20 Best Master’s in Fitness and Personal Training

Our top pick for increasing your educational gains comes from Appalachian State University. This Master of Science in Exercise Science lets you customize your degree with three concentrations: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Research, or Strength and Conditioning. All three share a handful of required core classes before branching into a unique curriculum.

Each concentration works through 36 credit hours over the course of two years. The required core throughout all three are the same. These include Introduction to Research Principles and Design, Exercise Science Seminar, Biomechanical and Physiological Laboratory Assessment, Data Analysis in Sport and Exercise Science, and Exercise Physiology. The remaining 22 credits will vary with concentration. The research concentration consists primarily of thesis work. 

The clinical exercise physiology concentration looks at the health benefits of exercise. Required courses cover lessons in cardiorespiratory, cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, and chronic disease management. You may choose to complete a thesis, participate in an internship or you can end the program through a series of pre-approved electives. 

The same thesis/non-thesis decision is afforded to students in the strength and conditioning concentration. The course requirements here are more focused on nutrition and sports performance. You’ll also take a course in Biomechanics, as well as four electives of your choice. 

Appalachian State is a top performer in several categories. U.S. News & World Report ranks them in the top 10 for regional universities in the South, learning communities, and most innovative schools. 

Another Southern school with a strong fitness program, the University of Louisville is an attractive option for exercise technologists or specialist hopefuls.

The M.S. in Exercise Physiology builds skills and knowledge, then applies them to research and application. It also prepares you for certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.

When you declare the program, you also have the option to choose the strength and conditioning concentration. This concentration comes with its own required classes, including Nutrition and Athletic Performance and Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology. 

Whether you choose to take up the concentration or not, you still decide if you want to go the thesis or non-thesis route. The thesis option consists of 42 credit hours, six of which are spent working on the thesis. Alternatively, you can choose the clinical track. This is a 36-credit hour track and calls for an exercise physiology internship.

Last year, the first attempt at passing the National Certification exam was 100%. This also resulted in 100% job placement. Students also gave the program perfect marks for satisfaction. Students specifically hoping to become an exercise technologist or specialist will get the proper preparation through Louisville. 

Auburn University also offers a thesis and non-thesis option when you choose an M.S. in Exercise Science. Several credits of core work are the same throughout both tracks. In total, you’ll be required to complete 33 credit hours for the degree. If you aren’t completing a thesis, you can take the written comprehensive exam.

This program has a set of three concentrations to choose from: biomechanics, exercise physiology, or motor behavior. All students get to take Principles of Biomechanics in Human Movement, Research Methods in Physical Activity, and Advanced Physiology of Exercise I. You choose one more pre-approved option from a selection of courses–Neuromotor Control, Advanced Motor Development, or Advanced Sport Psychology, for example. 

After these requirements, you get to choose from 15 upper level credits. These credits will fall in line with your concentration selection. As part of the School of Kinesiology, you have access to several faculty-led labs, some of which include Neuromechanics Lab, Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Lab, and Human-Dog Bond with Sports and Exercise.

Auburn University is recognized as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 50 Public Schools. It’s also the undergraduate alma mater of Apple CEO and visionary, Tim Cook.

The M.S. in Kinesiology from University of Georgia focuses on strength, conditioning, and fitness. The program brings knowledge through coursework, experience through practicums, and expertise through internships. There is no thesis requirement.

The program ends with a certification exam you’ll need in the field, from either the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, or the American College of Sports Medicine.

It’s important to ensure you meet admissions requirements before you apply. The program is intended for students with a kinesiology-related background. Two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, and Exercise Physiology are also mandatory prerequisites.

The curriculum is specifically designed to be flexible, so you can work toward your own professional goals. Electives explore different areas of exercise science and health. You can choose to learn about sport psychology, neuromuscular exercise physiology, therapeutic exercise, exercise epidemiology, and other related topics. 

In total, you’ll complete 36 credits, and fulfill research method, practicum, and seminar requirements. Team projects and grant-funded research are a large part of the curriculum, giving you hands-on and collaboration-based experience. Certification exams are part of the curriculum, and replace a thesis or final project. If you don’t obtain a certification before graduation, you will have to complete a final oral exam. 

George Mason University offers an M.S. in Exercise, Fitness, and Health promotion. The curriculum is split into three parts: core, concentration, and final project. The concentration in advanced practitioner is mandated and consists of 15 of the total 36 credits. Core credits make up an additional 15 required credits. The final project, or thesis, is the final stage to program completion, and accounts for six credits.

The focus of the program is on “the role of physical activity in the promotion of health, fitness, and quality of life.” To get there, the core courses start you off with foundational courses like Advanced Exercise Physiology, Movement and Fitness Assessment, Scientific Foundation of Applied Kinesiology, Research Methods for Applied Kinesiology, and Principles of Strength and Conditioning.

The concentration courses call for the completion of Quantitative Inquiry in Education, and then leave room for some more choice flexibility. Nutrition, Psychology, and Biomechanics are among these options. The final six credits come through the department of recreation, health & tourism. Three of these are project-related “special topics,” and the final three are supervised project or thesis fulfillment. 

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for roles in exercise, wellness, and human performance-related professions. A degree from George Mason University evokes a sense of accomplishment, especially when applying to jobs. U.S. News & World Report identifies it among the nation’s Most Innovative Schools.

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ puts Exercise Science in league with business. The Master of Business and Science with a concentration in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology gives you an education in all things physical wellness as it relates to exercise, plus a basis in management and planning so you’re a valuable asset to a team. 

A degree like this prepares you to enter the corporate world of supplements, become a fitness center director, or achieve anything in between. Since it is a business degree at its core, you’ll take 19 credits in business.

Mandatory courses will cover Professional Development, Accounting and Finances for Science, Ethics in Science and Technology Management, and Market Assessment. There is also a management capstone requirement. 

The remaining six business requirements are electives. Twenty-four credits are required to satisfy the kinesiology and applied physiology concentration. These cover core science courses, like biochemistry, statistics, and physiology, and options for exercise-related electives. This is where you can customize the program. Some course options here include Exercise Endocrinology, EKG Use, Nutrition, or Advanced Sports Marketing, among others.

Rutgers displays its pride in its kinesiology department throughout the school. They are an American College of Sports Medicine approved provider, as well as an active participant in the Exercise is Medicine initiative. This movement encourages activity to all students on campus as part of a healthy lifestyle. Rutgers is also part of the American Kinesiology Association. 

Arkansas State University offers an M.S. in Exercise Science that consists of three components: course work, practical experiences, and research opportunities. This trifold curriculum gives you the knowledge, experience, and understanding of the field so you can enter into it and find the role that suits you best.

The admissions committee looks for applicants coming from a relevant background, e.g. an undergraduate degree in exercise science. If you don’t have this degree, you can still enter the program by first taking some prerequisite classes. They’ll also request to see a statement of purpose, CV, and two letters of recommendation. 

The master’s program consists of 33 credits, all of which are program requirements. Some examples of the classes you’ll take are Cardiorespiratory Physiology, Neuromuscular Physiology, and Biomechanical Analysis of Sport Skills. The final stage in the program is either a thesis or an internship experience. 

The program’s emphasis on the physical aspects of exercise science makes its graduates contenders for roles in clinical, corporate or commercial settings. The program is also designed to prepare you for certification exams from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). 

For some, becoming a professional within exercise science means being an active participant in athletics. The Master of Science in Athletic tTaining from Plymouth State University gives you this hands-on experience. Keeping values in place set forth by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Education Council, so you’ll be well-equipped for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

You can choose from a professional (60 credits) or post-professional (up to 36 credits) track of this program. Your choice will depend on where you are in your career, as the post-professional program leads to leadership and educational roles and is intended for students who already received a bachelor’s in athletic training. The professional track prepares you for certification.

Because of this, the curriculum between the two programs differs. The professional program teaches you about the body’s response to exercise and supplements (through upper and lower extremity assessments and pharmacology in sports medicine), and some administrative aspects (Athletic Training Administration).

A large portion of the program is devoted to clinical athletic training and therapeutic intervention. You get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare for certification exams.

The post-professional program is broken into two components: core and major electives. The core classes cover Methods in Biostatistical Analysis, Research Design, and include your final project: either a thesis or directed research. Electives follow an approach that focuses more on concept than practice, including Theories of Learning and Cognitive Development, Special Topics in Athletic Training, and Independent Study.

Southern Connecticut State University offers a Master of Science in Exercise Science for those looking to become a leader within human performance, clinical physiology, and sports science research. SCSU is more flexible than most in that it offers classes online, on campus, and as a hybrid.

The program is one of only 12 schools nationwide accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

When you choose this master’s you may also choose from a concentration in human performance or sports psychology. The human performance track explores aging, biomechanics, physiology, and cardiac rehabilitation through on-going research. The sports psychology track is slightly more hands-on. You’ll work directly with athletes to apply theory and research on health psychology, performance enhancement, and intervention strategies.

Human performance calls for an 18-credit load of required core, including Biomechanics, Physiology of Exercise, and Sports Medicine. The remainder of the curriculum is yours to decide from sports-related elective courses and one research component.

The research component within sports psychology is 6-9 credits of thesis seminar and completion. The core classes make up only 9 credits and call for Psychology of Sport, Exercise Physiology, and Theories of Counseling. Electives will push you over the finish line. Three of these will need to be sports-related, while the remaining 9-13 are within psychology. 

The University of South Florida is in the top 100 of several categories throughout the U.S. News & World Report. These include Best Value, Most Innovative, and Social Mobility. You can see the uniqueness of the program when you look at the opportunities within the Master of Science in Exercise Science.

Students can choose their own track of study from a selection of three concentrations and thesis or non-thesis options. 

The concentrations include: strength & conditioning, health & wellness, or the exercise science general track. There are just two core classes required for all students. These are Statistical Analysis for Educational Research and Research Methods in Exercise Science. After that, depending on your choice, the curriculum will change. One course in Fitness Assessment and Prescription is where students throughout all three concentrations will converge. 

You may also find yourself alongside peers in other concentrations through electives. The curriculum leaves room for you to choose a minimum of 11 credit hours from relevant options. This includes Psychology of Exercise, Legal Aspects of Physical Activity, and Theories & Models of Health & Physical Activity. 

Non-thesis students will choose additional electives to complete the program. A comprehensive exam is required of all students who do not complete a thesis.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha makes it easy for those interested in exercise science to learn what’s important to them. The MS in Health and Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science takes many forms. All of these are rooted in the same strong research and student-centered values of UN Omaha. 

Exercise Science is a concentration that branches into subsequent concentrations of thesis or non-thesis coursework. The thesis (Master of Science) requires 30 semester hours of coursework with 6 hours of thesis, while the non-thesis (Master of Arts) track piles all 36 hours into coursework. 

There are some classes that are part of the mandatory core. This includes Research in HPER, Psychology of Physical Activity, Advanced Statistics, and Exercise for Special Populations. These help to give you a well-rounded understanding of the industry so that all the other courses fall in line. 

In keeping with the “student-centered” mentality, more than half of the curriculum is at your discretion. MS students choose 15 and MA students choose 21 hours of graduate electives. Though they must meet a specific framework to fulfill the exercise science program, the specific course lineup is your own to choose. 

The University of Arkansas offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science. This program is intended for students who want to prepare for the personal training certification exam from the American College of Sports Medicine. 

Within this concentration there are 33 credits required to complete the program. These are fulfilled through a combination of research, core courses, and a final project. There are also additional credits required that can be completed through approved electives. You’ll need to choose 12 credit hours of electives if you opt to complete a thesis, and 15 if you go the final project route instead. 

The electives cover a range of related topics in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and exercise management. These areas of study also create areas of specialization. The Cardiac Rehabilitation, Performance and Drugs, Muscle Physiology, and Physical Dimensions of Aging are all examples of suggestive elective credits that are available.

This program lets you go above and beyond the traditional call of duty for an exercise science program by taking interdisciplinary courses and service learning opportunities. These courses can touch on topics from animal science to engineering, while research opportunities explore Fitness for Fun, international internship experiences, and more. University of Arkansas enhances your educational experience and credibility as you enter the field. 

The University of Texas at Arlington structures the Master of Science in Exercise Science around three objectives: academic and research skills, career preparation, and physical education theory. All of these concepts are interwoven into a 36-hour master’s degree curriculum.

Required courses introduce research methods and advanced levels of statistics and biomechanics. The other half of the curriculum comes from elective opportunities. These courses can cover varied physiologies as they relate to exercise science.

Cardiocirculatory Physiology, Environmental Physiology, and Integrative Physiology are all options to consider. Just as with any other program, the final requirement is a cumulative experience. This can be completed as a thesis, internship, or research manuscript. 

Affording this degree and staying on track go hand in hand with graduate teaching (GTA) and research assistantship (GRA) opportunities. These are specific to exercise science students within the kinesiology department. The GTA calls for you to put your knowledge into play by teaching 6 semester hours of activity each semester. This can allow for out-of-state and international students to have tuition costs reduced to in-state prices. 

The GRA is funded directly by a graduate member, and requires 9 additional semester hours of research per semester. This option can be beneficial to thesis students, as it provides hands-on experience participating in research. 

Texas Woman’s University presents an M.S. in Exercise and Sports Nutrition program with both thesis and non-thesis options. The program in both forms involves teaching you to promote healthy lifestyles to groups and individuals through exposure and practice in research and related coursework.

There are a few required courses that kick off the program for both tracks. These courses are Human Nutrition in Disease, Methods of Research, Applied Statistical Principles, and Nutrition and Human Metabolism. While these courses are primarily focused on nutrition, the second batch of required core moves into exercise.

The gap is bridged by a course in Nutrition and Exercise and moves into Cardiovascular Response to Exercise, Advanced Exercise Physiology, and Exercise Evaluation and Prescription.

If you opt for the thesis option, 34 credits are required for program completion. You’ll devote 6 credit hours to thesis work before defending it orally. The coursework-only option concludes with either a three-part sports nutrition practicum or a professional internship and a capstone seminar. In total, you’ll reach 43 credit hours. There is also the option to declare a minor from existing required courses or additional classes.

Texas Woman’s University is notably dedicated to health science. Their home in Denton, along with health science centers in Houston and Dallas, has contributed to the advancement of nursing, healthcare, and nutrition over the years. 

At Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the Master of Kinesiology fulfills all of your exercise science needs. You will complete 36 credit hours of coursework, participate in research within state-of-the-art labs, and submit a final project to obtain this graduate degree. The thesis track calls for 38 credit hours while the non-thesis calls for 36. 

There are two tracks to consider when planning what you need out of your education. The clinical exercise science track covers human performance through the study of cardiovascular, muscular, and high-performance knowledge.

The graduate certificate in public health is in tune with the concept of “exercise as medicine.” This track teaches exercise leadership, counseling, and disease treatment and prevention.

The curriculum is split down the middle between 18 credit hours within kinesiology and human performance and 18 hours of interdisciplinary elective courses. Some of the required core include Mechanical Analysis and Physiological Basis of Human Performance, Neuromuscular Control of Human Movement, and Exercise in Health and Disease. Potential electives are in Nature of Motor Skills, Sport Psychology, and Basic Bone Biology, and many more related topics.

Admissions at IUPUI looks for related undergraduate degrees, such as a bachelor’s degree in physical education, exercise science, or sports management. If you’re looking to make the switch to kinesiology, you need only fulfill prerequisites in Human Physiology, Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Basic Physiology of Exercise. 

An undergraduate basis in physical education is a good start. Getting your M.S. can help you approach new career opportunities confidently. The physical education, human performance, and health fitness concentration from Bridgewater State University is designed to prepare you for roles in business, healthcare, and educational settings.

There are 21 required course credits and room for nine electives in the curriculum. The core requirements cover Research Methods in Physical Education and Experimental Processes in Physical Education, as well as Advances in Circulation, Metabolism, and Prescription.

If you like the experiential aspect of an internship, you can also choose an internship in physical education as an elective. Credits can also be gained from directed or independent research. There are plenty of classroom options for these degree-fulfilling electives, too, such as Nutrition for Sports, Exercise and Weight Control; Biomechanics of Resistance Training; and Exercise Metabolism. 

An internship is also required of all students. The exact nature of your internship will correlate with your chosen concentration. This is separate from the culminating experience, which can be a physical education project or research project. The research project calls for an oral defense.  

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania offers a great Exercise Science M.S. program for those who have interest in pushing to the next stage of their career. This program focuses on bringing a sharpened understanding of the human body and how exercise affects it.

This knowledge can lead to career opportunities in universities, corporate settings, sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, and pediatric or geriatric fitness.

To be so prepared for so many different settings, there are three areas that guide the curriculum: cardiac rehabilitation, physiological assessment, and training for optimal performance. Core classes in Research Methods, ECG interpretation, Muscular Adaptations, and Exercise Nutrition are required of all students. 

Depending on your choice of thesis or non-thesis options, the class work will shift accordingly. The non-thesis track will participate in an exercise science practicum in lieu of the research and presentation of a thesis. Both tracks will get some lab experience through Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques. 

Students in both tracks will also take part in clinical and research internships. These can be in a variety of hospitals, clinics, universities, and corporate fitness centers, giving you a true taste of what the workforce looks like with this type of degree. Both tracks ultimately fulfill 39 credits. 

The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers an Exercise and Health sSiences M.S. This program recently introduced a new specialization in public health. The other option, which has received recognition from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, is in sports science.

While many students opt to be part of major sports and science organizations, NBA, MLB, and NASA included, others look for research opportunities or pursue a Ph.D. Choosing the concentration in public health gives you the necessary knowledge in disease prevention, health policies, and epidemiology.

Before you move into concentration material, there are core credits that all students will take. These include Epidemiology, Exercise in Chronic Disease, Applied Exercise Physiology, and Biostatistics. All students will take part in an Advanced Seminar in Sports Medicine. 

The concentration material for both tracks calls for 18 credits. Sports science, unsurprisingly, focuses on nutrition and human performance. Technology in Human Performance and Biomechanics of Sports are two example classes. Alternatively, the public health concentration looks more acutely at social, behavioral, and environmental health; and sociology, human rights, and health policies.

The University of Central Arkansas offers a standard M.S. in Exercise Science with or without a thesis. The thesis level is best-suited for those students who want to pursue doctoral level work. Both will prepare you with knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and exercise methodologies. 

Both tracks call for 36 credit hours. Some courses will be the same, such as Motor Learning, Data Analysis, and Evaluation of Neuromuscular Adaptation. These make up the required core, while electives help to round out the program. Electives give every student the chance to customize their education to meet the needs of career goals. 

The non-thesis track will allow for more elective options. Some options include Contemporary Coaching Problems, Athletic Administration, Obesity Prevention, and Critical Analysis of Research. Though there is no cumulative report like a thesis, there is a final comprehensive exam. 

If you intend to move directly back into the field, you might choose the electives with knowledge that can be applied to clients and patients, like Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries. Working rehabilitation centers or within athletic or therapeutic departments can call for these. The thesis track is ideal for students who want to move on to a Ph.D. or research roles, making electives like Critical Analysis of Research a suitable choice.

The Master of Science in Exercise Science at SUNY Cortland teaches students to better understand the body’s abilities so they can properly promote human performance. The curriculum illustrates the strength of mind and body, and how the collaboration between the two can promote fitness and wellness. 

While you’ll learn about both, the curriculum gives you options along the way so you can focus on research (for continuing students or research careers) or on application (coaching, providing physical therapy, etc.)

The core accounts for 12 of the total necessary 30 credit hours. This is divided into 4 areas: motor behavior/learning, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport/exercise psychology. Each area requires three credit hours, or one course. 

The research portion also provides you with an option of motor behavior or motor learning. These both fulfill 3 of the 8 required credit hours, but give you a chance to focus on what’s most beneficial for you.

Once the electives, seminar, and research requirements are filled, you’ll make the decision to put your education into a laboratory or community setting. The master’s thesis accounts for 6 of your total curriculum credits necessary. This is best suited for the Ph.D. hopefuls. The comprehensive exam is also available, but only meets 1 credit hour. To make up the deficit, these students will take more electives. 

This degree has helped paved the way for students in past years who have gone on to work for the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Gatorade Institute, the New York Knicks, the University of Pennsylvania, and other SUNY institutions.