Best Online Master's Degrees in Exercise Science

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Exercise science and kinesiology are very similar topics. However, there are differences between the two. Kinesiology specifically studies the mechanics of human movement from a biological perspective. Students explore what processes the body goes through while exercising. Exercise science programs cover this subject area too; many of them have kinesiology as a core course requirement, and in turn, kinesiology programs can have exercise physiology as a core course requirement. Both programs also have some of the same concentrations available, such as sports psychology. However, exercise science differs in that it explores how exercise, as well as nutrition, can improve the human body, not just how the body works while exercising.

Exercise science and kinesiology graduates can apply for many of the same jobs, including health and wellness coaching, corporate wellness and health promotion, athletic training, exercise physiology, and personal training. However, kinesiology may prepare graduates specifically for positions as coaches or for further study in physical or occupational therapy; more-so than exercise science.

An online master's degree in exercise science is beneficial for seasoned professionals and newcomers alike, so if you're looking to start a new career in this field and you have a bachelor's degree, this degree can be a great start. Additionally, some employers prefer or require candidates to have a master's degree, so it's a great way to gain an edge over other job applicants. Online programs are flexible so you can fit them around your work, family, and other commitments.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Exercise Science?

On average, online master's degrees in exercise science can take up to 2 years to complete, with some programs structured in a way that makes it possible to complete them in as few as 12-18 months. Master's programs typically require around 30-36 credits. Some programs give you an option to complete a certificate alongside your program, which adds about 15 credits. Depending on your educational background, you may be able to transfer some credits to a master's program, which can shorten the time to completion.

Many online exercise science master's programs have a core curriculum as well as several concentration options for individualized study. Students learn foundational topics in exercise science that cover general concepts that will help them in any concentration or career in the field. Core courses are usually taken first, followed by concentration courses. The curriculum usually culminates in a capstone project of a student's choosing, which may be research, a professional field experience, or a presentation, among other options. An internship may also be an option, depending on the school.

Exercise Science Foundational Courses

Foundational courses in exercise science master's programs explore topics related to health, fitness, and nutrition. Students learn about exercise physiology, not just on a surface level, but from a biological perspective, in order to understand the processes the human body goes through during movement. This also involves the study of human anatomy. Core curriculum also covers research design and methods so students gain skills in understanding statistics, data interpretation, research ethics, and scientific writing. Students may additionally learn about the psychology of exercise and sports. A few core courses in exercise science programs can include:

• Research Design and Methods
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Nutrition

Exercise Science Specialist and Elective Courses

Exercise science specialist and elective courses depend on what concentration you choose. Concentrations can include nutrition and wellness, human movement science, athletic or performance training, sports nutrition, and wellness training, among others. Concentrations can prepare students to enter specific careers within the exercise science field or use the knowledge gained to improve upon what they can offer in a job. For example, a personal trainer who graduated with a nutrition concentration can provide robust nutrition knowledge to help their clients improve their health. Specialist and elective courses can include:

• Exercise Program Development/Analysis
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition and Exercise/Chronic Disease

Licensure and Certification in Exercise Science

There are many different career paths one can take with an exercise science degree, so there are several licenses and certifications that may be required. A few examples of licenses and certifications that are required and/or available to exercise physiologists and athletic trainers can include:

• The Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC) credential, offered by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists; candidates must be a member of the organization, pass an exam, have completed specific coursework, and complete continuing education courses every 5 years to maintain certification.
• The Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and the Registered Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) certifications are offered by the American College of Sports Medicine; candidates must have CPR certification, pass an exam, and clinical physiologist candidates must have 600 hours of supervised clinical experience.
• The Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer is the go-to organization for giving the licensing exam to athletic trainers. Athletic trainers must be licensed in nearly every state.

Currently, exercise physiologists only need to be licensed in Louisiana, but they do have to have Basic Life Support or Advanced Life Support certification.

The specific admissions requirements for online exercise science master's programs vary by school. Some schools require students to submit medical test results and pass a criminal background check. As for required bachelor's degrees, many programs will accept a bachelor's degree in any major, although some do prefer one in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. Some schools will require students without a relevant bachelor's degree to complete extra courses, usually in anatomy, physiology, statistics, and algebra. Other admissions requirements can include:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (usually at least 2)
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or 3.0 (depends on the school)

Applicants with a lower GPA may be given special consideration or accepted on a conditional basis with extra letters of recommendation, references, and an interview.

Some of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree include athletic directors, exercise physiologists, and athletic trainers. However, exercise science careers are not limited to jobs that involve physical activity. Wellness coaches work with individuals from all sorts of populations to help them establish and stick to healthy goals and lifestyles, which includes teaching them about nutrition, disease, and prevention.

While the field of exercise science does have many careers, it can be confused with other similar careers. An exercise physiologist is different from a physiotherapist. While some of their job duties may overlap, physiotherapists specifically help people heal from injuries that cause loss of the ability to move, while exercise physiologists design exercise programs to help people manage chronic diseases of many kinds.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Exercise Science

The job outlook for those with a career in exercise science is very positive, with the employment rate for some jobs rising faster than average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists have a job outlook of 11% from 2019-2029, while athletic trainers have a job outlook of 16% for the same time frame. However encouraging, though, exercise physiology specifically is a small field, so while the increase is positive, it will only be an increase by a small number. Employment of athletic trainers is expected to greatly increase as people become more aware of injuries that are related to sports and how to prevent, detect and treat them.

How to Become an Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists help patients recover from chronic diseases by designing and implementing exercise programs for them to follow that include the improvement of bodily functions such as cardiovascular function. Exercise physiologists are different from personal trainers; they work in a more medical capacity and may work with physicians. A few of their job duties include assessing patients' medical history, determining the best exercise program for them, using medical equipment to perform fitness tests, and measure health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rhythm, and oxygen use. The goal of exercise physiologists is to improve the overall health of those with chronic illnesses through an exercise routine, not to heal them from physical injury.

The educational requirements for exercise physiologists begins with at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a related field. Courses in anatomy, statistics, nutrition, and clinical practice are important. Exercise physiologists rarely have to be licensed, but it depends on the state. Exercise physiology certifications are available, but not necessarily required. The BLS states that exercise physiologists have a median annual wage of $49,170 as of 2019.

How to Become an Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses that are related to physical activity, mostly in sports. They can work with several populations, including children and soldiers, but they most commonly work with college and professional athletes. When an injury occurs on a field, they act as a first-responder. These trainers typically work with physicians and other healthcare providers to determine the best treatment. A few job duties can include providing emergency care and first aid, recognizing and evaluating injuries, and designing and implementing injury prevention and rehabilitation programs for athletes. Depending on where they work, they may report to an athletic director or other administrative staff to discuss policies, budgets, and regulations.

Athletic trainers typically need at least a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in biology, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology, as well as clinical components. A master's degree may be preferred by some employers. Athletic trainers must be licensed or certified in almost every state. The BLS states that athletic trainers have a median annual wage of $48,440.

Professional organizations help industries to maintain professional and academic standards as well as advocate for and advance the employees of the industries they represent. Two of the most well-known professional organizations for exercise science are the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and The American College of Sports Medicine.

The American Society of Exercise Physiologists is a non-profit organization committed to establishing exercise physiologists as recognized healthcare professionals. They also aim to encourage discussion and collaboration among the field. Students and professionals alike can join the organization, with several different types of membership available.

The American College of Sports Medicine has over 50,000 members in 90 countries that represent 70 occupations within the field of sports medicine, and has a mission to advance and integrate scientific research in order to provide educational and practical applications in the field. Membership types include Professional, Professional-in-Training, Student, and Alliance of Health and Fitness. Benefits include journal subscriptions, board voting privileges, and discounts on continuing education courses.

While there is no specific undergraduate degree requirement for entry into an exercise science master's degree program, certain schools may require you to take relevant courses if a similar undergraduate degree is not earned. Common undergraduate programs are exercise science and kinesiology. At a 2-year college, you might find an Associate of Science in Exercise Science (EXSS) or an Associate of Science in Kinesiology. At the bachelor's level, you might find a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise, Sports and Health Sciences or a BS in Kinesiology.

Both degrees study aspects of human movement science, anatomy, physiology, and the psychology of exercise. Both areas of study are typically bachelor of science degrees, although some may be bachelor of arts.

After graduating from an exercise science master's program, students can move on to earn a PhD in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a combination of the 3. These programs cover advanced topics in health as it relates to human movement and prepares students for top positions in research and academia. Another option is to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to learn how to become a physical therapist; depending on the school, concentrations may be available that allow you to focus on physical therapy specific to sports/athletic injuries. Many of the courses in an exercise science program are prerequisites for a DPT degree, although you may have to take some extra science courses depending on the program.

Obtaining financial aid for school starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form uses income and tax information, among other things, to determine your eligibility for several federal loans and grants such as the Pell grant or Stafford loans. Documents to apply for federal aid include a valid social security number, citizenship or legal noncitizen status, and good academic standing. Federal aid is not the only option, though.

Scholarships and grants are given by universities and organizations to help students pay for college. The criteria for applicants can range from simply signing up to completing a project, studying a specific major or being at a certain degree level, or being part of a specific community, such as Indigenous or LGBTQ+ groups. A few scholarships include:

• The Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship; open to students in the City of Hopewell who are studying health occupations such as physical therapy and others, this scholarship is worth $2,500.
• The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago offers several scholarships totalling up to $500,000 to Jewish college students who are residents of Chicago and are planning to enter helping professions, including science, medicine, and health-related careers.
• The SMA Native American STEM Scholarship is awarded to college students in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field who are enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe, Pueblo, or Nation in the U.S.