Exercise Science vs. Exercise Physiology

Online Master’s in Exercise Science vs. Exercise Physiology

When exploring graduate education in the health and fitness field, many students come across two closely related but distinct paths: a master’s in exercise science and an exercise physiology degree. While both programs focus on human movement, physical performance, and overall wellness, the two differ in curriculum depth, career focus, and practical application. Understanding the overlap between exercise science and exercise physiology is key to choosing the right path for your goals and ambitions.

Though often used interchangeably, the terms exercise physiology and exercise science refer to different academic and professional focuses. Exercise science tends to take a broader, interdisciplinary approach to physical health, while exercise physiology is typically more clinical and rooted in biology and medical science. In this article, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between these two online graduate programs to help you decide which one best fits your future career aspirations.

What Is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise physiology is the study of the body’s response and ability to adapt to physical activity. As a part of the broader field of sports medicine, exercise physiology focuses on how physical activity can improve health and wellness. It emphasizes the human body’s response to physical activity and its effects on organs and bodily systems. Exercise physiologists typically work with patients to improve physical conditions and improve health outcomes.

What’s the Difference Between Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science?

Exercise physiology and exercise science are both fields of study that focus on improving the health and wellness of individuals and athletes. Exercise science includes a broad scope that encompasses areas such as physical education, strength and training, human performance and sports nutrition. There are distinct differences between exercise physiology and exercise science, with the former primarily focusing on the body’s response to physical activity. Professionals recognize the very distinct differences among these fields, which are essential to understand. Exercise physiology is a specific area of study within exercise science.

Why Study Exercise Physiology?

Earning a master’s degree in exercise science with a focus in exercise physiology is an excellent choice for students interested in positively impacting health and wellness. A bachelor’s degree is often a foundational requirement for careers in exercise science. Right now is a fantastic time to be preparing for a career in the health and wellness industry. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of jobs available for exercise physiologists is projected to increase by 13 percent, which is more than twice the average pace of job growth. Fitness trainers and instructors are in high demand as well, with an increase of 10 percent forecast for the same period. Graduates can explore various career options, including roles such as physical therapy aides, personal trainers and more advanced positions with further education. Employment opportunities for graduates of exercise science programs are abundant, making it a promising field for those entering the job market. Read more.

What Does Exercise Physiology Focus On?

Exercise physiology focuses on several key areas of health and wellness by examining how physical activity affects the body, both immediately and over time. This field plays a central role in promoting overall well-being, preventing disease and optimizing physical performance by analyzing the impact of physical activity on various bodily systems. Additionally, exercise physiology emphasizes the body’s responses to exercise, ensuring safety and effectiveness in physical fitness programs.

The main areas of health and wellness that exercise physiology looks to address and improve for both individuals and the general population, include:

Cardiovascular Health

• Improve the heart function and circulation as the body’s response to exercise
• Help lower blood pressure and resting heart rate
• Support recovery and incident prevention in individuals with heart disease

Respiratory Health

• Enhance lung capacity and breathing efficiency
• Improve oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal during physical activity
• Help patients with asthma, COPD or other pulmonary conditions manage symptoms through targeted exercise

Musculoskeletal Health

• Build and maintain muscle strength, endurance and flexibility
• Promote joint health and bone density
• Aid in rehabilitation from injury or surgery

Mental Health & Cognitive Function

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress through endorphin release attributed to exercise
• Enhance mood, sleep quality and cognitive performance
• Help promote and implement wellness programs to support mental well-being

Metabolic and Weight Management

• Boost metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Play a critical role in managing conditions like obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles

Chronic Disease Prevention & Management

• Reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Certain types of cancer
• Supports ongoing health in aging populations and those with multiple health conditions

Functional Independence & Quality of Life

• Improve physical function in older adults and people with disabilities
• Help individuals maintain independence and reduce fall risk
• Tailor programs to specific population needs (e.g., post-surgical rehab, cardiac patients, cancer survivors)

Wellness & Lifestyle Optimization

• Encourage healthy behaviors through exercise prescriptions and wellness coaching
• Promote sustainable lifestyle changes, not just fitness goals

The Career Potential in Exercise Physiology

Individuals with a passion for health improvement and advancement should consider going into the field of exercise science not only because it’s a rewarding and impactful profession, but also because the career potential is continuing to grow.

A career pathway as a clinical exercise physiologist is one of the many professional routes available in this field. The various career pathways include roles such as clinical director, professor, personal trainer and physical therapy aide, showcasing the wide variety of options within this field. Additionally, a significant portion of exercise physiologists are self-employed, emphasizing the flexibility and diversity of work settings available.

Strong Job Growth Across Multiple Roles

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 14% job growth for fitness trainers and instructors from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Part of this growth is driven by the increase in awareness of chronic disease prevention and a rising demand for personal fitness coaching, especially among older adults. As people are living longer lives, maintaining a high quality of life is essential to an aging population.

Exercise Physiologists

• Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2033.
• The push toward preventive healthcare, especially in cardiac and pulmonary rehab, has made these professionals more essential in clinical care.

Athletic Trainers

• Jobs for athletic trainers are expected to grow 13% by 2032, driven by the rising participation in sports and a focus on injury prevention, analytic performance enhancements and rehabilitation in schools, colleges and professional settings.

Strength & Conditioning Coaches / Tactical Fitness

• The NSCA and related organizations report increased demand for strength and conditioning specialists in military, law enforcement and fire departments, part of a growing sector known as tactical strength and conditioning.

Diverse Career Paths

An exercise science degree opens doors to careers in:

• Clinical settings (rehab, cardiopulmonary care). A common entry-level position is that of a physical therapy aide.
• Athletic performance (training teams or individuals). Employment opportunities for athletic trainers are also significant in this field.
• Corporate wellness
• Research and academia
• Public health and community outreach
• Wellness entrepreneurship (owning gyms or online coaching businesses). Degrees in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology and related fields are crucial for career advancement in these areas.

Growing Healthcare Integration

Healthcare systems across the country are increasingly incorporating exercise science professionals into interdisciplinary care teams, especially in chronic disease prevention, obesity management and cardiac rehabilitation. This shift in team personnel is a reflection of the improvement of healthcare treatment options, as well as, the demands of a changing population.

More Graduate Programs = More Demand

The growth of online master’s programs in exercise science reflects rising interest and demand within the public and private sectors. More programs are aligning with certifications like NSCA-CSCS and ACSM-EP, further boosting career credibility and marketability.

Exercise science is no longer just about working in gyms or clinics. It’s a high-growth, multi-pathway field that intersects with healthcare, education, public health and performance coaching. With increased demand across the board—and rising salaries, especially with advanced degrees—it’s a smart career move with long-term potential.

What to Look For in a Program Curriculum

When evaluating an online master’s in exercise science program, individuals should look for a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that aligns with their career goals and learning style—whether that’s in clinical settings, athletic performance, rehabilitation or research. Here’s a breakdown of the key components a strong program should include:

Core Curriculum Areas to Look For:

1. Exercise Physiology

• Study of exercise physiology focuses on the body’s responses to physical activity and how it adapts over time
• Should cover cardiovascular, muscular and metabolic systems

2. Biomechanics

• Analysis of movement, forces and mechanical function in the body
• May include motion analysis software or practical applications

3. Kinesiology Foundations

• Establishment of the fundamentals of motor behavior is a crucial component to overall human function, focusing on how individuals learn and control their movements in various contexts.

4. Nutrition and Wellness

• Understanding the role of diet in health, performance and recovery
• Some programs offer a dedicated course in sports nutrition

5. Research Methods and Statistics

• Teaches students how to design studies, analyze data and critically evaluate scientific literature
• Essential for evidence-based practice or those planning to pursue a doctorate

6. Strength and Conditioning

• Applied training techniques for athletic performance
• May prepare students for certifications like the NSCA-CSCS

7. Clinical or Rehabilitation Focus (if applicable)

• Training in cardiac rehab, injury prevention or corrective exercise is important to give a basis for physical therapy.

8. Behavioral & Psychological Aspects of Exercise

• Covers motivation, behavior change and the mental health benefits of exercise
• Supports work in coaching, wellness or public health

Elective Options or Specializations:

A specific major is not always required for elective options, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing a path that aligns with your interests and career goals. Specializations in exercise science often involve a shared interest among professionals, such as physiologists, trainers and coaches, who collaborate to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries.

• Sports Performance
• Exercise for Special Populations
• Corporate Wellness
• Tactical Strength and Conditioning
• Leadership & Program Management in Health and Fitness

Capstone or Practicum Requirements:

• A strong program should include a capstone project, internship or thesis to apply learning in a real-world or research setting.
• Even in online programs, some offer local practicum placements or virtual alternatives with supervised experiences.

Accreditation & Certification Alignment:

• Ensure the program is regionally accredited.
• Bonus if the curriculum aligns with prep for certifications such as:
  • ACSM-EP (Certified Exercise Physiologist)
  • NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)

The Rise & Popularity of an Online Master’s

Online Graduate Enrollment Is Rising

• As of 2023, 53% of university students in the U.S. were enrolled in online programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Demand for Flexibility Drives Online Enrollment

• A 2024 report by EducationDynamics found that:
  • The majority of online graduate students cite flexibility as the primary reason for choosing an online program.
  • 57% of respondents said they would not pursue a degree at all if it weren’t available online.

Online Degrees Are Gaining Credibility

• A survey by Northeastern University revealed that 61% of HR leaders and hiring managers view online degrees from reputable institutions as equal to or better than traditional degrees.
• Accreditation, program rigor and real-world relevance matter more than delivery format.

Career Advancement is a Key Motivation

• According to BestColleges’ Online Education Trends Report, 75% of online master’s students pursue their degree to advance or change careers. Critical thinking skills are essential for career advancement, especially in fields like exercise physiology and exercise science.
• 69% report a positive return on investment, citing promotions, raises or new job offers.

Cost and Accessibility Are Major Factors

• Online master’s programs tend to be more affordable due to reduced fees (e.g., housing, transportation), and many offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners.
• A survey by Wiley University Services found that 60% of students said they’d choose an equivalent remote program at a different school if their preferred college or university didn’t offer the program online.

FAQs About Exercise Science Programs

Why Study Exercise Science Online at CUC?

Concordia University Chicago has been educating leaders for over 150 years. Concordia University Chicago’s courses are designed to be online, which means you’ll have access to all the resources you need to be successful earning your degree. The online format is perfect for anyone balancing life, work and school. At CUC, you also get:

• Affordable tuition guaranteed to not increase
• Access to on-campus student success resources
• Classes that start every eight weeks
• Small class sizes (18 students max)
• Degree programs aligned with NASM, ACSM, ISSN, NSCA

Discover more about our program or speak with an admissions specialist.