MS in Applied Exercise Science

Application Deadline and Requirements

  • Aug. 19, 2013: Fall 2013 term application deadline (classes start Aug. 26, 2013)
  • Dec. 31, 2013: Spring 2014 term application deadline (classes start Jan. 8, 2014)
  • Admission criteria
  • No GRE Required.
  • No Application Fee.

Study Options and Cohort Locations 

  • Online Master's Degree Program
  • Cohorts on campus (just 10 miles from downtown Chicago)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program was designed in partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Three distinct concentrations prepare individuals for NASM certifications. The Fitness and Health Promotion concentration was designed to meet the needs of individuals who are currently working in, or hoping to enter into a career in the health and fitness industry. This strand prepares individuals for the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam. The Human Movement Science concentration is an advanced specialization that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to assist clients with muscle imbalances, musculoskeletal impairments, and post-rehabilitation concerns. This strand prepares individuals for the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) exam. The final concentration, Sports Performance and Training, was designed for coaches, athletic trainers and other sports professionals who work with all levels of athletes from high school players up through Olympic competitors. This strand prepares individuals for the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) exam.

Concentration Areas

Fitness and Health Promotion

The Fitness and Health Promotion concentration is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are currently working in, or hoping to enter into a career in the health and fitness industry. This strand prepares individuals for the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam.

Human Movement Science

The Human Movement Science concentration is an advanced specialization that provides fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to assist clients with muscle imbalances, musculoskeletal impairments, and post-rehabilitation concerns. This strand prepares individuals for the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) exam.

Sports Performance and Training

The Sports Performance and Training concentration is designed for coaches, athletic trainers and other sports professionals who work with all levels of athletes from high school players up through Olympic competitors. This strand prepares individuals for the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) exam.

Degree Requirements

Completion of the 30 hours of course work including the Master's Capstone Experience

Areas of Study

Required Core Courses (18 credit hours)

  • Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
  • Applied Exercise Physiology
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Functional Biomechanics
  • Exercise and Sport Nutrition
  • Capstone Experience

Human Movement Science Concentration (12 credit hours)

  • Principles of Human Movement Science
  • Program Design in Corrective Exercise Training
  • Practicum: Human Movement Science
  • Special Topics Seminar in Human Movement Science

Fitness and Health Promotion Concentration (12 credit hours)

  • Principles of Fitness and Health Promotion
  • Program Design in Fitness and Health Promotion
  • Practicum: Fitness and Health Promotion
  • Business Development and Entrepreneurship in Fitness and Health Promotion

Sports Performance Training Concentration (12 credit hours)

  • Principles of Sports Performance Training
  • Program Design in Sports Performance Training
  • Practicum: Sports Performance Training
  • Special Topics Seminar in Sports Performance Training
  • Seminar in Sports Performance Training