Exercise Science, M.S.


Change lives through holistic fitness.

There is a growing need for advanced professionals in exercise, fitness and related areas. By earning your Master of Science degree in Exercise Science at Lenoir-Rhyne, you can meet this need by gaining a strong foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biomechanics and adaptations to physical activity and exercise, and you will be able to demonstrate these skills and expertise in a real-world setting.

Program Flexibility

Our fully online, 33 credit hour program is designed with the working adult in mind.

You can access the carefully designed coursework anywhere in the world and engage expert faculty who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the many facets of exercise science. You can begin the program any semester (summer, fall or spring term). As a non-cohort program, you can complete the curriculum at your own pace—full-time or part-time.

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Program Objectives


  • Develop a sound foundational knowledge of understanding of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biomechanics and adaptations to physical activity and exercise.
  • Demonstrate skills pertaining to assessments, laboratory methods, experimental and analytical practices, along with data acquisition and reporting in the exercise sciences.
  • Lead with knowledge of the importance and influence of physical activity, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise on health and be an advocate for enhanced quality of life.
  • Manage, administer and evaluate wellness and fitness programs, nutrition projects, and exercise physiology tracks based in sport, clinical, industrial and/or corporate environments.

Coursework covers a wide range of topics with classes dedicated to sports nutrition, exercise and sports psychology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, testing and prescription and research methodologies.

As you near completion of the program, you have the opportunity to complete a practicum final project or thesis.

Sterling Jones

With the experience I gained through hands-on labs and fieldwork, I feel more qualified to train athletes and other individuals to improve their athletic performance.

Sterling Jones ’17, MS ’19

Program Requirements

Offered Online

The Masters of Science in Exercise Science will require 33 credit hours for graduation. The 33 credit hours will be composed of 27 core curriculum hours and 6 elective hours.

Program Admission Requirements

Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.

Prerequisite Requirements

Competency in the basic areas of Exercise Science is required to begin courses in the ES program. Required prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs. The areas of competency are covered in the following Lenoir-Rhyne University courses or their equivalents: BIO 281/282 Anatomy & Physiology I and II.

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