Rankings by degree level

Master’s kinesiology and exercise science programs

A master’s degree is most useful when it adds a defined capability: advanced clinical exercise preparation, research training, a specialized performance focus, or a credential-aligned curriculum that your bachelor’s degree did not provide.

Which master’s programs are in the verified directory?

How to use this comparison: Start with verified program facts, then use the linked school page to confirm current availability, placement requirements, and tuition before applying.

School	Program	Best fit	Credits	Estimated cost
Oregon State University	MS in Kinesiology	Confirm delivery format directly with the program before applying.	45 credits	$33,125 resident / $70,169 nonresident estimated program cost
Lebanon Valley College	MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology	School-published 2026–27 rate; confirm current charges before enrollment.	33 credits	$789 per credit for 2026–27
Concordia University Chicago	MS in Applied Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology concentration	Confirm current tuition and the applicable curriculum track with the institution.	30 credits with an exercise science undergraduate degree; 36 credits otherwise	$575 per credit
Florida Atlantic University	MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Exercise Physiology concentration	Confirm the current graduate online rate with FAU.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Iowa	MS in Athletic Training	The program includes a four-semester clinical education component and is not a fully online pathway.	62 semester hours	Rate not stated on the program page
Northern Kentucky University	MS in Exercise Science	School-published 2026–27 rate; confirm current charges and admission prerequisites before applying.	31 credits	$533 per credit for 2026–27
University of Florida	MS in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Human Performance concentration	The school lists five optional specializations and no GRE requirement. Confirm current tuition before enrollment.	30 credits	$585.75 per credit, including fees; $17,572.50 estimated total
California State University, Bakersfield	MS in Kinesiology	The school labels its published total an estimate that may change.	30 semester units minimum	$651 per credit; approximately $22,100 total program cost
Avila University	MS in Kinesiology	The school states no GRE is required. Confirm current focus areas, delivery details, and tuition with Avila.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
A.T. Still University	MS in Kinesiology	ATSU’s current page states it is no longer accepting applications to this program and its associated certificates. This record is retained for reference, not as an active option.	30 credits	Not applicable for new applicants
Arizona State University	MS in Psychology, Sport Psychology concentration	A psychology-based sport-performance degree. Confirm CMPC coursework alignment and any future clinical-licensure pathway directly with ASU.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
Adams State University	MS in Kinesiology, Applied Sport Psychology emphasis	The program includes practicum field experience. Confirm FAFSA eligibility, current tuition, and credential-coursework alignment directly with Adams State.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the current program page
Liberty University	MS in Exercise Science and Wellness	The school lists Fitness and Performance and Nutrition and Wellness options. Some course formats may require scheduled meetings, travel, or campus attendance; confirm the current completion plan and requirements.	Confirm with the institution	$600 per credit full-time / $665 per credit part-time for 2026–27
University of South Carolina	MS in Adapted Physical Education	Not an initial teacher-certification program. It can support CAPE eligibility after the required 200 contact hours teaching PE to students with disabilities; verify any state add-on endorsement with the target state Department of Education.	30 credits	$515 per credit for South Carolina certified teachers / $572.25 for other applicants (2026–27)
Western Michigan University	MA in Adapted Physical Education	Completers are eligible for Michigan’s K–12 PE for Students with Disabilities (SP) endorsement. Other states set their own rules, so verify portability with the target state Department of Education.	36 credits	Same tuition for resident and nonresident students; rate not stated on the program page
Liberty University	MS in Exercise Science and Wellness, Fitness and Performance	A distinct specialization within the MS in Exercise Science and Wellness. Liberty describes coursework in strength development, speed and agility, conditioning, recovery, and biomechanical analysis; confirm the current completion plan before applying.	Confirm with the institution	$600 per credit full-time / $665 per credit part-time for 2026–27
Liberty University	MS in Exercise Science and Wellness, Nutrition and Wellness	A distinct specialization focused on nutrition, public health, physical activity, and chronic-disease contexts. Liberty states that up to 50% of eligible graduate credit may transfer; confirm the current completion plan and transfer evaluation directly with the university.	Confirm with the institution	$600 per credit full-time / $665 per credit part-time for 2026–27
Liberty University	MS in Human Performance, Strength Training and Conditioning	This is a separate Human Performance degree, not the Exercise Science and Wellness MS. It includes two in-person intensives and requires either a thesis or internship, so it is not fully remote in practice.	Confirm with the institution	$600 per credit full-time / $665 per credit part-time for 2026–27
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	MS in Applied Kinesiology	A broad curriculum spanning exercise physiology, exercise psychology, athletic coaching, and research methods. Students choose a thesis or practicum culminating experience.	30 credits	$640 per credit published rate; Wisconsin resident rate listed as $514.24 tuition + $71.51 segregated fee per credit + $50 distance-education fee
William Paterson University	MS in Exercise Physiology	Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field and a 2.75 GPA. Confirm current tuition, prerequisites, and any experiential requirements directly with William Paterson.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
California Baptist University	MS in Kinesiology	The school describes an accelerated online curriculum and a Christian perspective integrated into program learning outcomes. Its listed rate is for the current academic year and may change.	30 units	$737 per unit + fees
University of North Dakota	MS in Kinesiology	UND publishes the same online rate regardless of residency. Confirm the current rate, fees, and internship or experiential-course arrangements directly with UND.	30 credits	$646.42 per credit including published tuition and fees for 2026–27
Point Loma Nazarene University	MS in Kinesiology	This is not a fully online degree. The program lists Biomechanics, Sport Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology, and Strength and Conditioning concentrations; confirm current in-person scheduling and internship expectations directly with PLNU.	30 units	$760 per unit for 2026–27
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	MS in Kinesiology	The school identifies the MS as STEM-certified. Its catalogue marks online offerings, but students should confirm the current course sequence, field experience, and delivery choice directly with TAMU-CC.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Hardin-Simmons University	MS in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation	The school lists Exercise Science and Human Performance, Recreation and Sport Administration, and Sport Coaching concentration options. It also describes internships and real-world learning opportunities; confirm current requirements directly with HSU.	30 credits	$595 per credit
University of Texas at Tyler	MS in Kinesiology	Students choose a thesis or internship route. The internship route concludes with a comprehensive examination; confirm current practicum, tuition, and admissions requirements directly with UT Tyler.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Texas State University	MS in Exercise Science, Sport Coaching concentration	The school publishes five-week summer and eight-week fall and spring terms. Its program page states that tuition and fees can change and that BookSmart fees are not included in the published total.	36 credits	$502 per credit; $18,072 published program tuition
University of Texas at Permian Basin	MS in Kinesiology	The school’s online program page describes a curriculum for working teachers, coaches, trainers, and related professionals. Confirm current admissions standards and total charges directly with UTPB.	30–33 credits	$11,729.70–$12,902.67 published program tuition; additional fees may apply
University of Cincinnati	MS in Exercise Science	Students complete an applied experience through an internship or capstone project. The program page describes foundational coursework expectations in biology, anatomy, physiology, and exercise physiology; confirm current admissions requirements and any placement arrangements directly with UC.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Cleveland State University	MEd in Exercise Science	The school says all graduate courses are offered online or in evening formats and describes laboratory-based, hands-on learning. Confirm whether the particular completion plan can be completed remotely and any campus requirements directly with Cleveland State.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Nebraska Omaha	MS in Health and Kinesiology, Physical Activity in Health Promotion concentration	UNO’s online page lists Public Health and Physical Activity in Health Promotion as the online concentrations. The separate Exercise Science concentration is not presented there as fully online, so it is not represented as such in this directory.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
PennWest University	MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion	The official program page lists flexible full-time and part-time study and no concentrations. Confirm current curriculum length, tuition, and any experiential requirements directly with PennWest.	39–45 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Louisiana State University	MS in Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Sport Performance specialization	The school states that its tuition and fee figures can change and that the program requires no campus appearance. A GRE/GMAT waiver may be available to qualified applicants; confirm eligibility directly with LSU.	36 credits	$644 per credit; $23,184 published total with fees
University of Central Missouri	MS in Kinesiology	The school labels its figure an estimate subject to tuition and enrollment changes. Students select a thesis or internship capstone, so confirm current completion and experiential requirements directly with UCM.	30 credits	$14,900 estimated program cost for 2025–26
Pittsburg State University	MS in Health, Human Performance and Recreation	Students can select Human Performance and Wellness, Physical Education, or Sport and Leisure Service Management. The Human Performance and Wellness and Sport and Leisure Service Management emphases include an internship; confirm placement logistics and current tuition directly with Pittsburg State.	32 credits minimum	Rate not stated on the program page
University of North Georgia	MS in Kinesiology	Students choose Exercise Science or Physical Education concentrations. The degree does not lead to initial teaching certification; out-of-state students should verify any certification or employer implications directly with the relevant authority.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Sam Houston State University	MS in Kinesiology, Sport and Human Performance	Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis route. The official page states the degree can be completed fully online, while also offering optional campus and synchronous formats; confirm the current course sequence directly with SHSU.	30–36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	MS in Kinesiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration	This is a coursework-only Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration with a comprehensive exam. It is distinct from UNCG’s on-campus kinesiology MS concentrations; confirm current tuition and professional-credential alignment directly with UNCG.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Connecticut	MS in Exercise Prescription	A non-thesis program centered on prescribing exercise for chronic diseases, health conditions, and special populations. The programme includes a capstone; prior coursework in exercise physiology, nutrition, and psychology is encouraged.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Southern Arkansas University	MS in Kinesiology, Coaching	This is a non-licensure coaching program. The school lists multiple fall, spring, and summer entry points; confirm current tuition, state eligibility, and start dates directly with SAU.	33 credits	$338 per credit in-state / $461 per credit out-of-state; $11,154 / $15,213 estimated total
Augusta University	MS in Kinesiology	The non-thesis route includes an internship. The thesis route includes a research emphasis and is only primarily online, so students should confirm any in-person requirements directly with Augusta.	36 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Southeastern University	MS in Kinesiology	Online coursework is primarily asynchronous with optional live Zoom sessions. The hybrid option requires one or two in-person courses in fall and spring, so select the fully online delivery option if avoiding campus attendance.	33 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Texas at El Paso	MS in Kinesiology	The official degree page states the program can be earned online or in person. Students should confirm the current online course sequence, research or lab expectations, and tuition directly with UTEP.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP Global)	MS in Exercise Science	This is distinct from CSP Global’s doctoral kinesiology listing. The program follows a cohort model; confirm current course sequencing, fees, and requirements directly with CSP.	33 credits	$475 per credit; $15,675 published total tuition
University of Southern Mississippi	MS in Kinesiology, Exercise Science emphasis	The school describes thesis and non-thesis routes. Confirm current admission prerequisites, experiential requirements, tuition, and fees directly with Southern Miss.	30 credits	$578.12 per credit
University of Wisconsin-River Falls	MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology	The program includes a supervised clinical internship. Confirm current tuition, internship placement, and campus-lab requirements directly with UW-River Falls.	Confirm with the institution	$550 per credit for 2025–26
University of Kentucky	MS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Health Promotion option	The program includes a required internship that the school says may be completed where the student lives. Confirm the current meeting schedule, tuition, fees, and internship approval process directly with Kentucky.	33 credits	$806 per credit
University of Idaho	MS in Kinesiology, Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management specialization	The university identifies this specialization as online or hybrid. Its Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences and Physical Activity and Dance Pedagogy specializations are face-to-face with some online course options, so they are not represented as fully online here.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Wyoming	MS in Kinesiology and Health, Physical Education Teacher Education emphasis	The online option is for current physical education instructors. Students develop an individualized plan with a faculty mentor and may choose thesis or non-thesis study; confirm current delivery, state requirements, tuition, and admissions directly with Wyoming.	30 credits minimum for the thesis plan	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Vermont	MS in Exercise Science	The non-thesis route includes an internship-based capstone; the thesis route concludes with original research and a defense. This is not an online program.	30 credits non-thesis; 36 credits thesis	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Delaware	MS in Exercise Science	Applicants identify a faculty advisor before applying. The program offers thesis and non-thesis routes and is supported by research and teaching assistantships; confirm current delivery and tuition directly with Delaware.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Delaware	MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology	Includes hands-on clinical work and a 12-credit internship. The school says the degree prepares students for the ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist exam; confirm current delivery, tuition, and clinical requirements directly with Delaware.	33 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Minnesota	MS in Kinesiology	Students select an emphasis area and faculty advisor before applying, then choose a thesis or non-thesis pathway. Confirm current delivery, tuition, and assistantship availability directly with Minnesota.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Penn State University	MS in Kinesiology	A research-oriented master’s that includes thesis research and prepares students for further graduate study. Penn State lists this program at University Park, not through World Campus, so it is not represented as an online option.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Syracuse University	MS in Exercise Science	Students select an internship or master’s thesis. The curriculum supports preparation for ACSM and NSCA certification pathways; confirm current requirements, tuition, and experiential placement directly with Syracuse.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Miami	MSEd in Applied Physiology	Students complete core exercise physiology, programming, nutrition, and practicum coursework, then select electives for their career goals. Confirm current meeting times, delivery, tuition, and practicum requirements directly with Miami.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Northeastern University	MS in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Exercise Science concentration	Northeastern closed applications to its standalone Exercise Science MS and directs new applicants to this program’s Exercise Science concentration. Confirm current delivery, credit requirements, tuition, and clinical or experiential components directly with Northeastern.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
Auburn University	MS in Exercise, Performance and Health Optimization	Auburn lists thesis and non-thesis options and a 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA. Confirm current delivery, area-specific coursework, tuition, and admission requirements directly with Auburn.	33 credits non-thesis; 36 credits thesis	Rate not stated on the program page
Auburn University	MS in Exercise Science	The school describes biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor behavior study areas. Confirm the current track structure, delivery, tuition, and admission requirements directly with Auburn.	33 credits non-thesis; 36 credits thesis	Rate not stated on the program page
Ouachita Baptist University	MS in Exercise Science	The institution’s financial-aid page identifies this as its online Exercise Science program and publishes the 2026–27 estimate. Confirm its current curriculum, delivery, fees, and admissions prerequisites directly with Ouachita.	36 credits	$500 per credit; $18,520 estimated full-program tuition and fees for 2026–27
University of the Southwest	MS in Kinesiology	USW lists its MS in Kinesiology among fully online Arts and Sciences master’s programs with eight-week terms. Confirm current credit requirements, tuition, state authorization, and concentration options directly with the university.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
Northeastern Illinois University	MS in Exercise and Sport Science, Exercise Science concentration	Students may select thesis, directed research, or internship applied experiences. The Exercise Science concentration addresses human performance, disease prevention, and cardiac rehabilitation; confirm current delivery, tuition, and culminating-experience requirements directly with NEIU.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Northeastern State University	MS in Health and Sport Science	The university lists School Health Education, Sport Administration/Management, Sport Analytics, and Exercise Rehabilitation options. Confirm the current concentration, fieldwork, tuition, and state-authorization requirements directly with NSU.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Southern Mississippi	MS in Coaching and Sport Performance	Students choose a thesis or a three-credit practicum. The practicum requires at least 150 clock hours, but the university states there are no face-to-face course requirements. Confirm placement, tuition, fees, and state authorization directly with Southern Miss.	30 credits	$578.12 per credit
Towson University	MS in Athletic Training	This professional athletic training program includes didactic, laboratory, and clinical coursework. It is not an online kinesiology master’s; confirm current tuition, clinical placements, and admissions prerequisites directly with Towson.	57 units	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Mississippi	MS in Athletic Training	The university describes a lockstep program beginning in summer with clinical opportunities across athletic, hospital, clinic, and school settings. It is not a fully online pathway; confirm current clinical, tuition, and admissions requirements directly with Ole Miss.	54 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Plymouth State University	MS in Exercise Science and Sport Performance	Students choose thesis or non-thesis routes. The school offers a 3+2 path for current students, while other applicants use the two-year program; confirm the current fall deadline, tuition, fees, and experiential requirements directly with Plymouth State.	41–47 credits	$643 per credit in-state / $874 per credit out-of-state for 2025–26
Arizona State University	MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology	This clinical program includes hands-on clinical experience and is not offered through ASU Online. Students complete a written comprehensive exam or thesis route; confirm current tuition, clinical requirements, and licensure implications directly with ASU.	31 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Wyoming	MS in Kinesiology and Health, Exercise and Sport Science emphasis	Students choose thesis or non-thesis study and build an individualized plan with a faculty mentor. Graduate assistantships may be available to full-time Laramie students. This emphasis is not presented as an online degree.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
Boise State University	Master of Kinesiology	This practitioner-oriented, non-thesis track includes 21 elective credits plus a practicum and project. Confirm current delivery, emphasis choices, tuition, and practicum requirements directly with Boise State.	32 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
Boise State University	Master of Science in Kinesiology	This research-oriented, thesis track includes a research core, 15 elective credits, and a thesis. Graduate assistantships are competitive; confirm current delivery, faculty-mentor availability, tuition, and admissions requirements directly with Boise State.	32 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
University of Central Florida	MS in Kinesiology	UCF lists Human Performance and Clinical Exercise Physiology tracks. Non-thesis options include an internship and/or literature review; confirm the applicable track, fees, delivery, and practicum requirements directly with UCF.	30–33 credits, depending on track	$369.65 in-state / $1,276.48 out-of-state per credit
Florida International University	MS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science	FIU describes a STEM-designated program with a thesis option and coursework across kinesiology and exercise science. Confirm current delivery, tuition, prerequisites, and thesis availability directly with FIU.	30 credits	Rate not stated on the program page
California State University, Northridge	MS in Kinesiology	CSUN lists focus areas including adapted physical activity, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, pedagogy, sport studies, and strength and conditioning. Students choose a thesis or professional project; confirm current credits, tuition, delivery, and area availability directly with CSUN.	Confirm with the institution	Rate not stated on the program page
California State University, Long Beach	MS in Exercise Science	CSULB lists advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics, neuromotor control, research methods, and either a comprehensive exam or thesis/project. Confirm current tuition, prerequisite courses, delivery, and admissions timing directly with CSULB.	36 units	Rate not stated on the program page

Which state comparisons are available?

Choose a state to compare programs headquartered there. These pages do not assume that an online program can enroll every resident, so confirm state authorization and placement requirements with the school.

Alabama Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

What should you verify before choosing a master’s program?

Check whether the curriculum is general, post-professional, research-focused, or preparation for a defined credential.
Confirm whether a practicum, internship, residency, thesis, or campus experience is required.
Compare total tuition and time away from work against the specific advancement the degree makes possible.

How should you use this degree-level comparison?

Use the table to build a shortlist, then compare curriculum and required practical work against the career or credential you intend to pursue. A degree label alone does not establish professional eligibility.

Advisor perspective

A program is a platform, not a guarantee.

The coursework matters, but so do the references, experience, and relationships you build while completing it. Ask each program how students access faculty, applied learning, alumni, and career support.

Where should you go next?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I earn a master’s in kinesiology or exercise science?

Choose the program whose concentration, applied work, and credential fit match the work you want next. The degree title alone is not a reliable decision rule.

Can a master’s degree replace clinical licensure education?

No. Licensure-bound roles have their own accredited professional education, examination, and state requirements.

What this comparison does not show

These records do not predict admission, graduation, certification eligibility, employment, or individual earnings. Tuition, availability, and requirements change. Confirm details directly with the institution and the relevant credential or licensing body.

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