Program Overview
The master’s degree in exercise science emphasizes areas such as advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports psychology and sports nutrition and is tailored for professionals seeking to advance their careers in sport, fitness, and health related industries. This degree equips students with the skills and expertise to thrive in the exercise science field. Our program stands out for its focus on preparing students for various careers in sports and exercise science through a blend of academic preparation, practical training, and industry connections.
What you’ll learn
• Content aligned with national standards and guidelines
• Ethics and decision-making
• Practical skills through internships, research opportunities, and applied projects
why choose this program
Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.
Who this program is for
- Career minded individuals
- Professionals seeking a career change
- Professionals seeking to advance their careers
- Aspiring coaches and trainers seeking advanced knowledge to better serve their clients
- Health professionals looking to add another career path or advancement in pay
Program overview
The master’s degree in exercise science emphasizes areas such as advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports psychology and sports nutrition and is tailored for professionals seeking to advance their careers in sport, fitness, and health related industries.
This degree equips students with the skills and expertise to thrive in the exercise science field. Our program stands out for its focus on preparing students for various careers in sports and exercise science through a blend of academic preparation, practical training, and industry connections.
What you’ll learn
• Ethics and decision-making
• Content aligned with national
standards and guidelines
• Practical skills through internships, research opportunities, and applied projects
why choose this program
Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.
Who this program is for
- Career minded individuals
- Professionals seeking a career change
- Professionals seeking to advance their careers
- Health professionals looking to add another career path or advancement in pay
- Aspiring coaches and trainers seeking advanced knowledge to better serve their clients
Program overview
The master’s degree in exercise science emphasizes areas such as advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports psychology and sports nutrition and is tailored for professionals seeking to advance their careers in sport, fitness, and health related industries.
This degree equips students with the skills and expertise to thrive in the exercise science field. Our program stands out for its focus on preparing students for various careers in sports and exercise science through a blend of academic preparation, practical training, and industry connections.
What you’ll learn
• Ethics and decision-making
• Content aligned with national
standards and guidelines
• Practical skills through internships, research opportunities, and applied projects
why choose this program
Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.
Who this program is for
- Career minded individuals
- Professionals seeking a career change
- Professionals seeking to advance their careers
- Health professionals looking to add another career path or advancement in pay
- Aspiring coaches and trainers seeking advanced knowledge to better serve their clients
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
Career Outlook
Graduates with a master’s in exercise science are prepared for advanced roles in performance training, sport science, and clinical or applied settings. Career opportunities include strength and conditioning coaching, exercise physiology, and leadership roles in fitness and human performance. This degree enhances earning potential and positions professionals for higher-level responsibilities in athletic, clinical, and research environments and include:
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
Career Outlook
Graduates with a master’s in exercise science are prepared for advanced roles in performance training, sport science, and clinical or applied settings. Career opportunities include strength and conditioning coaching, exercise physiology, and leadership roles in fitness and human performance. This degree enhances earning potential and positions professionals for higher-level responsibilities in athletic, clinical, and research environments and include:
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
*Note for Strength and Conditioning Coaches:
Those working with professional sports can top $98,564 yearly. Significantly higher for college and professional sports teams. (Salary.com and indeed.com)
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
*Note for Strength and Conditioning Coaches:
Those working with professional sports can top $98,564 yearly. Significantly higher for college and professional sports teams. (Salary.com and indeed.com)
Certification Pathway
Certification within the field of exercise science has become essential, even required for many positions. Having a certification becomes a differentiator when you are ready to apply for jobs.
The MSS in Exercise Science at USSU has created a specific selection of courses with a blend of content that will prepare a student for multiple different industry certifications.
A successful student completing our courses will be prepared to sit for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, or Clinical Exercise Physiologist) and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Certified Special Population Specialist, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Performance and Sport Scientist).
From the Director
“If I were a professional seeking advancement in my career path, the decision to choose USSU is clear! It offers a curriculum that aligns with industry standards and guidelines, I would have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty that have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and connections, and the classroom environment, whether online or seated, encourages engagement and demands success. I would be placing my career in very good hands at USSU!”
Dr. Mark Deaton, Ph.D., CSCS, EIM
Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Program Director
From the Director
“If I were a professional seeking advancement in my career path, the decision to choose USSU is clear! It offers a curriculum that aligns with industry standards and guidelines, I would have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty that have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and connections, and the classroom environment, whether online or seated, encourages engagement and demands success.
I would be placing my career in very good hands at USSU!”
Dr. Mark Deaton, Ph.D., CSCS, EIM
Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Program Director
From the Director
“If I were a professional seeking advancement in my career path, the decision to choose USSU is clear! It offers a curriculum that aligns with industry standards and guidelines, I would have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty that have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and connections, and the classroom environment, whether online or seated, encourages engagement and demands success. I would be placing my career in very good hands at USSU!”
Dr. Mark Deaton, Ph.D., CSCS, EIM
Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Program Director
Careers in Exercise Science
Graduates with a master’s in exercise science are prepared for advanced roles in performance training, sport science, and clinical or applied settings. Career opportunities include strength and conditioning coaching, exercise physiology, and leadership roles in fitness and human performance. This degree enhances earning potential and positions professionals for higher-level responsibilities in athletic, clinical, and research environments.
Kinesiologist
Exercise Physiologist
Sports Scientist
Corporate Wellness Director
Performance Consultant
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Courses
The M.S.S. in Exercise Science with a Strength & Conditioning focus builds advanced expertise in human performance, training, and applied sport science. Students study advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, sport psychology, and exercise testing to develop high-level performance strategies.
The program emphasizes applied learning and research, with options for internships, thesis work, or specialized electives. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in strength and conditioning, performance training, and sport science.
Courses
The M.S.S. in Exercise Science with a Strength & Conditioning focus builds advanced expertise in human performance, training, and applied sport science. Students study advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, sport psychology, and exercise testing to develop high-level performance strategies.
The program emphasizes applied learning and research, with options for internships, thesis work, or specialized electives. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in strength and conditioning, performance training, and sport science.
Courses
The M.S.S. in Exercise Science with a Strength & Conditioning focus builds advanced expertise in human performance, training, and applied sport science. Students study advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, sport psychology, and exercise testing to develop high-level performance strategies.
The program emphasizes applied learning and research, with options for internships, thesis work, or specialized electives. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in strength and conditioning, performance training, and sport science.
| Exercise Physiologist | Personal Trainer | Corporate Wellness Director | Kinesiologist | Biomechanist | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median to Experienced | Mid-Level | Median to experienced | Median to experienced | Average Salary | Average to Experienced |
| $67,500 to $95,000 | $46,000 to $61,000 | $80,000 to $165,018 | $58,000 to $81,000 | $50,000 and $138,000 | $64,108-$71,590 |
| Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Source: National Association of Sports Medicine | Source: Salary.com and indeed.com | Source: Payscale.com and indeed.com | Source: Indeed.com | Salary.com and indeed.com |
Core Courses
(6 semester Hours)
Major Courses
(18 semester Hours)
Track Options
(9 semester Hours)
Core Courses
(6 semester hours)
Major Courses
(18 semester hours)
Track Options
(9 semester hours)
Emphasis Options
Core Courses
(6 semester Hours)
Core Courses
(6 semester Hours)
Major Courses
(18 semester Hours)
Major Courses
(18 semester Hours)
Track Options
(9 semester Hours)
Track Options
(9 semester Hours)
Emphasis Options
Affordability
Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.
