Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science (M.S.)

 

Empowering Others with an M.S. in Exercise Science

Take your passion for physical wellness and interest in health care to the next level with your M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from West Chester University. Our 100% online master's degree in exercise and sport science will prepare you for highly sought-after roles in fitness, sports, and health-related fields such as cardiac rehabilitation.

West Chester University has been on the cutting edge of exercise and sport science for more than twenty years. We understand what concepts, skills, and abilities are important to employers, and have built our program around experiential learning and research with faculty experts.

To meet your individual needs and goals, WCU's exercise and sport science master's is offered full-time or part-time in hybrid format to give you an immersive—yet flexible—learning experience.

Our M.S. in exercise science program offers three areas of concentration to align with your interests:

1. Applied sports performance
2. Clinical exercise physiology
3. Sport and exercise psychology

 

Tracks in the Exercise and Sport Science Program

Applied Sports Performance

The applied sports performance track of the M.S. in exercise science focuses on applied muscular physiology, advanced motor learning, and both biomechanics and pathokinesiology. Students in this track go on to help clients build strength, endurance, speed, and agility, while enhancing self-motivation, resilience, and confidence.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

If you're interested in helping individuals prevent disease or manage chronic conditions, clinical exercise physiology is for you. This concentration includes clinical exercise testing and prescription as well as advanced muscular physiology.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Ever heard, get your head in the game or get out of your head? Then you already know about sport and exercise psychology. This concentration focuses on group dynamics in exercise, sport, neuroscience perspectives in sport and exercise, and advanced motor learning. It involves the scientific study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in any form of physical activity.

 

Benefits of Earning your Exercise Physiology Master's at West Chester University

Small Class Size

In our 100% online M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science program, you'll benefit from a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring individualized attention from faculty. This small class size fosters meaningful interactions and conversations with both instructors and classmates, helping you build strong relationships and expand your professional network.

For those interested in face-to-face engagement, you have the option to participate in on-campus activities, providing additional opportunities to connect and collaborate in person.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty members hold credentials from the most prestigious accrediting and certifying boards including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Many of our faculty members are also practicing clinicians, meaning you'll learn progressive techniques from experts in the field.

Hands-On Opportunities in State-of-the-Art Facilities

While our M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science program is 100% online, West Chester University offers optional on-campus experiences for students looking to engage in hands-on research. You can choose to visit our Human Performance Laboratory, where you'll collaborate with faculty and classmates on clinical-based research projects.

In our state-of-the-art lab, you'll have access to advanced equipment such as EMG, EKG, motion capture, force plates, and VO2 testing devices, allowing you to gain real-world experience that sets you apart in the competitive industry.

Exercise and Sport Science Program Events

Our sport science master's offers on-campus activities such as ACSM's Exercise is Medicine and AASP's Exercise and Sport Psychology Conferences. Exercise and sport science degree students can also participate in regional professional events such as ASCM's Mid-Atlantic Conference and the American Society of Biomechanics Conference.

 

What Can You Do with an Exercise and Sport Science Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% growth for athletic trainers through 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Your degree is an extension of other fields—such as kinesiology—that translate broadly into the workplace. Roles you can pursue with your exercise physiology master's include:

• Sports coach: Work with teams teaching players skills, strategies, and techniques to improve performance and outcomes.
• Kinesiologist: Use your expertise in movement and body mechanics to help patients/clients recover from injury.
• Occupational therapist: Help individuals overcome impaired motor functions and disabilities that make it difficult to do everyday things such as getting dressed.
• Exercise physiologist: Develop exercise routines and fitness programs to help patients/clients build physical strength and improve overall well being.
• Rehabilitation specialist: Help individuals improve their full range of physical motion or assist those who have sustained physical injuries.
• Nutritionist: Ensure patients/clients are eating well and maintaining a proper diet. As a nutritionist, you might work with a medical team, at a sports facility, or as a private consultant.
• Wellness director: Design and deliver health and wellness programs for diverse employees.

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as an Exercise and Sport Science Degree Student?

West Chester University's sport science master's program is designed to help you build your personal knowledge and gain the skills to work in health care, academic and professional settings, and entrepreneurial ventures.