Online MS in Exercise Science

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Online Courses

1-Year Online Program

Industry Expert Instructors

Scholarships Available

Programs Curriculum Careers

Become a Leader in Exercise, Fitness, Strength Training and Conditioning

Take the next step in a career that inspires healthier life choices and knowledge in the field of human performance. The University of West Alabama’s online master’s in exercise science program helps you build the advanced knowledge and practical skills to grow as a coach, strength and conditioning specialist, exercise physiologist, educator or sports professional.

As an exercise science graduate, you’ll be able to enhance clients’ functional capacity through exercise. You’ll also gain scientific knowledge necessary to prepare and implement a strength training and conditioning plan for the population you serve.

MS in Exercise Science Degree Benefits

  • Learn from faculty with over 100 years of combined industry experience.
  • Choose from concentrations in Exercise Science or Strength Training and Conditioning.
  • Customize your degree with a thesis or internship option.

Explore Industry-Leading Concentrations

Whether you’d like to dive deeper into exercise science or learn more about strength training and conditioning, each master’s in exercise science concentration adds invaluable insight to your degree.

  • Modality: Online
  • Credit Hours: 33
  • Duration: 1 year

Utilize a scientific approach to examine how training, nutrition and lifestyle impact health and quality of life.

  • Modality: Online
  • Credit Hours: 33
  • Duration: 1 year

Apply scientific principles to develop, plan and implement training programs, often for athletes, aiming to maximize their performance in sports.

Curriculum Designed for a Successful Future

The online MS in Exercise Science program delivers a modern, career-focused curriculum. You will explore sports nutrition, master the principles of exercise physiology, design targeted training programs for both clinical populations and elite athletes, and learn to manage fitness facilities effectively.

Round out your exercise science master’s degree program with a thesis, if you’d like to investigate a topic of interest, or choose an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Shape Healthier, Stronger Communities

As demand continues to grow for professionals in exercise science, fitness, coaching and sport performance, this degree equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills employers value. The exercise science master’s degree program prepares you for careers that make a meaningful impact on the health, performance and well-being of the individuals and communities you serve, including corporate wellness, tactical strength and conditioning, and collegiate and professional athletic program management. Pursue roles such as an exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning specialist, fitness manager, coach, personal trainer, clinical exercise professional, sport management leader, and more.

Open the Door to New Career Opportunities

Wellness Director $76,391 per year1

Strength and Conditioning Specialist $74,000 per year2

Exercise Physiologist $58,160 per year3

Athletic Coach $51,591 per year4

About Us

UWA is located in the heart of Livingston on the western border of the state. As one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Alabama, we’ve been helping students pursue their dreams and goals since 1835. Join more than 3,500 online learners and take advantage of our tradition of excellence with our flexible online programs.

Where Flexibility Meets Quality

UWA designs online classes to provide the flexibility to balance school and work commitments. The courses offer the same rigor found on campus, so you can engage in quality education to prepare for career success. As you take classes online, your success coach will offer guidance and assist with your questions.

Sources

  1. Payscale. “Average Wellness Director Salary.” May 7, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com.
  2. Payscale. “Salary for Certification: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).” April 6, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Exercise Physiologists.” August 28, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov.
  4. Payscale. “Average Athletic Coach Salary.” January 6, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com.