Online Master of Science in Exercise Sport and Science
Step into the forefront of exercise science with the University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science.
Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science Program Overview
Our fully online program is designed for working professionals and recent college graduates who are ready to deepen their knowledge, enhance their skills, and advance their careers in the dynamic field of exercise and sport science. With a focus on innovative research, applied experience, and preparation for advanced certifications, this program provides the flexibility and depth needed to excel in various roles in the industry.
Our Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about advancing their careers in the exercise science and sports performance fields. If you’re currently working in a health or fitness role and you’re looking to expand your expertise or move into a more advanced position, this program can help you reach your career goals. Additionally, those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field and are seeking advanced education and certification preparation can use a master in exercise science to enter the field in more advanced roles or at a higher starting salary.
Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science Program Overview
High Quality Education
- Comprehensive and Current Curriculum: Unlike many programs, ours is designed to cover both the practical and theoretical aspects of exercise science. With a strong emphasis on research, data analysis, and advanced sport science, you’ll gain the skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in the field.
- Applied Experience: The program offers a choice between a capstone project or an internship, providing hands-on experience that is directly relevant to your career goals. This practical component is designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
- Top-Tier Faculty: Learn from esteemed faculty members with extensive professional experience and research expertise. Their guidance and mentorship will help you navigate complex topics and prepare you for leadership roles in exercise science.
This Program Prepares Learners For:
- Our program is designed to prepare students for professional certification exams like the NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)
- The program can help students meet the requirements for the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (EP) certification and Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) certification.
Flexibility
- Program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, depending on your pace.
- Program can be customized to fit your career goals with electives.
- 100% online and asynchronous
- Financial aid & scholarship options available
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science is 30 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC6002 | Research Methods and Analysis in Exercise and Sport Science Research Methods and Analysis in Exercise and Sport Science will set the foundation for students to understand research design, methods and the appropriate statistical analyses required for analyzing and interpreting data in exercise and sport science. The general research principles can apply to many other fields in experimental and quantitative research. The research methods in exercise science class will provide students with an in-depth learning experience regarding the utilization of statistical analysis software and accurate statistical analyses and interpretations to utilize based on design and types of data structures. Students will develop and be taught advanced methods regarding how to set up and use statistical software and integrate with various current tools in today’s ever changing technological landscape. |
3 |
| EXSC7001 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Advanced Exercise Physiology will teach students how the body physiologically responds to exercise from the cellular level all the way to a whole organism or system level. This course will cover the body’s acute and chronic responses to various forms of exercise from biochemical changes within the muscle to long-term adaptations that improve performance. Additionally, these changes will be looked under extreme conditions such as high temperature and high-altitude environments and research applications and techniques for further advancements in exercise physiology will be addressed. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC6001 | Foundations of Sport Science The Foundations of Sport Science course will provide students with detailed and up-to-date information regarding performance-based technology, athlete monitoring and various research and laboratory techniques currently used in the field today to improve human performance. The course will also delve into new research outlining effective methods for assessing and optimizing athletic performance. |
3 |
| EXSC7002 | Human Pathophysiology and Performance Human Pathophysiology and Performance offers a detailed examination of the physiological and pathological responses of the body. The course will dive into topics ranging from mechanisms of injury and disease processes to the body's intricate adaptive responses to training and performance demands. The course will have a particular focus on current research findings regarding exercise as therapeutic modalities and improvements in disease outcomes. |
3 |
| EXSC7003 | Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids is designed to implement a research and evidence-based approach to advance a student’s understanding of dietary strategies to improve human performance. The course will also focus on legal and illegal performance-enhancing substances in the realm of sports and exercise. A primary focus will be on understand the research and science propelling nutritional optimization for peak performance, and critically analyze the efficacy, mechanisms, and ethics of various ergogenic aids. Tailored for master's students, this course bridges the gap between nutrition theory and practical applications. |
3 |
| EXSC7084 | Strength and Conditioning Programming The Strength and Conditioning Programming course will provide students with an in-depth learning experience regarding current methods in strength and conditioning programming and how to effectively set up, test and analyze strength and conditioning outcomes from a pre and posttest measurement application. Students will learn how to develop and implement periodization programs for athletes, youth, adults, and geriatric populations based on one’s health, fitness level and testing results. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC7090 | Applied Experience in Exercise and Sport Science This course allows students to engage in hands-on, competency-based work within the context of exercise and sport science. Students will select from a menu of applied, real-world project options designed to focus on the key topical areas learned throughout the exercise and sport science curriculum. *This course must be completed in the student's last semester prior to graduation.* |
3 |
| Course | Title / Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC7080 | Risk Management for Exercise and Fitness Professionals Exercise and fitness professionals wear many hats in their day-to-day roles. A comprehensive understanding of risk management and how to apply it is one of the most important. In this course, students will learn how to apply legal concepts and risk management strategies in order to deliver safe, effective programs for participants and prevent civil lawsuits and statutory violations. |
3 |
| GNTD6088 | Science and Practice of Mind Body Medicine Students will experientially explore commonly used mind-body modalities including mindfulness, guided imagery, breathwork, yoga, etc., which enhance stress management and promote overall wellness. This course provides an evidence-base and indication for use of mind-body techniques in a personal and professional/clinical setting. Graduate students will further develop their skills focusing on science by choosing one mind/body modality to research in more depth and propose a pilot research project – i.e. guided imagery as it relates to pre and postsurgical outcomes. |
3 |
| EXSC6024 | Health and Wellness Coaching This skills-based course is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical application of health and wellness coaching for behavior change in a variety of settings. Topics include building rapport, effective coach-to-client communication techniques, screening and assessment, motivational interviewing, legal considerations of the profession, and professional scope of practice of the health coach. |
3 |
| EXSC7020 | Innovative Wellness Leadership In this course, students will gain an understanding of the major leadership theories and concepts of innovation and apply them within the context of leading health and wellness programs and organizations. Students will also gain an understanding of how to establish collaborative relationships within and across key stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams to promote sustainable health and wellness practices that meet long-term personal, organizational, and/or community goals. |
3 |
| EXSC7075 | Evidence-Based Practice and Interpreting Research in Health and Wellness This course provides an introduction to evidence-based practice in health and wellness. This includes the ability to interpret best evidence from well-designed research studies, in addition to incorporating client values/preferences and professional experience, in approaching the prevention or management of disease. Students will learn to ask focused questions, analyze existing guidelines, critically analyze and synthesize relevant research, and integrate evidence into practice. |
3 |
| SPAD7012 | Sport and the Social Context This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major sociological issues in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic administration. All primary issues impacting athletics are covered, including but not limited to gender and sex, race and ethnicity, disability, religion, media involvement, and globalization. |
3 |
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university in a related field such as Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or similar is required. If a student has a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and would like to apply for the program, they must:
- Show evidence that the following courses were taken and passed: Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise Physiology.
OR
- Have previously earned a CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association) or ACSM-EP (American College of Sports Medicine) certification. (Completion of these certifications does not guarantee acceptance, although they can be used to strengthen an application.)
- An overall 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from all previous undergraduate coursework.
- GRE is not required.
Admissions Materials
- Unofficial transcripts
- Resume/CV
- One (1) letter of recommendation
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees are waived for Summer 2026 applications submitted by March 1st, 2026
- Application fees are waived for Fall 2026 applications submitted by July 1st, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Application must include a copy of your current resume or curriculum vitae.
Your letter of recommendation should be written by an individual who knows you either professionally or academically. Please note that the name and email address of your recommender is required.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
April 28, 2026 August 17, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
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