M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion

Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion

The Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion at the Â鶹ÉäÇø (UNA) is designed for passionate individuals who want to lead in the fields of health, wellness, and human performance. Whether you are seeking to elevate your current role or pivot into a growing career sector, this dynamic program will meet your needs. With start terms available in the fall, spring, and summer, you can begin your journey on your schedule. 

What sets UNA’s program apart is its hands-on, applied learning approach. From internships and research projects to experiential class assignments and thesis options, you will gain real-world experience that translates directly to career readiness. Small class sizes foster personalized mentorship from faculty with diverse expertise, while our customizable curriculum with three different concentrations (kinesiology, exercise science, and wellness & health promotion) allows you to align your studies with your individual career goals. This is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad for making a lasting impact in health and wellness. 

costs

Tuition and Costs
Link to Full Details

credientials

Credentials Earned
Masters of Exercise Science and Health Promotion

modality

Modality
In-Person

time

Time to Complete
2 years

What can I do with a MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion?

Graduates of the MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion program are prepared for a wide variety of dynamic and impactful careers across clinical, corporate, academic, and community settings. Career opportunities include: 

  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist 
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist 
  • Fitness and Wellness Coach 
  • Community Health Educator 
  • Corporate Wellness Coordinator 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach 
  • Researcher or Academic in Exercise Science and Public Health 
  • Health Promotion Specialist in Healthcare Settings 

This program also prepares students for professional certifications, including those offered by ACSM and NSCA, and serves as a strong foundation for doctoral or advanced study. 

Request Information

Why the Â鶹ÉäÇø?

At the Â鶹ÉäÇø, we believe in empowering students through a combination of academic excellence and practical experience. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and wellness facilities provide the ideal setting for immersive, real-world learning. Flexible delivery options—including 8-week courses and online classes—support students from all walks of life, especially working professionals seeking to advance their careers. 

UNA maintains strong partnerships with healthcare providers, fitness organizations, and even national agencies like NASA, giving students access to internships, research collaborations, and job placement support. With a supportive community, dedicated faculty, and a deep commitment to improving lives through health and movement, UNA offers an educational experience rooted in integrity, innovation, and service. 

Curriculum

Curriculum

Exercise Science and Health Promotion Core 12
Research Methods
Introduction to Statistics: Theory and Application
Advanced Exercise Physiology I
Critical Analysis of Research and Professional Literature
Concentration choice (Listed below) 30

Concentrations

Exercise Science Concentration
Stress Management
Laboratory Techniques in Health and Human Performance
Clinical Exercise Physiology
    One additional course from the following:
Essentials of Prescribing Resistance Training
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and ECG Interpretation
Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Integrative Health Coaching
Students will choose, and have approved by their advisor, a route for the remaining 6 hours of their coursework:
Thesis Route:
Thesis
Non-Thesis Route
    Choose 6 hours from the following:
Essentials of Prescribing Resistance Training (if not already selected above)
Health Promotion
Principles of Nutrition (Principles of Nutrition Science and Metabolism)
Application of Nutritional Concepts (Application of Nutritional Concepts)
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and ECG Interpretation (if not already selected above)
Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases (if not already selected above)
Integrative Health
Integrative Health Coaching (if not already selected above)
Internship
Risk Management in Sport & Recreation Management
Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation Management

Accreditations

The Â鶹ÉäÇø is accredited by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, education specialist, and doctorate level degrees.  
Request Information

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

  1. Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
  2. Preparation:  must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
  3. Conditional admission:  minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate major work.
  4. Must have departmental approval.
  5. In addition, students may earn no more than six hours of "C" work or below.  A third grade of "C" or below will result in dismissal from the program.  
  6. Recommendations: three letters of recommendation to be addressed to the Chair or Graduate Program Coordinator of Department of Kinesiology from professionals that can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and potential for success as a graduate student.
  7. Essay: typed, maximum two pages, addressing these three questions:
    1. Why the candidate wishes to be considered for admission to the graduate program;
    2. How completion of a graduate degree supports the candidate’s career goals; and
    3. What the candidate can bring to this graduate program.

Resources

Request for Information

Loading...