Your Degree in Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance: Smart Combination

A degree that points you in the right career direction and has plenty of flexibility is a smart move. One of those smart moves is a graduate degree in sports science: a Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance.

A degree in exercise physiology – extending naturally into the area of sports performance – examines how the human body responds to different types of movement and exercise. Consider it a specialization area within the better-known field of kinesiology – the study of human movement.

Human movement encompasses physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, and neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement. Yes, a comprehensive M.S. in Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance degree is right for the times.

Who Should Focus on a Graduate Degree in Exercise Physiology

• Those who know that an improved physical fitness level typically translates to improved health.
• Those who’ve discovered how specific exercise regimens can help control weight, prevent heart disease, improve sleep, and positively affect mental health.
• Those who desire to understand the connection among nutrition, conditioning, exercise type, and other factors.
• Those with a calling to help others be at their best – whether a senior adult regaining health or athletes seeking that competitive edge.

Not surprisingly, students who are great candidates for this degree have bachelor’s (B.S.) degrees in sports science, exercise science, kinesiology, and sports medicine.

Why You Should Look into Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance

1. Advanced knowledge and skills

A master’s degree in exercise physiology and sports performance provides advanced knowledge and skills in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports nutrition. Knowledge in these areas enable graduates to design and implement highly effective training programs to enhance sports performance.

2. Increased job opportunities

A master’s degree in exercise physiology and sports performance is a sports science degree that can lead to positions with professional sports teams, universities, research institutions, and private businesses.

3. Higher earning potential

According to the employee salaries reported to the data site owlguru.com, the highest 10% of those who have earned their master’s in exercise physiology earned more than $78,170.

Exercise Science Goes Beyond Technical Proficiency

Coursera.org, a popular online learning platform offering courses from universities and companies worldwide, emphasizes that exercise physiologists “spend a lot of time face-to-face with patients, so they must have communication skills, empathy, patience, problem-solving skills, and active listening.”

So, with a graduate degree delivering deep knowledge across multiple disciplines, it’s not surprising to see the huge range of jobs available for those who have a love for all that’s included in physiology and sports science degree fields.

Some examples:

• Exercise physiologist
• Athletic trainer (Also requires an accreditation in athletic training and licensure)
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Sports nutritionist
• Sports coach
• Sports medicine physician
• Biomechanist
• Exercise science/physiology researcher.

Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance: Expanding Healthcare Sector

There’s never been a better time to discover the power of a graduate degree in exercise physiology and sports performance. The role of exercise in preventative healthcare and rehabilitation is widely recognized. The job outlook for exercise physiologists is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Other indications of long-term success for a graduate education in sports science degrees like the M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance:

• Life expectancy continue to increase, and age-related diseases and conditions come with that.
• U.S. statistics show a dramatic rise in lifestyle-related diseases: obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• More than 84% of U.S. companies with 200 employees now offer workplace wellness programs.
• In 2020, 54.1% of children aged 6–17 years participated in sports in the past 12 months.
• According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, youth from age 6 to 17 need a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. Studies show sports provide opportunities for youths to connect effort with success, and may contribute to their academic, economic, social, and health prospects.

CUKC: M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit university in the Kansas City metro now offering a M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance. Our program is 36 credit hours via distance education. This unique program is for those with an exercise science background who want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Features of our M.S. degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance:

• Our students select their science and programming focus areas, allowing more in-depth learning and application through field experiences and a project.
• On a full-time basis, the program can be completed in one year (three trimesters). Our program offers thesis and non-thesis options.
• Courses are offered in 8-week modules, with most classes 100% online.
• Several courses, such as Corrective Exercise & Rehabilitation Program Design and Performance Enhancement Program Design, include an on-campus immersion lab experience.
• There is great flexibility in choosing field experience sites, further allowing students to personalize your graduate education.

Another Smart Move

Do you have plans to become a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)? Current and future CUKC D.C. students with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a closely related field (like a sports sciences degree) may begin exercise physiology classes during the next scheduled CUKC start.

Students without a bachelor’s degree in the area may start after completion of the third trimester of our D.C. program. A description of our exercise physiology degree program is available here. The curriculum for this 36 credit hour program is mapped to provide students with a certificate in sports performance after the first 12 hours, all offered online, have been completed.

Learn more by requesting information from our admissions advisors and see the program details on the CUKC website.