Advance Human Potential. Lead with Science.

    Unlock your potential with our Master of Science in Exercise Science, a dynamic program designed to prepare professionals for leadership in health, performance, and psychological well-being. Whether your passion lies in clinical care, athletic performance, or athlete mental health, our program offers specialized tracks to match your goals.

    Choose from three high-impact specializations—Clinical Exercise Physiology, Human Performance, or Sport Psychology—and gain the scientific knowledge, applied skills, and research experience to thrive in today’s evolving health and performance landscape.

    Why Choose Our Program?

    Career Prospects

    The field of exercise science is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow by 10% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations[1]. This growth is driven by rising demand for preventive care, performance optimization, and mental health support across healthcare, athletics, and wellness sectors.

    Competitive Salaries

    Exercise physiologists earned a median annual wage of $58,160 in 2024 [1].

    Professionals in human performance and sport psychology—especially those working with elite athletes, military units, or private clinics—often earn significantly more, depending on experience, certifications, and setting.

    Specialization Tracks

    Clinical Exercise Physiology

    Prepare for a career in clinical exercise physiology, including cardiac rehabilitation, exercise oncology,  and chronic disease management programs.  Learn to assess cardiovascular and metabolic health, conduct stress testing, design exercise prescriptions, and counsel patients on health behavior change for patients with complex medical conditions.

    Human Performance

    Focus on optimizing physical performance in athletes, tactical professionals, and active populations. Gain expertise in biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and performance analytics to lead in sports science, military readiness, and private training facilities.

    Sport Psychology

    The Sport Psychology graduate program equips students with a deep understanding of motivation, mental skills training, stress management, and applied counseling and consulting techniques. Through an interdisciplinary, evidence-based curriculum, students learn to support athletes, performers, teams, and executives in achieving peak performance and sustaining long-term mental well-being and competitive consistency.

    Diverse Career Opportunities

    Graduates can pursue roles such as:

    • Clinical Exercise Physiologist
    • Strength and Conditioning Coach
    • Human Performance Specialist
    • Sport Psychology Consultant
    • Health and Wellness Coach
    • Performance Researcher or Lab Director

    These roles span hospitals, athletic organizations, military and tactical units, corporate wellness programs, and academic research institutions.

    Join a community of scientists and practitioners committed to improving lives through movement, performance, and mental strength. Your journey to becoming a leader in exercise science starts here.

    Reference: [1] Exercise Physiologists - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    Next Steps
         

         
    Contact Us
         
    ExerciseScienceGrad@SouthernCT.edu
    College of Health and Human Services
    Application Requirements

    Application Submission
    Application Fee ($50)
    Official Transcript
    Essay
    Two Letters of Recommendation

    Essay Prompt

    Explain/Discuss why you are interested in earning a M.S. Exercise Science – Concentration in Human Performance/Clinical Exercise Physiology/Sport Psychology.  Why do you wish to attend Southern Connecticut State University?  What are you goals upon graduating with this degree?

    Program Page
    southernct.edu/academics/programs/exercise-science-ms
    Capstone Requirement (Choose One)

    Thesis
    Comprehensive Examination
    Cost of Program

    Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.
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