Join the #3 Ranked Exercise Science Master’s Program - 100% Online

Advance on your terms with five career-focused specializations designed for working professionals.

Master’s in Applied Exercise Science

Pursue new career paths, boost earning potential and step into leadership roles in exercise science.

Apply By: October 15, 2025 (Spots are limited)
Next Start: October 20, 2025

#3 Online Master's in Sports Science

100% Online

#11 Best Online College 2024

Fewer breaks, faster finish.

Learn anywhere, anytime.

Lock in your tuition rate while continuously enrolled.

Why Choose CUC’s Online Master’s in Applied Exercise Science?

•  100% online
•  Study from anywhere at any time
•  Small student-to-professor ratio
•  5 different concentration specializations available
•  Flexibility to fit your work & personal life schedule
•  Top-level faculty
•  Real-world training


Human Movement Science

Career Paths:
•  Rehabilitation engineer
•  Field clinical engineer
•  Biomechanical engineer
•  Physical trainer
•  Physical education educator
 

Core Skills:
•  Designing assistive tech for injuries and disabilities
•  Tracking and analyzing human movement data
•  Calibrating and maintaining diagnostic devices
•  Developing medical equipment and bio-mechanical systems

Request Info – Start October 20

Average salary

$65K+

Average salary for specialized roles

$100K+

Career Paths:
•  Sports trainer
•  High school, college, professional team training coach
•  Strength & conditioning coach
•  Sports rehabilitation specialist
•  Personal sports performance trainer


Core Skills:  
•  Injury evaluation and treatment planning
•  Monitoring and supporting rehabilitation
•  Coordinating with physicians and coaches
•  Educating on health, safety and emergency care
•  Developing training plans to boost performance

Sports Performance Training

Deadline to Apply

Start Date

Cost Per Credit

October 15, 2025

October 20, 2025

$575

Exercise Science Career Outlook

A variety of career paths are attainable with a PhD in Exercise Science. A doctorate from Concordia University Chicago can open many doors, including a career as a:

• University Professor
• Research Scientist
• Exercise Science Educator
• Physical Health Policy Advocate
• Exercise Physiology Research Scientist
• Biomechanics Specialist


Why Concordia University Chicago?

• Constant collaboration with esteemed faculty
• Hands-on experience with working professionals
• Field-ready curriculum
• Network development & cultivation
• Online model allowing flexibility

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
 


Admission Requirements

•  Free online application
•  High School Diploma or GED
•  Transcripts for any college attended


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Curriculum

Required Courses 36 Credit Hours

KIN 1000 Physiological Basis of Exercise
KIN 1200 
Applied Kinesiology
KIN 1400 
Health and Fitness Assessment
KIN 2000
Health Risk Appraisal
KIN 2200
Nutrition, Exercise, and Behavior
KIN 2400
Principles of Strength and Conditioning
KIN 3000
Managing Lifetime Fitness
KIN 3200
Health and Fitness Programming Management I
KIN 3400
Health and Fitness Programming Management II
KIN 4000
Exercise Psychology
KIN 4200
Special Topics in Kinesiology
KIN 4400
Exercise Leadership




Common Questions

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What hard skills are needed to become a kinesiologist?

Is kinesiology a good major for medical school?

•  Analytical data capture & digestion
•  Compelling & comprehensive subject matter writing
•  Ability to decipher patient information & produce individualized exercise prescriptions
•  Detailed evaluation & symptom recognition to help optimize body movement concerns or health issues

•  Kinesiology provides a good foundational base with overlapping areas of study that project well for individuals looking to attend medical school.
•  Degrees falling under the branch of the biological sciences umbrella have a strong general acceptance to medical school.

How hard is it to obtain a degree in kinesiology?

•  A kinesiology degree is a degree that requires regular study and effort. As a field of science, it takes individual discipline and effort to graduate with a degree in this subject area. However, anyone that puts in the necessary time and use of resources can obtain a college degree in kinesiology.

What qualities do you need to be a good kinesiologist?

•  Effective communication
•  Patience & understanding
•  Adaptability
•  Inquisitive nature
•  Analytical mindset

Related Articles

Admission Requirements

•  Free online application
•  High School Diploma or GED
•  Transcripts for any college attended


REQUEST INFO

Curriculum

Required Courses 36 Credit Hours

KIN 1000 Physiological Basis of Exercise
KIN 1200 
Applied Kinesiology
KIN 1400 
Health and Fitness Assessment
KIN 2000
Health Risk Appraisal
KIN 2200
Nutrition, Exercise, and Behavior
KIN 2400
Principles of Strength and Conditioning
KIN 3000
Managing Lifetime Fitness
KIN 3200
Health and Fitness Programming Management I
KIN 3400
Health and Fitness Programming Management II
KIN 4000
Exercise Psychology
KIN 4200
Special Topics in Kinesiology
KIN 4400
Exercise Leadership




View Full Curriculum DetailsView Full Curriculum Details

Master’s Programs

Exercise Physiology

Career Paths:
•  Cardiac rehabilitation
•  Strength and conditioning
•  Athlete performance coaching
•  Personal training
•  Wellness coaching
•  Fitness facility management
•  Medical or fitness sales


Core Skills:  
•  Evaluating patient health
•  Conducting physical & stress tests
•  Design custom physical prescriptions for individuals
•  Educate on proper exercise & nutrition techniques
•  Collaborate with other medical professionals to ensure overall patient health

Strength & Conditioning

Career Paths:
•  Strength & conditioning coach
•  Athletic trainer
•  Exercise physiologist
•  Athletic director
•  Physical education teacher
•  Wellness program manager
•  Recreation & sports director


Core Skills:
•  Designing year-round strength and conditioning programs
•  Supporting rehab and injury prevention with athletic staff
•  Collaborating with coaches and sports medicine teams
•  Conducting team performance needs analyses  
•  Managing program budgets and equipment planning

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Sports Nutrition

Career Paths:
•  Individual or sports team nutritionists
•  Dietitian
•  Public health nutrition advocate  
•  Health and wellness coach
•  Clinical nutrition manager
•  Corporate wellness educator

Core Skills:
•  Assessing nutritional needs for performance
•  Creating personalized meal plans
•  Tracking outcomes and performance metrics
•  Staying current on nutrition science
•  Collaborating with medical and fitness teams

Average salary

$42K to 93K+

Request Info – Start October 20

Projected through 2030 (BLS)

7% Annual Growth

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Tuition Guarantee

Stack Your Credentials Without Starting Over

Build a pathway from your bachelor’s to your PhD—one step at a time.

At Concordia University Chicago, you can stack your credentials to grow your career at every level. Start with a BS in Kinesiology, advance with our MS in Applied Exercise Science and take your expertise even further with a PhD in Exercise Science.

Choose from five specializations aligned with high-demand careers in exercise science.

Average salary

$52K to $124K

Job growth vs. average (BLS)

2X

Request Info – Start October 20

Average salary

$60K to $90K

Request Info – Start October 20

Projected job growth through 2028

+19% Growth

Average salary range (NSCA)

$60K to $85K

Request Info – Start October 20

Since 2018 across the field

+22% Growth

Career Paths:
•  Sports trainer
•  High school, college, professional team training coach
•  Strength & conditioning coach
•  Sports rehabilitation specialist
•  Personal sports performance trainer


Core Skills:  
•  Injury evaluation and treatment planning
•  Monitoring and supporting rehabilitation
•  Coordinating with physicians and coaches
•  Educating on health, safety and emergency care
•  Developing training plans to boost performance

Sports Performance Training