School of Nursing & Health Sciences · Graduate program
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Turn your passion for performance into professional impact.
You want to help athletes perform at their best and help people live healthier lives. MVU’s online MS in Exercise Science helps you build advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and exercise as medicine, and use it to lead.
30
credit hours
100% online
study from anywhere
1 year
finish in as little as
7.5 weeks
per term, five terms
ACSM & NSCA
standards inform the curriculum
Capstone
research-based project
Why MVU for exercise science
Advanced expertise, built for a busy life
A focused, online program that connects the science of human performance to real-world practice.
Finish in about a year
Five accelerated 7.5-week terms let you complete the degree in as little as one year.
Study online
Every course is online, so you can keep coaching, training, or working while you study.
Industry standards
The curriculum is informed by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) standards.
Experienced leadership
The program is led by Dr. Tom Bertoncino, ATC, Associate Dean of Health Sciences.
A head start for MVU seniors
MVU exercise science seniors can take up to 9 graduate credit hours that count toward both degrees.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Work in strength and conditioning or sports performance.
- Use exercise to improve health, prevent injury, and restore function.
- Move into leadership in fitness, wellness, or sport organizations.
- Build on an exercise science degree, or change direction with relevant certification and experience.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Apply advanced exercise physiology and sport nutrition principles.
- Design evidence-based strength and conditioning programs.
- Improve health and performance across diverse populations.
- Prevent injuries and restore functional movement.
- Apply business and management principles in fitness and sport.
- Evaluate research and present your findings.
Your path
Five terms, two courses at a time
Each 7.5-week term pairs two courses. Here’s a typical sequence; your advisor will confirm your plan.
01
Fall I
Advanced Exercise Physiology and Advanced Sport Nutrition.
02
Fall II
Exercise and Sport Psychology and Advanced Sports Conditioning.
03
Spring I
Advanced Strength and Power Training and Exercise as Medicine.
04
Spring II
Corrective Exercise and Rehabilitation Techniques and Tactical Strength and Conditioning.
05
Summer I
Fitness and Sport Management, plus your Exercise Science Capstone.
Where can this degree take me?
Lead in performance, health, and wellness
Graduates are prepared for leadership opportunities in settings like these.
Collegiate athletics
Professional athletics
Sports performance centers
Hospitals
Rehabilitation clinics
Corporate wellness programs
Community fitness organizations
Fitness and sport management
For current pay and job outlook, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics guides to exercise physiologists and fitness trainers and instructors.
Affording your degree
Plan your investment
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, and there are several ways to help pay for it.
Tuition
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, plus a $200 enrollment fee each academic year. Request information for this program’s current rate, or see tuition and fees.
Graduate assistantships
Some graduate students work on campus as graduate assistants. See current openings on Employment Opportunities.
Financial aid
Graduate students may qualify for federal loans and other aid. Start with Tuition & Financial Aid.
Explore the curriculum
30 credit hours, step by step
Ten 3-credit courses that move from the science of performance to applied training, rehabilitation, management, and a capstone.
Science of performance (9 credit hours)
- EXSI 500 Advanced Exercise Physiology
- EXSI 505 Advanced Sport Nutrition
- EXSI 510 Exercise and Sport Psychology
Training and conditioning (9 credit hours)
- EXSI 520 Advanced Sports Conditioning
- EXSI 530 Advanced Strength and Power Training
- EXSI 560 Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Health, injury, and rehabilitation (6 credit hours)
- EXSI 550 Exercise as Medicine
- EXSI 555 Corrective Exercise and Rehabilitation Techniques
Management and capstone (6 credit hours)
- EXSI 565 Fitness and Sport Management
- EXSI 590 Exercise Science Capstone
Ready to take the next step?
Applying is simple
Four steps from application to your first course.
01
Apply online
Complete the free online application. Choose the MS in Exercise Science.
02
Send your materials
Have official transcripts from every college you’ve attended sent to MVU, and upload an updated resume.
03
Program review
The program reviews your degree, GPA, and any certifications and work experience.
04
Start your first term
Once you’re admitted, meet with your advisor and begin your first 7.5-week term.
Admission requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework. If you hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution, your graduate GPA may be used.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended, and an updated resume.
- With an exercise science–related bachelor’s degree: a GPA of at least 3.0.
- With a bachelor’s degree in another field: a GPA of at least 3.0, exercise science certification(s), and two years of work experience in an exercise science decision-making role. Anatomy and physiology and exercise physiology courses are recommended.
- Exceptions may be considered for applicants with significant work experience or strong academic backgrounds.
- International applicants: transcripts must be evaluated by INCRED (preferred) or a NACES member before admission.
Early access for MVU seniors
- MVU exercise science students with senior standing may take up to 9 graduate credit hours that count toward both the bachelor’s and the MS degree.
- You must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours each semester you take graduate courses this way.
Academic standards
- You must pass every major course with a grade of B or higher.
- Earning more than two C grades or more than one F in graduate exercise science courses leads to dismissal. You may appeal; readmission is at the program’s discretion.
Is the program online?
Yes. The program is delivered 100% online.
How long does it take?
You can finish in as little as one year: five 7.5-week terms with two courses each.
Do I need an exercise science degree?
Not necessarily. With a degree in another field, you’ll need a 3.0 GPA, exercise science certification(s), and two years of relevant work experience. Talk with the Program Director about your background.
What grades do I need to stay in the program?
A B or higher in every major course. See Academic standards above for the full policy.
I’m an MVU senior. Can I start early?
Yes. Exercise science seniors can take up to 9 graduate credit hours that count toward both degrees.
What does the capstone involve?
The Exercise Science Capstone asks you to review the research on a fitness or health challenge and present your findings. See the catalog for details.
Talk with the Program Director
Have questions about admission, the schedule, or which background fits? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
MS in Exercise Science