Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science (M.S.)

 

Empowering Others with an M.S. in Exercise Science

Take your passion for physical wellness and interest in health care to the next level with your M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from West Chester University. Our master's degree in exercise and sport science will prepare you for highly sought-after roles in fitness, sports, and health-related fields such as cardiac rehabilitation.

West Chester University has been on the cutting edge of exercise and sport science for more than twenty years. We understand what concepts, skills, and abilities are important to employers, and have built our program around experiential learning and research with faculty experts.

To meet your individual needs and goals, WCU's exercise and sport science master's is offered full-time or part-time in hybrid format to give you an immersive—yet flexible—learning experience.

Our M.S. in exercise science program offers three areas of concentration to align with your interests:

1. Applied sports performance
2. Clinical exercise physiology
3. Sport and exercise psychology

 

Tracks in the Exercise and Sport Science Program

Applied Sports Performance

The applied sports performance track of the M.S. in exercise science focuses on applied muscular physiology, advanced motor learning, and both biomechanics and pathokinesiology. Students in this track go on to help clients build strength, endurance, speed, and agility, while enhancing self-motivation, resilience, and confidence.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

If you're interested in helping individuals prevent disease or manage chronic conditions, clinical exercise physiology is for you. This concentration includes clinical exercise testing and prescription as well as advanced muscular physiology.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Ever heard, get your head in the game or get out of your head? Then you already know about sport and exercise psychology. This concentration focuses on group dynamics in exercise, sport, neuroscience perspectives in sport and exercise, and advanced motor learning. It involves the scientific study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in any form of physical activity.

 

Benefits of Earning your Exercise Physiology Master's at West Chester University

Small Class Size

With a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, you'll receive individualized attention from faculty and have plenty of opportunities to engage with classmates in our exercise physiology master's degree program. Small classes mean more meaningful interactions, conversations, and relationships to expand your professional network.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty members hold credentials from the most prestigious accrediting and certifying boards including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Many of our faculty members are also practicing clinicians, meaning you'll learn progressive techniques from experts in the field.

Hands-On Opportunities in State-of-the-Art Facilities

WCU's exercise and sport science program offers hands-on opportunities in our clinical-based research Human Performance Laboratory. You'll collaborate with faculty and classmates to conduct real-world research that will give you the experience and background to stand out in a competitive industry.

You'll use lab equipment such as EMG, EKG, motion capture, force plates, and vo2 testing devices to measure and improve athlete performance.

Location, Location, Location

Located just outside Philadelphia, West Chester University is in an area known for its eds and meds—meaning there are opportunities for research everywhere you look.

From nationally recognized R1 research institutions to some of the country's top hospitals, you'll have opportunities to enhance learning and expand your clinical knowledge by taking part in practicum experiences at affiliated, off-campus sites.

As an added benefit, WCU provides graduate assistantships in the form of tuition waivers and stipends for field research experiences.

Exercise and Sport Science Program Events

Our sport science master's offers on-campus activities such as ACSM's Exercise is Medicine and AASP's Exercise and Sport Psychology Conferences. Exercise and sport science degree students can also participate in regional professional events such as ASCM's Mid-Atlantic Conference and the American Society of Biomechanics Conference.

 

What Can You Do with an Exercise and Sport Science Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% growth for athletic trainers through 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Your degree is an extension of other fields—such as kinesiology—that translate broadly into the workplace. Roles you can pursue with your exercise physiology master's include:

• Sports coach: Work with teams teaching players skills, strategies, and techniques to improve performance and outcomes.
• Kinesiologist: Use your expertise in movement and body mechanics to help patients/clients recover from injury.
• Occupational therapist: Help individuals overcome impaired motor functions and disabilities that make it difficult to do everyday things such as getting dressed.
• Exercise physiologist: Develop exercise routines and fitness programs to help patients/clients build physical strength and improve overall well being.
• Rehabilitation specialist: Help individuals improve their full range of physical motion or assist those who have sustained physical injuries.
• Nutritionist: Ensure patients/clients are eating well and maintaining a proper diet. As a nutritionist, you might work with a medical team, at a sports facility, or as a private consultant.
• Wellness director: Design and deliver health and wellness programs for diverse employees.

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as an Exercise and Sport Science Degree Student?

West Chester University's sport science master's program is designed to help you build your personal knowledge and gain the skills to work in health care, academic and professional settings, and entrepreneurial ventures.