Program Overview
Prepare for fitness and health careers with the MS in Exercise Science online degree from Aurora University. Through coursework and an internship or capstone experience, this online master’s in exercise science prepares you for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) exam. Become a trained exercise science expert and complete your degree in 1-2 years with AU Online.
Curriculum
The online MS in Exercise Science program features coursework in exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, research methods, and program organization and administration. All courses are taught by expert instructors with extensive experience in their fields.
“The research methods class in AU’s Exercise Science graduate program paid off for me right away at my current job working with cardiac rehab patients. It inspired me to create a new process for successfully identifying and addressing the barriers that many of my patients face in making lifestyle changes.”
-Amanda Miner MSES ’22
Our students have completed internships and found employment at the following companies:
- Acceleration Sports Performance
- Arizona State University
- Athletico
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Elite Sports Performance
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- IMG Academy
- Loyola University Chicago
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina State University
- Northwestern Medicine
- Rush Copley Medical Center
- San Francisco Giants
- Texas A&M University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Iowa
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Windy City Bulls
- YMCA
The online exercise science degree program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Skills Gained in the Online Exercise Science Degree
Complete 30 credit hours led by experienced faculty members to earn an online master’s in exercise science from Aurora University Online. Add the Clinical Exercise Physiology Specialization for a more concentrated degree, or earn the general MS in Exercise Science to graduate with a comprehensive set of skills in:
- Communication
- Exercise physiology
- Nutrition
- Problem solving
- Program organization
- Research methods
- Sports psychology
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Available Specialization
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Gain the skills to improve cardiovascular fitness, manage chronic illnesses, and prepare for certification in this in-demand role.
Program Details
- Next Start Date:May 5, 2025
- Est. Program Length:1-2 years
- Credit Hours:30
- Course Length:8 - 16 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$565
Program Prerequisite Requirements:
- HLS2650 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
- EXS3230 Physiology of Exercise
MSES Core Courses (18 semester hours):
- EXS5010 Research Methods in Exercise and Sport – 3 hours
- EXS5020 Nutrition for Sports Performance – 3 hours
- EXS5030 Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology – 3 hours
- EXS5040 Management in Exercise and Sport – 3 hours
- EXS5100 Advanced Exercise Physiology – 3 hours
- EXS5110 Advanced Exercise Physiology Lab – 3 hours
Clinical Exercise Physiology Specialization (12 semester hours):
- EXS5350 Advanced Exercise Assessment and Prescription – 3 hours
- EXS5360 Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology and ECG Interpretation – 3 hours
- EXS5370 Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology – 3 hours
- EXS5400 Exercise Physiology Graduate Internship – 3 hours
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates.
- A completed admission application.
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a major in exercise science, kinesiology, or related area. Those without the appropriate major must complete the prerequisite courses as listed below.
- Prerequisite required courses: Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise Physiology; bridge courses are available for those without the prerequisite courses.
- Current TB screen/test conducted within the past 12 months (cost incurred by student).
- Criminal background check through the university (cost incurred by student).
- Transcripts (official, sealed in envelope) from all previously attended colleges or universities.
*Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must submit a personal statement. Additional letters of recommendation and/or an interview with the program director may be required.
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster than ever. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate programs prior to enrollment into Aurora University.
Online Master of Science in Exercise Science Career Outcomes
Completing the online exercise science degree program offered by Aurora University will prepare you with the practical skills you need to advance in your career and benefit from steady job growth in this highly rewarding field. In Illinois, openings for physical therapy assistants are projected to increase by 23% through 2032, which is much faster than average.1 Coaches are also expected to see higher-than-average job growth at the rate of 9%.1
After graduating with your MS in Exercise Science, you’ll qualify for a range of careers promoting health and wellness, including:
- Dietician ($64,370/year in Illinois2)
- Exercise physiologist ($63,970/year in Illinois2)
- Physical therapy assistant ($67,170/year in Illinois2)
- Strength and conditioning coach ($55,630/year in Illinois2)
Sources
- Projections Central. “Long-Term Projections (2022-2032).” Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://projectionscentral.org/longterm.
Next Steps
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