If you are passionate about fitness and want to empower others through physical health, then a masters in human performance can enhance your career opportunities in the exercise science field.
This interdisciplinary degree combines advanced science, health, and interpersonal courses to help prepare you for various careers in physical health, wellness, and athletic performance-related fields.
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This masters program is a strategic next step for those with undergraduate degrees related to exercise science, athletic training, or health promotion. You can deepen your knowledge of all aspects of health performance in order to foster wellness in your community.
Online Masters in Human Performance Programs
A masters program in human performance provides you with advanced professional study to help prepare you for careers in a variety of exercise and physical health-related fields.
This type of program combines researched-based theory and methodology courses with a practical hands-on experience that you can apply to your professional practice. This masters program is especially beneficial for those with an undergraduate degree in an exercise or health science-related major.
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You can gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and practices that impact physical health, and you can learn strategies for improving the health and performance of your future clients.
Course offerings often cover topics like:
- Advanced physiology and kinesiology
- Statistical analysis
- Research of biomechanics
- Sports nutrition
- Ethics in health performance
Practicums or internships are also an integral part of this masters degree, providing you with hands-on experience in the field. You’ll likely complete your internship at the same time as your coursework, so you can immediately apply the theories to your practice.
Most programs also offer career-specific concentrations, so you could specialize in an area that aligns with your career goals. Most graduates seek to further their careers in exercise science, athletic training, physical education, community wellness, or fitness instruction.
Common Online Human Performance Masters Specializations
Schools that offer masters in human performance degrees generally allow you to choose an area of concentration. Below are some common human performance specializations:
- Clinical. This area of specialization is for students interested in working in the healthcare setting. Graduates often pursue work as sports physiologists or exercise physiologists.
- Athletic Training. This area of concentration is for students interested in becoming certified athletic trainers for educational institutions and professional organizations.
- Nutrition. This area of specialization is for students interested in health education and practice. Common career paths include nutrition specialist and wellness coach.
- Fitness and Wellness. This area of specialization is for students interested in improving the health of communities. Potential roles in this sector include fitness trainer, wellness coach, and health performance specialist.
- Sport Pedagogy. This area of concentration is for students interested in sports education careers, such as physical education teachers, strength and conditioning coaches, or sports scientists.
A degree specialization can provide you with specific knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to pursue opportunities in your chosen area of focus.
Health and Human Performance Careers & Salaries
As a graduate of a health and human performance masters degree program, you will be well equipped to explore a variety of career opportunities.
Whether you are interested in a job in a clinical setting, in a commercial setting, or in an educational institution, the job possibilities in this field are wide-ranging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some of the career paths associated with the field of health and human performance.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Exercise Physiologists — Government | $81,890 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $61,650 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| Athletic Trainers | $48,420 |
| Exercise Physiologists — Hospitals | $47,970 |
| Recreational Therapists | $47,940 |
| Exercise Physiologists — Offices of Physicians | $47,270 |
| Exercise Physiologists — Offices of Audiologists and Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists | $47,000 |
| Fitness Trainers and Instructors | $40,700 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $38,970 |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the above job fields are expected to grow much faster than average over the next ten years.
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The jobs and salaries you can qualify for will depend on a number of factors, though, such as prior experience, degree specialization, chosen industry, geographic location, and employer.
Master of Science in Human Performance Curriculum & Courses
The courses in this program will provide you with a more advanced understanding of your area of specialization. Examples of typical course offerings are listed below:
- Advanced Physiology: This course focuses on advanced physiological concepts related to exercise and sport performance.
- Advanced Kinesiology: This course is designed to further your understanding of human movement and mechanics, with a focus on how to improve physical health.
- Performance Nutrition: This course covers the latest nutrition and diet concepts relevant to fitness and sport performance.
- Statistical Analysis: The aim of this course to develop your understanding of statistics in relation to exercise science
- Research Methodology: This course covers the latest research in health science and teaches you how to interpret and apply research methods to your practice.
- Biomechanics: This course teaches the application of biomechanical concepts as well as how to analyze the latest research in the field of biomechanics.
- Exercise Psychology: This course examines psychological concepts that are relevant in sports and exercise settings.
- Physical Performance Assessment: The aim of this course is to help you develop advanced skills in collecting, interpreting, and applying the results of physical health data.
- Ethics in Exercise Science: This course discusses current issues affecting the professions in sports and exercise sciences, with a focus on policy and advocacy.
- Internship or Practicum: An internship or practicum may be required so you can have an individualized field experience based on your professional goals.
The curriculum for a masters in human and health performance is based on the latest research methods. Your chosen concentration can influence your course offerings.
Admissions Requirements
If you are interested in pursuing an MS in Human Performance, it’s helpful to be aware of a program’s admission requirements before applying. While admission requirements can vary depending on the school and program, here are some common criteria:
- Statement of intent
- Minimum undergraduate GPA
- Completed prerequisite coursework
- Letters of reference
- GRE score (only some schools require this)
You can refer to your prospective schools’ websites for more information on their specific admission requirements.
Human Performance Graduate Programs Accreditation
Accreditation is a quality evaluation process that confirms an educational institution meets a strict set of standards and is qualified to teach the programs they are offering.
The status of regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and respected. It is beneficial to verify that the school you plan on attending is regionally accredited. Several aspects are dependent on accreditation, including financial aid eligibility and credit transferability. In addition, many employers and professional organizations only recognize degrees earned at accredited schools.
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You can visit the US Department of Education’s website for more information on the accreditation process and to confirm a school’s accreditation status.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Thinking about how to pay for your education can be overwhelming at times, but there are a variety of resources available that might help make your education more affordable.
The federal government offers different financial aid options to people who qualify. Many students are eligible for student loans, which tend to have lower interest rates than other loans. Once you are admitted to a program, you can apply for federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your FAFSA results may be used to determine your eligibility for other need-based aid as well.
There are also numerous organizations, both public and private, that offer scholarships and grants. Many organizations have scholarships dedicated to specific areas of study or specific groups of students. If you are currently working, you can also check with your employer to see if they offer scholarships or compensation for continuing education.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Human Performance?
An M.S. in Human Performance could lead to a number of career paths, depending on your chosen concentration. For instance, if you want to help people who are injured or recovering from illness, you might pursue work as an exercise physiologist or nutrition specialist in a hospital or outpatient setting.
Some graduates work in education settings as physical education teachers, sports coaches, or athletic trainers. There are also a number of opportunities in the business or commercial sector for fitness instructors, personal trainers, wellness coaches, and nutritionists.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MS in Human Performance Online?
Typically, a masters degree takes 1 to 2 years to complete. A 36 credit hour program can often be completed in 1 year with full-time enrollment, including during the summer.
Completion of a thesis project, internship, or practicum may add additional time to attaining a degree. Some programs require full-time enrollment, while others allow you to continue to remain employed full-time while you earn your degree. Part-time study will often extend your completion time.
Is a Masters Degree in Human Performance Worth It?
Yes, a masters degree in human performance is worth it for many students. Jobs in exercise science are growing much faster than average.
For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% job growth for exercise physiologists and 39% job growth for fitness trainers and instructions over the next ten years. A masters degree can help you advance your professional qualifications in this growing field.
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Maintaining physical health is critical to life and extending life expectancy, so most careers that involve maintaining and improving physical health will always be a necessity.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Human Performance Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Austin Peay State University offers a Master’s in Health and Human Performance. The program is designed to equip students to work as coaches across a wide variety of client concerns, including career, corporate, retirement, weight, time management, or spiritual coaching. The program can potentially be completed in just 1 year and is housed entirely online.
Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fort Hays State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance. The program is composed of 17 core credits, 15 elective credits selected according to student interest, and 18 credits of hands-on work through an internship in the field. Courses cover topics such as public health, assessment and treatment, physical education, and coaching.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
With two concentrations, the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance program at Georgia College and State University allows students to tailor their education to their goals. The curriculum aims to teach the fundamental concepts and skills that graduates will need when practicing in the field. To graduate, students must complete a thesis or a final project.
Georgia College & State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Liberty University, the Master of Science in Human Performance program seeks to provide students with the skills needed to promote health and optimize performance. Students with qualifying credits may transfer in up to half their required credits from outside institutions. The program’s 35 required credits can potentially be completed in just 1.5 years of full-time attendance.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Logan University offers a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance. The program is designed for students who are passionate about empowering others and supporting healthful living. All courses can be completed online. The curriculum covers key topics like nutrition science, health policy, physical assessment, and athletic psychology.
Logan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pittsburg State University’s Master of Science in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation program offers three emphases to choose from. The program is intended for students pursuing careers in sports, physical education, health, wellness, or recreation. To graduate, students must complete 32 credit hours and a final thesis, all of which can be completed remotely.
Pittsburg State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Master’s in Kinesiology program at Sam Houston State University is centered around building essential competencies in development, learning, rehabilitation, and training. The program offers three start dates each year. Students have the option to complete the 36 credits for the degree fully online or complement their virtual classroom experiences with hands-on learning in the program’s five labs.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers a Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a non-thesis Human Performance track. This online program is designed for students interested in sports performance and training. Students are required to complete a series of courses in research, exercise conditioning, assessment, behavioral aspects of performance, and sports nutrition. To graduate, they must complete 30 credits.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Cumberlands offers a Master’s in Health and Human Performance. The program is designed for individuals with the drive to guide and motivate others on their health journeys. Students can complete the program’s 30 required credits entirely online and have the option to concentrate in Health and Fitness Promotion or Coaching and Fitness Leadership.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Wayne State College offers a Master of Science in Human Performance and Wellness Management. The program is designed for students planning to enter the workforce as trainers, coaches, or nutritionists. This 100% online program covers fundamental concepts in wellness, such as exercise, nutrition, training in diverse populations, strength and conditioning, and optimizing performance.
Wayne State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Human Performance Online
If you are looking to expand your career opportunities in the health and physical fitness fields, then you might consider earning a human performance masters degree online.
With many accredited schools offering online grad programs, you have options when it comes to choosing the online program that is the best fit for your lifestyle and career goals. Online programming is known for its flexibility and convenience, and there are a variety of concentrations available from different institutions.
The sooner you start comparing accredited masters programs in human performance, the sooner you can continue on your educational and professional journey.
