M.S. in Exercise Science FAQs

Yes, you can transfer up to 50 percent of the program’s credit hours from a regionally accredited institution toward this degree program. Our Transfer Specialists will guide you through the process.

To apply for CSP’s online Master’s of Science in Exercise Science, you need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. While degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, athletic training, or related fields are preferred, students from other backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Review the admissions requirements for all details and to begin your online application. 

Your first step is to complete the online application, and then prepare your high school or college transcripts, if applicable. See the How to Apply page for more information.

A related field or professional experience may be beneficial as you approach the core courses of this program but are not required to pursue the online master’s degree. 

centers (median salary $58,160), Fitness Trainers and Instructors (median salary $46,180), Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Corporate Wellness Directors, Fitness Directors, Sports Performance Coaches, and Program Managers. Other opportunities include roles in metabolic testing, biomechanics analysis, research coordination, and adjunct teaching at community colleges. View more information about options in the exercise science career guide. 

Yes, the program includes strength and conditioning coursework and prepares you to work with athletic populations. However, if you’re certain you want to focus exclusively on coaching athletes in competitive sports settings, consider CSP’s online master’s in strength and conditioning, which is more specifically tailored to athletic performance. The Exercise Science degree provides broader career flexibility while still preparing you for athletic performance roles, especially when combined with CSCS certification. 

Yes, you can teach at community colleges as an adjunct instructor with a master’s degree. Some universities hire master’s-level instructors for laboratory courses, activity classes, or specialized roles. Full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at four-year universities typically require doctoral degrees. Many graduates use the master’s degree as preparation for doctoral programs if they’re interested in academic careers. 

The online master’s in exercise science program has 11 courses. The 33-credit curriculum includes core courses in Advanced Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, Clinical Exercise Assessment, Exercise and Sport Psychology, and Nutrition and Metabolism.  You will also take Research Methods in Kinesiology, ethics and Sociology in Sport and Exercise Science, and Exercise Prescription. The program concludes with a Capstone in Exercise Science where you synthesize your learning through a comprehensive project. Learn more about the individual curriculum details on the courses page.  

Yes, this degree program follows a cohort model.

Yes, the program provides excellent preparation for doctoral programs in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or related fields. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of exercise science theory, research design, and practical experience through coursework and the capstone project. To strengthen doctoral applications, maintain a 3.0 GPA, develop strong faculty relationships for recommendations, and strengthen writing skills. CSP’s doctoral programs require a master’s degree, making this an important steppingstone for academic research or university faculty careers. 

CSP’s M.S. in Exercise Science is broader, covering clinical applications, special populations, research methods, and diverse career paths including exercise physiology, corporate wellness, research, and teaching. It prepares you for ACSM certifications and work across healthcare, fitness, and corporate settings. The M.S. in Strength and Conditioning focuses specifically on athletic performance, resistance training, periodization, and coaching athletes. It prepares you for NSCA CSCS certification and careers as strength coaches in sports settings. Choose Exercise Science for career flexibility across clinical, wellness, and performance settings. Choose Strength and Conditioning for focused athletic performance coaching careers. For more information see our article explaining more about  exercise science. 

The 33-credit program can be completed in approximately 5.5 semesters (about 22 months) although your transfer credits and general education coursework will vary the time it takes you to finish.  Full-time students typically take two courses (6 credits) every eight weeks. Part-time students taking one course per term will need longer to complete the program. The flexible online format and generous transfer credit policy allows you to adjust your course load and time to completion based on work and personal commitments. 

CSP’s M.S. in Exercise Science costs $475 per credit hour. With 33 required credits, the total tuition is $15,675. Additional expenses may include loan fees, textbooks, and course supplies. Financial aid opportunities include Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institutional scholarships, external scholarships from professional organizations (ACSM, NSCA), employer tuition assistance, and military/veteran education benefits. Review the tuition and financial aid information for additional information on planning the financial journey toward your degree.