Take the next step towards a career in rehabilitation, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, or clinical exercise physiology.
While a bachelor's degree in exercise science is sufficient to get an entry-level position, continuing education in exercise science is a must to advance in the field. At Loyola, you can earn a master's degree in exercise science and graduate better prepared to start your career in rehabilitation, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, or clinical exercise physiology.
Picture yourself helping people make positive lifestyle choices for their health, whether it's serving injured athletes, those living with primary disabilities, or the general public. A Masters Degree in Exercise Science affords you access to professionally accredited certifications, jobs with top-level employers, and a career that sets you above the rest if continuing to a terminal degree (e.g. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ph.D., Physicians Assistant, etc.).
Curriculum
During your first year in this two-year program, you will build a foundation in exercise science-related fields through classroom instruction and lab-based activities. In your second year, you will complete advanced specialty coursework as well as a 200-hour internship and a comprehensive final examination.
MSES Curriculum (36-38 credits)
Pre-Requisites: Anatomy with Lab (4 credits); Physiology with Lab (4 credits); Exercise Physiology (3 credits); Biomechanics or Applied Kinesiology with Lab (4 credits)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| EXCM 401 | Applied Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| EXCM 450 | Nutrition, Health and Performance | 3 |
| EXCM 475 | Exercise Applications in Special Populations | 3 |
| EXCM 482 | Research Methods and Evidence in Exercise Science | 3 |
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| EXCM 495 | Advanced Exercise Science Internship | 4 |
| Total Hours | 36 |
Concentrations & Electives
General track must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of electives (15 of which are EXCM courses) from below. Concentrations in Human Performance or Clinical Exercise Science must complete 13 credit hours of track-specific curricula and a minimum of 6 credit hours of electives (3 of which are EXCM courses) from below.
General Track
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| Motor Learning and Performance | |
| Health Promotion and Wellness Theories and Frameworks | |
| Strength Training and Conditioning | |
| Applied Sports Science | |
| Cardiac and Pulmonary Disease and Rehabilitation | |
| Application of Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing & Prescription | |
| Exercise Applications in Special Populations | |
| EKG Interpretation | |
| Advanced Exercise Assessment and Programming | |
| Applied Biomechanics | |
| Behavioral Change for Health Promotion | |
| U.S. Health Systems Management | |
| The Epidemiology of Obesity: An Energy Balance Perspective | |
| Grant Writing | |
Human Performance Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| EXCM 424 | Motor Learning and Performance | 3 |
| EXCM 444 | Strength Training and Conditioning | 3 |
| EXCM 480 | Advanced Exercise Assessment and Programming | 3 |
| EXCM 485 | Applied Biomechanics | 4 |
| Health Promotion and Wellness Theories and Frameworks | |
| Applied Sports Science | |
| Cardiac and Pulmonary Disease and Rehabilitation | |
| Application of Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing & Prescription | |
| EKG Interpretation | |
| Behavioral Change for Health Promotion | |
| U.S. Health Systems Management | |
| The Epidemiology of Obesity: An Energy Balance Perspective | |
| Grant Writing | |
Clinical Exercise Science Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| EXCM 435 | Health Promotion and Wellness Theories and Frameworks | 3 |
| EXCM 458 | Cardiac and Pulmonary Disease and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| EXCM 468 | Application of Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing & Prescription | 4 |
| EXCM 478 | EKG Interpretation | 3 |
| Motor Learning and Performance | |
| Strength Training and Conditioning | |
| Applied Sports Science | |
| Advanced Exercise Assessment and Programming | |
| Applied Biomechanics | |
| Behavioral Change for Health Promotion | |
| U.S. Health Systems Management | |
| The Epidemiology of Obesity: An Energy Balance Perspective | |
| Grant Writing | |
Comprehensive Examination
- A comprehensive exam is required for all students. Please contact your Graduate Program Director or visit the EXCM Graduate Student Sakai page for more information.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive health and fitness assessments using theories and frameworks.
- Apply scientific principles and evidence-based recommendations into the prescription, implementation, and evaluation of exercise and fitness programs.
- Create lifestyle modification and health promotion plans for individuals and groups.
- Incorporate effective communication and motivational strategies to support clients or patients as they adopt, perform, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Implement role behaviors consistent with the scope of practice of exercise sciences.
- Manage human, fiscal, and physical resources of health fitness facilities and programs.
