Which Master’s of Applied Exercise Science Concentration is Right for You?

At Concordia-Chicago, receiving a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science opens up a variety of career opportunities. 

Applied Exercise Science students choose from a number of program concentrations to pave their way for future career opportunities.

The guide below will provide you with more information on which concentration is right for you.  If you can’t decide on just one, we offer the opportunity to pursue a Dual Concentration.

Human Movement Science

Occupations that work with athletes require a variety of knowledge, ranging from understanding muscle movement and major functions of the body to preventing injuries. Students at Concordia University Chicago get the opportunity to advance their skills in upgrading functional capacity and correcting faulty movement patterns in the Human Movement Science programs. Additionally, our program prepares students to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) credential.

A recent BLS report shows that employment for athletic trainers is predicted to increase 19 percent, quicker than the average for most jobs. Injuries in athletes are becoming increasingly common, resulting in the need for athletic trainers in colleges, universities, professional sports teams, etc.

–    The average wage in 2018: $47,510

Human Movement Science careers include:

• Athletic Trainer
• Integrated Health Specialist
• Research Technician
• Exercise Physiologist

Strength & Conditioning

The Strength and Conditioning concentration is an excellent first step for those who are current practitioners, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, and athletic performance coaches. Additionally, Concordia-Chicago’s program surpasses the requirements for the standard National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification.

Students in this program are prepared for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. Topics that relate to strength and conditioning are presented to the students while acquiring skills and knowledge for their practice.

According to the BLS, employment for fitness instructors is predicted to increase more quickly than for other jobs. Enrollment in gyms and health clubs are increasing, resulting in the call for more fitness trainers and instructors.

–    The average wage in 2017: $39,210

Similarly, the employment rate for coaches and scouts is expected to grow too. These occupations are needed in high school and college sports because of their ability and skills in the fields of strength, durability, dietary, and performance.

–    The average wage in 2017: $32,270

Strength & Conditioning careers include:

• Athletic Performance Coach
• Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Sports Performance Specialist
• Speed & Strength Coach

Sports Nutrition

The Sports Nutrition concentration program provides sports nutrition information for our students who are aiming to work with athletes and physically active individuals. This program highlights the evidence-based principles in designing and applying exercise and nutrition programs. Likewise, students will explain research in the field of exercise and sports nutrition.

Receiving a master’s degree in Sports Nutrition with Concordia-Chicago will prepare students for the Certified Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

The BLS career outlook for dietitians and nutritionists is estimated to grow 11 percent between 2018 to 2028. 

The average wage in 2018: $60,370.

Sports Nutrition careers include:

• Sports Nutritionist
• Performance Nutrition
• Virtual Health Coach
• Wellness Coach

Sports Performance Training

The Sports Performance and Training concentration is developed for sports-related professionals such as coaches and athletic trainers who work with everyone from high school athletes to Olympic competitors. According to the NASM website, “top teams in the NFL and NBA have now begun requiring the NASM-PES credential.”

Coaches and scout’s employment is predicted to increase more quickly than ordinary jobs. High schools and colleges are now demanding these occupations due to the rise in participation of sports, according to the BLS.

–    The average wage in 2018: $33,780

Likewise, employment for athletic trainers is predicted to increase by 19% from 2018 to 2028, more quickly than average. Sport’s injuries are common, and college, university, and professional sports team athletes require qualified athletic trainers because of this.

–    The average wage in 2018: $47,510

Sports Performance Training careers include:

• Performance Coach
• Athletic Director
• Sports Performance Specialist
• Athletic Trainer

Interested in learning more about our master’s program? Check out our webinar hosted by program director Dr. Theresa Miyashita, that goes over everything you need to know about our Master’s in Applied Exercise Science.

Contact us to learn more.