Exercise Science Programs Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science and Health Promotion - Online

 

• Industrial, Clinical and Corporate Wellness
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury and Rehabilitation
• Psychological Perspectives in Sport Performance Enhancement and Intervention
• Research in Sport Psychology 
• Health and Wellness Coaching Facilitating Change
• Nutrition for Peak Performance
• Exercise Physiology: Assessment and Exercise Prescription

VIEW COURSE SEQUENCE

Regular Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.50 or higher (Students with a GPA below 2.50 may apply for conditional admission)
• Official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution

Conditional Admission Requirements

• Conditional Admission may be granted with the following modifications of the Regular Admissions Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree with a GPA under 2.50 will be reviewed for a decision
• Resume may be requested
• Two professional references may be requested
• Two professional letters of recommendation may be requested
• An interview by the program coordinator may be requested to determine potential for success in the program.

 

Provisional Admission:
Applicants who have provided unofficial documentation of test scores, prerequisite courses, transcripts or lack of letter(s) of recommendation may be admitted provisionally.

This policy also applies to undergraduate students who apply for graduate admission pending bachelor degree completion. Upon receipt of all official documents, a student will be changed from Provisional Admission to either Regular Admission or Conditional Admission. Provisional Admission students may take classes for one term but will not be eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

How to Apply:

• Complete the Graduate School Application
• Submit the nonrefundable $35 Application Fee
• Mail official transcript to:

School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Box 91
250 University Ave. 
California, PA 15419

For additional information:
Email: calugo@calu.edu
Phone: 1.866.595.6348

 

How To Choose An Exercise Science Concentration

Concentrations
Select a single concentration as the focus of your degree or add a second approved area of focus to create a dual concentration. Post-bachelor’s certificates are available in these areas as well.

• Applied Sport Science
• Group Fitness Leadership
• Nutrition
• Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention

• Wellness and Fitness
• Rehabilitation Science
• Sport Psychology
• Tactical Strength and Conditioning
• Wellness Coaching

Certifications

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Performance Enhancement Specialist
• Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Certified Specialist in Speed and Explosion
• Certified Wellcoach
• Fusionetics®
• Les Mills^TM 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to the field of exercise science are growing. Careers include fitness trainers and instructors, coaches and scouts, recreational therapists, exercise physiologists, athletic directors, and fitness technology engineers. Learn more about what you can do with a career in exercise science.

Exercise science professionals know they have a great responsibility to ensure the safety and health of patients and clients at all ages and skills levels in whatever fields they specialize in. If you have passion for helping people, then this degree is definitely worth it. If you are looking for a highly lucrative career, a master’s degree is a most-have for this profession. Learn more about the Top 10 reasons to get an exercise science master’s degree.

Most students are able to finish their bachelor’s degree in four years. A master’s degree in exercise science with industry certification can be completed in 12-18 months.  

Exercise science majors who work in the fitness industry with a bachelor’s degree earn a median annual salary of $39,210, or $18.85 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, there are many options available in the industry. Fitness tech engineers can make up to $125,000 annually, and gym owners could earn millions in annual salary.

Kinesiology focuses on the mechanics of movement in particular, while exercise science is more based on a person’s response and adjustment to exercise. Kinesiology is the specific study of human movement, function and performance and their effects on a person’s overall health, and exercise science takes a closer look at what causes changes in the human body through exercise.

Nationally, the pass rate is about 65% for first time test takers. NASM (www.nasm.org) and California University of Pennsylvania partnered in 2003 to deliver some of the nation's top online exercise science degrees in the health and fitness industry. The NASM and Cal U partnership provides individuals with an opportunity to take classes in preparation of national certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Cal U exercise science courses have been developed in consideration of NASM certification and curriculum. Student leave the program ready to pursue a number of industry-specific certifications through NASM. Learn more about our partnership with NASM.

Not really.  Athletic training consists of athletic trainers who are certified health care professionals who specialize in athletes, athletic teams or hospitals. Today, a specialized athletic training degree is typically offered, like Cal U’s athletic training master’s degree program. Although it may be a more difficult path, you could start out in exercise science and then work your way towards an advanced athletic training degree.