Doctoral and Master's of Exercise Science Programs
Exercise science is a field that focuses on the human body and how movement, nutrition, and other factors affect health and fitness. Graduate degrees in exercise science can be found in various universities across the country. Programs generally include coursework, research, and a final thesis or dissertation.
Schools With Top Doctoral and Master's Degrees in Exercise Science
Exercise Science Master's Programs
Colorado State University
Tied for #166 in U.S. News and World Report's 2020 rankings for national universities, Colorado State University offers a Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science. This program focuses on the importance of nutrition and being physically active and how these can positively affect a person's overall health, including disease prevention and recovery from injury or illness. Some course topics include bioenergetics, research design, and advanced physiology. The program is focused on both science and research and students are required to complete a thesis. After graduation, students who complete this program may choose to pursue careers in areas such as physical therapy, medicine, or occupational therapy.
| School Type | 4-year, public |
| Tuition (2018-2019) | $10,214 (in-state); $25,040 (out-of-state) |
| Enrollment | 7,516 |
Auburn University
Auburn University is ranked tied for #104 for national universities and #44 in top public schools, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2020 rankings. They offer a Master of Science in Exercise Science, which looks at human kinetics, motor behavior, and physiology and how each of these has an impact on both the mind and body. Students have the option of choosing between three different emphases: biomechanics, motor behavior, or exercise physiology. Each requires the completion of 33 credit hours. After graduating, students often pursue further education in kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medicine.
| School Type | 4-year, public |
| Tuition (2018-2019) | $9,630 (in-state); $28,890 (out-of-state) |
| Enrollment | 5,812 |
Wake Forest University
Ranked #27 in U.S. News and World Report's 2020 rankings for national universities, as well as #25 in best value schools, Wake Forest University offers a Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science. This degree focuses on researching and understanding chronic illness and disability and how they can be prevented. The program requirements include coursework, an internship, as well as the completion of a research-based thesis. In addition to minimum requirements for program completion, students also have the opportunity to participate in various research projects. Although not required, this is especially encouraged for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in the field.
| School Type | 4-year, private not-for-profit |
| Tuition (2018-2019) | $38,650 |
| Enrollment | 3,176 |
Doctoral Programs in Exercise Science
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is tied for #132 in U.S. News and World Report's 2020 rankings for national universities and #60 in top public schools. They offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science that is designed for individuals interested in conducting research, university-level teaching, and/or providing leadership in the field of exercise science. Subject areas of study include biomechanics, motor control, and physiology. Students can choose between two different tracks, including biomechanics and exercise physiology. Along with the completion of coursework, students are required to complete a thesis dissertation with original research. Students generally take between three and five years to complete the program, including the writing and approval of their dissertation.
| School Type | 4-year, public |
| Tuition (2018-2019) | $11,703 (in-state); $30,015 (out-of-state) |
| Enrollment | 7,046 |
