Best Online Master's Programs in Exercise Science

An online master’s program in exercise science prepares graduates to support and enhance healthy lifestyles through the application of strategic physical activity. The field also focuses on enhancing physical performance among athletes, as well as resolving physical injuries and preventing disease through exercise.

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related program may want to pursue an online master’s degree in exercise science to advance their knowledge and improve their skill set. Earning a master’s in exercise science may also be a valuable networking opportunity, giving students the ability to interact with and learn from recognized industry professionals in their field.

Looking for the most affordable online master's degree programs? Discover your options with our rankings lists of affordable exercise science master's degrees, affordable nutrition master's degrees, and affordable physical education master's degrees.

Students interested in pursuing an online master’s in exercise science must first complete a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the school, only those students who maintained a minimum 2.5 to 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in their bachelor's program may be accepted. To be successful in any graduate exercise science program, students should have taken courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise physiology as undergraduates. Passing test scores from graduate admissions tests, such as the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) or Praxis test, may also be required for admission.

Online master’s programs in exercise science typically include core courses, such as applied physiology and kinesiology, needs assessment and program development, fitness strength and training, and health behavior. Some online master’s programs also include a research component, which involves courses in research and statistical methods and may require a research project. Master's programs often end with some type of final experience, such as a capstone project, thesis, or exam.

Within many exercise science master’s degree programs, students can select one or more areas of concentration related to their career goals. Some of the optional concentrations include the following:

• Sports Coaching: This concentration is a good choice for students who aspire to work with high school, college, and professional athletes. A coaching program usually involves a diverse array of courses. These cover topics, like coaching theories and techniques, individual and team athlete development, sports psychology, and business management.
• Sports Psychology: Graduates with expertise in sports psychology may work with teams or individual athletes to enhance their physical performance. Courses in a sports psychology concentration cover topics such as motivation, confidence, and goal setting. 
• Sports Administration: A sports administration concentration allows students to focus on the business side of managing a college or professional sports team. Learners study general principles of sport management, finance and accounting, and legal issues, such as NCAA compliance.

Graduates with online master's degrees in exercise science can use their scientific knowledge of human anatomy and movement in a range of different occupations. There are a wide variety of careers in the health sciences and human performance fields. Career options include training, teaching, coaching, and research. You may find job opportunities in private health agencies and organizations, corporate or private fitness centers, nonprofit research centers, college athletic programs, and other educational institutions. If you want to further expand your knowledge and career prospects, you may want to enroll in a doctoral program in physical therapy or occupational therapy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the occupations we listed below only require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. However, professionals with a master's degree may be able to command higher salaries.

Coaches work with athletic teams at all levels from K-12 to college and professional sports. Not only do they assess and develop each athlete's abilities, they strategize the team's efforts, conduct practice sessions, and recruit new team members. In addition to a college degree, coaches may need certification and an in-depth knowledge of the sport they're coaching.

After assessing a patient's history and current needs, recreational therapists develop a recreation-based treatment plan that will help the patient achieve physical and emotional well-being. Recreational activities within each patient's plan may include sports and exercise, the arts, and community outings. Recreational therapists often need certification to work in government agencies and medical facilities.

Athletic trainers may find employment in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and fitness clubs. One of their main responsibilities is to prevent injuries among athletes, but if injuries occur, athletic trainers can provide emergency care. Many athletic trainer positions require applicants to have a master's degree and certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities learn to develop their strengths so they can live independently. They usually work for government and social services agencies or for healthcare facilities. Most positions require candidates to have a master's degree and possibly certification or a state license.

Occupational therapists work with people who have illnesses, injuries, or disabilities. After evaluating a patient's condition and goals, they develop a plan of activities and exercises that help the patient recover from their medical conditions or learn to be more independent. Occupational therapy positions require a master's degree and possibly a doctorate. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed.

After completing an exercise science degree program, many graduates go on to earn certification in a particular skill or occupation. Certification demonstrates your expertise in the field and your commitment to professional growth. It may also improve your job prospects as some employers only hire applicants who are certified. Below are some possible certifications:

Certified Personal Trainer

A certified personal trainer who has been certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) usually works one-on-one with a client. After assessing the client’s goals, needs, and fitness level, the trainer develops and implements a customized fitness plan that will help the client meet specific objectives, whether it’s losing weight, building strength and endurance, or simply maintaining health and fitness. 

Certified Athletic Trainer

Sponsored by the National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA), a certified athletic trainer often works in tandem with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to help athletes achieve peak physical condition. This typically involves assessing each athlete’s condition, assisting in goal setting, and creating and implementing fitness and nutrition regimens. 

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Many people suffer from muscular issues that impede their functional movement and often cause physical injury, particularly in the feet, knees, and hips. These issues can be resolved through corrective exercise. A corrective exercise specialist, certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), assesses and determines the root cause of these muscular weaknesses and develops a plan to fix the issues and prevent further injury.

Certified Specialist in Speed and Explosion

Certified by the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE), certified specialists in speed and explosion help athletes at all levels achieve their sports performance goals by strategically applying their knowledge of strength training, power training, and more. Certified specialists often design and help implement customized fitness programs that involve sprints, drills, and other forms of training.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Certified strength and conditioning specialists, as approved by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), typically work one-on-one with athletes in pursuit of enhanced athletic performance. Often applying sport-specific information and testing, these professionals use their scientific knowledge of physiology and kinesiology to offer guidance on strength training and conditioning, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Certified Exercise Physiologist

Also sponsored by the ACSM, certified exercise physiologists work with all kinds of individuals, from people with chronic health issues to professional athletes in peak condition. Using professional evaluation tools, an exercise physiologist assesses a patient’s condition and then designs an exercise prescription that will help the patient or athlete meet his or her goals, whether it’s dealing with a chronic condition or simply increasing strength, fitness, and flexibility.

When weighing options for master's programs in exercise science, it is important to consider their accreditation status. Accreditation signifies that an institution of higher education meets national education standards for all of its programs, faculty, and services. To make sure the school you have in mind has earned institutional accreditation, you can check the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation directories.

It's also possible for professional organizations to provide accreditation for individual programs in a specific discipline. For exercise science — one of the health sciences — the authorized accrediting organization is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can search the CAAHEP directory to find out if the exercise science master's program you're considering is accredited.

If you're thinking about earning your master’s in exercise science online, you may want to research several aspects of the program's format:

• Will you need to work at least part time throughout your studies? If so, confirm that the program can be completed on a part-time basis so that you can balance work and school.
• Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? With synchronous classes, you'll be required to log in at specific times to live stream lectures and participate in class discussions. Asynchronous classes may give you more flexibility.
• Do you want to be a member of a cohort? Some programs assign a group of incoming students — a cohort — to go through the program together, which allows you to establish strong bonds and build your professional network.
• Are you self-motivated and good at time management? Some students prefer the structure of on-campus programs to help them stay on track.

In addition to your program's accreditation status and online format, there are several other considerations to explore before choosing a master's in exercise science program. For example, you'll want to determine the cost of earning the graduate degree and your budget in advance.

Budget concerns may impact your decision to earn an exercise science degree online. You may find that some schools charge lower tuition fees for distance education students. Also keep in mind that as an online student, you won't need to pay for college room and board or transportation. If you're concerned about saving money on your degree, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Online grad students are eligible for financial aid just like their on-campus counterparts.

The application timeline of the schools you'd like to apply to may influence your decision as well. Graduate programs typically start accepting applications about seven to nine months before the fall semester when classes begin. You'll most likely be asked to submit your official bachelor's degree transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation along with your application.