, you come up with a solution to the problem in your paper. The Plan B path involves using knowledge to solve a problem that interests you. You won’t be doing completely new research like in the Plan A route, but instead focusing on reviewing existing information and creating a report based on it. The Plan C path is for programs that focus on a final project or assessment to show understanding of the material. It’s not focused on individual creativity but rather demonstrating the required knowledge in the relevant field of study.
Leadership in Physical Education & Sport:
The Leadership in Physical Education & Sport concentration focuses on helping students enhance their leadership skills. The coursework gives physical education teachers and coaches the skills to take charge of programs for sports, recreation, or physical education. This concentration focuses on academic excellence, critical thinking, as well as theory application in practical situations. Because of this course of study, graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles within the profession of sports coaching or physical education teaching.
To be eligible for admission into the Leadership in Physical Education & Sport concentration program, applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Those with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional acceptance. This requires completing 6 graduate credit hours with grades of B or higher for full standing. However, please keep in mind that meeting these criteria does not guarantee automatic acceptance. Candidates should hold an undergraduate degree in physical education, coaching, sport management, education, or a related field. Although applicants with relevant experience and other degrees will also be considered. Applications are accepted for both fall, spring, and summer admission.
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Master of Science in Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science / Leadership in Physical Education & SportConcordia University-Saint Paul
Degree: Master of Science in Exercise Science
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $15,675.00Concordia University-Saint Paul is one of the most well-known exercise science colleges. Additionally, the Higher Learning Commission accredits this program. Concordia University-Saint Paul offers one of the top exercise science programs with its online master’s in exercise science degree. This degree requires 33 credit hours and doesn’t come with any concentrations.
It is one of the best exercise science master’s programs because it focuses on improving the skills and knowledge of exercise science professionals. In this degree, students are able to learn about testing and prescribing exercises for different people. This online master’s in exercise science degree focuses on topics such as physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology among others. This program prepares students to become better leaders within the exercise science industry.To be eligible for admission at Concordia University, applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school, or possess a GED. First-year students can apply for admission in either the fall or spring terms. On the other hand, transfer students have the option to apply for the fall, spring, or summer terms. If you want to attend the fall session, then it is recommended to apply early.
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Master of Science in Exercise ScienceAurora University
Degree: Master of Science in Exercise Science
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $16,950.00Aurora University is one of the exercise science colleges. It is one of the top exercise science programs with its Master of Science in Exercise Science. This program has 30 credit hours and comes with the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration. As one of the best exercise science master’s programs, the course length is 8 to 16 weeks, and it costs $565 per credit hour. The Master of Science in Exercise Science degree will teach you about exercise and its effect on your body. You’ll learn about sports nutrition, ways to motivate athletes with sports psychology, and research methods for studying exercise science.
To apply for admission, you will have to submit a completed application. Additionally, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. You will also have to submit a criminal background check. And lastly, you will have to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Your undergraduate GPA should also be 3.0 or higher. Yet, if it’s not, then your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Master of Science in Exercise ScienceUniversity of Louisiana at Monroe
Degree: Master of Science in Exercise Science / Sports Management
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $18,000.00University of Louisiana at Monroe, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is one of the top exercise science master’s programs, because it has an excellent concentration in Sports Management.
The Sport Management concentration focuses on the business of sports and recreation. It covers everything from planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating any organization in this field. For the Sport Management concentration, students must fulfill up to 15 credit hours in areas such as facilities management, sport psychology, sports marketing, sport finance, and sports law.
Applicants must have a minimum combined score of 283 on the GRE and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 for admission to this degree. Additionally, a minimum formula score of 725 must be achieved. (The formula score is calculated by multiplying the applicant’s GPA by their GRE score).
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Master of Science in Exercise Science / Sports ManagementLiberty University
Degree: Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness / Fitness and Performance
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $19,741.00Liberty University, one of the exercise science schools accredited by SACSCOC. It offers one of the top exercise science master’s programs with their Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness with a concentration in Fitness and Performance.
In the Fitness and Performance concentration, you’ll learn about how muscles become stronger, and move faster. You’ll also learn about what your body needs to recover well after exercising. With this knowledge, you can help others in many ways such as coaching athletes or assisting people who need therapy for injuries. By completing the degree in Fitness and Performance concentration, you will be able to get a job as a human performance specialist, strength and conditioning coach, or even a wellness coach.
This exercise science degree online is 33 credit hours and 100% online. To be admitted, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must submit the application, alongside the official college transcripts.
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Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness / Fitness and PerformanceCalvin University
Degree: Master of Science in Exercise Science
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $19,800.00Calvin University is one of the exercise science schools. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this program. It offers an online exercise science degree, which comes with 2 concentrations. It comes with the Health and Exercise Rehabilitation Concentration, and the Performance and Sport Science Concentration.
The first admission requirement is a fully filled-out application. Next, an applicant needs a bachelor’s degree in a relevant health or wellness field, such as allied health, exercise science, health promotion, psychology, or sports management. Applicants must provide official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework. These transcripts must show a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA. Additionally, a personal statement outlining one’s professional objectives and two recommendation letters are needed.
Health and Exercise Rehabilitation Concentration:
The Health and Exercise Rehabilitation concentration will help you learn skills for many popular exercise science jobs that teach people how to have better health. This exercise science degree online concentration is 30 credit hours long, with a cost of $660 per credit.
Performance and Sport Science Concentration:
The Performance and Sport Science Concentration, available through the online exercise science degree, will be able to prepare you for various careers, such as a strength coach or sport scientist. This field will have many job opportunities available due to its high demand. The projected growth is 11% throughout 2029.
This concentration, similar to the Health and Exercise Rehabilitation Concentration, is 30 credit hours long, with a cost of $660 per credit.
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Master of Science in Exercise Science
Online Master’s Exercise Science Curriculum
The standard curriculum for an online master’s exercise science degree typically includes core courses, concentration courses, and elective courses.
Common Online Exercise Science Degree Concentrations
Strength and Conditioning is a common degree concentration within the online master’s exercise science degree. This particular concentration focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and techniques for improving athletic performance through strength training, conditioning programs, nutrition planning, fitness assessment, and prescription. For example, George Washington University has a MS in Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning.
Another common concentration within the online master’s exercise science degree is the Health and Wellness concentration. This concentration focuses on the study of theories and models related to health promotion, prevention of chronic diseases, and measurement of physical activity for individuals with various medical conditions. For instance, Pennsylvania Western University offers a MS in Exercise Science & Health Promotion/Wellness Coaching.
Internships & Practicums
Internships and practicums are common in exercise science master’s programs online programs. These opportunities provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Students gain hands-on experience working with clients while being guided by experienced professionals in this field. They can also be responsible for making assessments, creating training plans, and providing guidance on nutrition and injury prevention techniques. In addition to gaining valuable real-world experience, completing an internship can also help students build lifelong networks that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Practicums are also typical for exercise science master’s programs online programs. These hands-off learning opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations and gain practical experience. These experiences help them prepare for exercise science degree jobs after graduation. Students can expect an unpaid, hands-off learning experience while participating in practicums. This means that their main role is in observation and taking notes of how the professionals do their work, with minimum hands-on participation. However, this still will prepare the students to build an impressive portfolio while preparing for their life after graduation.
Research Requirements
Graduate master’s degree in exercise science students commonly conduct research as part of their degree requirements. This typically involves making original studies on topics related to exercise physiology, biomechanics, athletic training, nutrition, and other areas of interest within the field. The exact nature and scope of a student’s research project will vary depending on several factors, such as their program’s focus area, and the availability of faculty mentorship.
Which Accreditation For Online Master’s Exercise Science Programs?
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits the master’s programs exercise science degree. CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency. It focuses on accrediting health education and related professional credentialing programs. This organization ensures the quality of these programs meets national standards. It also ensures the program allows students to receive an educational experience consistent with industry expectations.
Graduating from an accredited program is often necessary for professionals looking to obtain the required approval within their field after graduation. Accreditation is important because it provides assurance that an institution or program meets the established standards for quality and effectiveness. Accredited institutions have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by an independent agency. This ensures that they meet the national or regional criteria for educational excellence. It additionally assures employers that the employee they hired is qualified for exercise science degree jobs.
What Can I Do With an Exercise Science Degree?
Earning your degree from one of the best exercise science master’s programs, opens up a range of exercise science careers opportunities. Possible workplaces include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports teams organizations gyms, and health clinics. There you will be able to help clients by designing customized programs. These programs will help your clients achieve specific goals from weight loss to improving performance.
The national average master in exercise science salary for those with a master in exercise science degree for participating in exercise science programs is $52,015 per year. The master in exercise science salary has a projected job growth rate of around 19% through 2031. This growth reflects a steady increase in demand for professionals who specialize in this field.
List of master’s in exercise science salary jobs:
- VP Exercise Physiologist: $102,232
- Exercise Cardiac Rehab: $82,298
- Exercise Planner: $81,244
Is a Master’s in Exercise Science Worth It?
A master in exercise science is worth it for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in the field. The best exercise science programs provide a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. This understanding helps graduates to pursue careers as personal trainers and applied research professionals. A master’s level degree helps students conduct higher-level research. This research adds new insights into a lesser-known aspect of exercise sciences.
Certifications For Online Master’s Exercise Science Graduates
Apply to an Online Master’s Exercise Science Program Today!
In summary, the master’s in exercise science degree offers comprehensive courses that cover various aspects of human performance and exercise science. Students can specialize in areas such as Nutrition & Exercise Science or Leadership in Physical Education & Sports. The program provides opportunities for hands-on experiences through practicum assignments where students work with qualified professionals. All in all, if you have a passion for health and fitness, then Exercise Science is the right degree for you.