Concordia University Chicago
Exercise Science Degree Online
Concordia University Chicago offers degrees in exercise science 100% online.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Classes Start: May 5, 2025
CUC’s Exercise Science Program
At Concordia University Chicago, we offer an MS in Applied Exercise Science with five distinct concentration areas. Each of these master’s degrees in exercise science prepares students for rewarding careers in the health and fitness industry.
Exercise Physiology
The exercise physiology program is tailored for individuals passionate about personal training, health promotion and wellness rehabilitation. This program is ideal for those looking to help clients achieve their optimal physical health. Exercise physiologists specialize in enhancing wellness, supporting athletes in achieving peak performance and preventing illnesses and injuries.
Exercise physiology explores how the body reacts and adapts to physical activity. Similar to exercise science, it examines the ways in which physical activity can bolster health and wellness. Both exercise physiology and exercise science delve into human anatomy to enhance the health of both the general populace and athletes.
Exercise physiology specifically concentrates on the body’s adaptive responses to physical activity, while exercise science covers a broader scope, including physical education, strength training, human performance and sports nutrition.
Human Movement Science
As sports injuries become more prevalent, injury prevention is essential when working with athletes. The human movement science concentration equips students with the necessary knowledge to create injury prevention programs and assist athletes in enhancing their functional capacity and correcting improper movement patterns.
Students in this concentration will also be well-prepared to seek the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) credential offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Sports Nutrition
The sports nutrition concentration is tailored for individuals eager to deliver reliable sports nutrition advice to athletes and active people. The curriculum emphasizes the application of evidence-based principles in the development and execution of exercise and nutrition programs, as well as in the interpretation of research within the exercise and sports nutrition fields. This pathway prepares participants for the Certified Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam administered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists is promising, with an expected growth of 7%. Moreover, passing the CISSN exam can facilitate career opportunities in personal training, and the food, beverage and supplement industries.
Sports Performance Training
Sports performance and training concentration is crafted for coaches, athletic trainers and other sports professionals who interact with athletes at various levels, from high school to Olympic competitors. This focus equips individuals to take the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) exam.
The NASM website notes that leading NFL and NBA teams are now requiring NASM-PES credentials. Propel your career forward with a degree in sports performance training.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning concentration is designed for current practitioners, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers and athletic performance coaches. Our in-depth program goes beyond the basic requirements for the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification, readying students for more advanced credentials.
Students will delve into advanced topics such as strength and conditioning theory and acquire the skills necessary to develop their own strength and conditioning philosophy. They will not only be prepared for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam but will also learn how to implement strength and conditioning principles, refine their programming abilities and qualify for higher-level certifications.
Our program is recognized by the NSCA through its Education Recognition Program (ERP), which acknowledges educational institutions that offer standardized, approved curricula in strength and conditioning or personal training at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, aimed at preparing students for the CSCS certification.
Why Earn an Exercise Science Degree Online?
Earning a master’s degree is a serious endeavor. When considering exercise science degree programs, why should you consider online programs?
An online exercise science program offers several compelling advantages:
- Flexibility: One of the primary benefits is the flexibility to study on your own schedule. This is especially beneficial for students who may already be working or have other commitments that make attending traditional on-campus classes challenging.
- Accessibility: Online programs can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for commuting or relocating closer to a campus. This makes higher education more accessible to individuals living in remote areas or those who prefer to study from home.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, online programs are competitively priced. They often have lower tuition rates, and students can save on commuting costs, campus facility fees and sometimes required course materials which are often available online.
- Technology Integration: Studying online inherently enhances technological proficiency, a valuable skill in today’s digital world. Online courses require the use of various educational technologies and platforms, preparing students for modern, tech-oriented work environments.
- Self-Paced Learning: Many online programs offer self-paced learning, allowing students to progress through courses at a speed that suits their learning style and knowledge retention abilities.
- Continued Professional Development: For those already employed in health-related fields, online degrees allow for continued professional development without interrupting their career trajectory. It enables professionals to enhance their qualifications and potentially open doors to advancement opportunities within their current roles.
- Interactive Learning Environment: Advances in online education technology have made virtual classrooms highly interactive, with opportunities for real-time discussions, group projects and networking with peers and instructors worldwide.
These factors make earning an exercise science degree online an attractive option for many, combining convenience and quality with the demands of modern lifestyles and careers.
Exercise Science Careers
Getting an online exercise science degree prepares students for a variety of successful careers in fields such as:
- Personal Training: Working individually with clients to design and implement personalized fitness programs.
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching: Assisting athletes in improving their performance and preventing injuries through targeted training programs.
- Corporate Wellness Coordination: Designing and managing health and wellness programs within corporate environments to improve employee health.
- Health and Wellness Coaching: Helping clients achieve their health goals through guidance on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle changes.
- Sports Coaching: Leading and training sports teams and individual athletes, focusing on enhancing performance and tactical knowledge.
- Recreational Therapy: Using exercise and activity-based treatments to help people with injuries, disabilities or illnesses.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Working with patients recovering from heart surgery or cardiac events, focusing on physical activity and lifestyle changes for heart health.
- Exercise Physiology: Conducting assessments and developing exercise prescriptions to help clients meet their fitness and health goals.
- Nutrition Consulting: Combining knowledge of nutrition and exercise to provide dietary advice tailored to the exercise and sports performance needs of clients.
- Athletic Training: Working with professional athletes to meet their overall health and fitness goals through targeted training sessions.
These career paths can vary widely but all benefit from a degree in exercise science. As an exercise science professional, you will assist people in learning proper exercise techniques and supporting community health.
Admission Requirements
- Free online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2.85 minimum GPA
- Objective statement
- Letters of recommendation
Curriculum
Required Program Courses
Earn a Master’s in Applied Exercise Science
If you’re interested in advancing your career and diving deeper into the principles of exercise science, CUC’s Master’s in Applied Exercise Science may be right for you. This program prepares students to thrive in the dynamic health and wellness industry.
Whether you want to design physical exercise programs for community centers, work on athlete risk management or become a personal trainer, there are plenty of career options available to you with an exercise science degree.
Concordia University Chicago offers kinesiology, exercise science, healthcare administration and sports management degrees fully online.
Apply today or book a call to meet with an admissions specialist.