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Master of Science in Kinesiology & Exercise Science

If you’re interested in how the human body moves, works and performs, College of Saint Mary’s new Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science is for you.

Coursework will emphasize practical application to human movement and developing advanced skills to apply to future career opportunities. You’ll learn how to develop and assess human movement and prescribe individual or group exercise programs.

The curriculum will help you and your classmates develop the skills needed to understand and interpret data involved in exercise science research, and you’ll complete a professional field experience that meets your personal interests while preparing you for your career.

Your degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science will open doors to careers in wellness, fitness, sports performance, recovery therapy, biomechanics, higher education, and related fields involving human motion.

  • Learn how to develop and assess human movement and prescribe individual or group exercise programs.
  • Gain hands on experience in our multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art health professions labs.

 

Program Awards

  • College of Saint Mary was ranked No. 11 as Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America by Niche.

     

Degree Offered & Overview

Degree Offered & Overview

Program Details

Program Details

Start Date: Fall
Program Length: 1-2 Years
Class Size: 20 students per cohort

Career Outlook

Career Outlook

Fitness & Wellness Coordinators

The corporate wellness trend is experiencing a significant resurgence in the industry. Organizations are enlisting individuals with degrees who can conduct effective fitness sessions, both in group settings and one-on-one, directly at the workplace. A trend in senior fitness is occurring due to our population living longer, and exercise professionals who can create functional movement classes and assist with improving daily living activities through strength and flexibility concepts are needed. This has led to a demand for fitness experts capable of designing functional movement programs that enhance daily activities by focusing on strength and flexibility.
 

Strength & Conditioning Specialists

Enhancing sports performance isn’t limited to pro athletes anymore. The wider population seeks trends beyond what is offered in a regular gym. The concept of training like a professional athlete or making safe but proper athletic goals is now important besides becoming healthier or fitter. Private and professional groups offer sport-specific training, once reserved for elites. This spans teams, colleges, schools, and more, creating varied career paths. About 90% of these roles need a Kinesiology degree and a Strength & Conditioning certification from associations like the National Strength & Conditioning Association or the Collegiate Strength Coaches Association. College of Saint Mary will prepare students for this profession and offer certification exams at the end of their studies.
 

Higher Education (Coaching and/or teaching)

Teaching at 2- or 4-year institutions requires a graduate degree. These jobs are available nationwide, with 4-year institutions requiring a terminal degree. Coaching at this level demands a graduate degree, preferably Kinesiology. Community colleges will require the ability to coach a sport and teach fitness classes. The 4-year institutions prioritize research agendas. The College of Saint Mary program will provide a sound foundation for promoting this career.
 

Clinical professions

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, or chiropractors help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These clinical professionals are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Many of these clinicians major in Kinesiology & Exercise Science before moving on to graduate programs. Having a background in movement science has provided positive foundation for these professionals.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduate Student Earns Valuable Research Experience

The research component of the program appealed to Ethan, he envisioned himself actively engaging in this aspect of the program.

CSM’s Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science offers two types of concentrations – research-based thesis and graduate-level internship. The coursework emphasizes practical application to human movement and developing skills to apply to future career opportunities, and the curriculum helps students develop the skills needed to understand and interpret data involved in exercise science research.

“Dr. Shim explained to me how I can use kinesiology and my experience in speech and language pathology to do my own research,” Ethan said.

Read More About Ethan's Experience at CSM