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Everything You Need to Know About a Master's in Exercise Science

Exercise Science Blog-2

Earning a Master of Science in Exercise Science gives you the credential to match your passion for health and fitness. The majority of careers in the exercise science field require graduate-level coursework—and you have what it takes to achieve the education you need.

With a degree from SNU, you'll be prepared to teach in academia, perform research, seek grant funding, and specialize in cardiac exercise, exercise rehabilitation, strength training, or elite human performance. To help you find your niche within this broad industry, we offer two tracks to choose from within the master’s in exercise science:

Health and Human Performance Track

  • Empowers students to prescribe plans to achieve and maintain elite human performance 
  • Prepares graduates to communicate professionally and clearly across disciplines 
  • Trains students to understand ethical and legal issues in the field

Health Promotion and Wellness Track (Online Only)

  • Provides instruction on personal and community health, epidemiology, disease prevention, health behaviors, wellness and exercise 
  • Trains graduates to analyze and interpret research data 
  • Prepares students to effectively seek grant funding

The program’s curriculum is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of health and how it relates to a wide range of jobs and careers. Students take core classes, choose an elective, and then take classes in their designated track. While the core classes are offered in-person at our Bethany, OK campus, you can then choose to take the Health Promotion and Wellness track entirely online or continue in-person with the Health and Human Performance track

A degree for the future you want

With this degree, you’ll learn to promote good holistic health and even improve your own life. Erin Wright, a graduate of the program, said, "All the professors have been extremely helpful and being able to get certified in so many health areas has already helped me out in my health and fitness walk of life.” Now more than ever, having an academic-level understanding of health and wellness is highly needed and valuable. In today’s world, a sea of information is available that claims to offer the keys to true health. There’s rising demand for knowledgeable and credentialed professionals who can help people navigate health choices, see through the fads and trends, and focus on what really matters.

A master's degree in exercise science can prepare you for a wide range of fulfilling careers. Paired with other required education, some graduates even go on to become a medical doctor (MD) or physician assistant (PA). As you work to shape your career, this degree can be the perfect next step to develop your passions while keeping your options open.

If you have your eyes set on a specific profession, always be sure to research the education requirements and set actionable goals for yourself. Need help figuring out which degree you need? SNU is here to help you make the right choice.

Jobs you can hold with a Master’s in Exercise Science

  • Doctor (MD)
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Chiropractor (DC)
  • Registered Dietician
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist (DPT)
  • Physician Assistant
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • College / University teaching
  • Public Health Official
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Director of Health & Wellness Centers

A degree you have time for

Looking to complete your degree virtually? While the core classes of the program must be taken in-person at our Bethany, OK campus – the Health Promotion and Wellness track is offered entirely online. Students can choose this track and switch to online learning after completing the core classes or continue in-person with the Health and Human Performance track.

SNU offers flexible options to fit your schedule. Eager for the classroom learning environment but don’t feel like you can squeeze it in? Our in-person classes are just one night a week, making it a manageable commitment without disrupting your life. If you want even more flexibility, our 100% online option allows you to do your coursework wherever, whenever. There’s nothing keeping you from arranging your schedule however is best. Plus, with so many ways to stay virtually connected to your cohort and professors, you don’t have to sacrifice community for convenience.

SNU’s adult programs also follow an accelerated format, meaning you can earn your degree faster from start to finish. Gone are the days of being in school for years on end no matter the program. Designed with you in mind, we’ve fast-tracked our programs to deliver a high quality education at a pace that’s quick but manageable. And with multiple start dates throughout the year, you can enroll whenever it’s most convenient for you. Don’t wait for the next fall season to roll around.

Fitting a degree program in your life has never been easier. There will always be reasons to keep putting it off. But with built-in support from SNU and a determined focus to reach your goals, you have what it takes.

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