Online Master of Science in Sports and Health Sciences (MS)
Learn how to support athletic performance, disease prevention, and overall wellness through evidence-based practice. This online master’s degree program at American Public University (APU) examines how exercise science and nutrition research apply across the sports, fitness, and healthcare industries.
About APU’s Online Master’s Degree in Sports and Health Sciences
This online master’s degree program examines the research that explores the long- and short-term effects of diet and exercise. APU’s curriculum guides students in designing fitness plans to help people optimize their physical performance and support overall well-being.
Core courses review published research into sport psychology, proper nutrition, and how the human body adapts to training regimens. Students sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills as they consider how exercise prescriptions help improve athletic ability and help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and incorporates case studies that detail real-world applications of exercise science. Coursework explores the nuances of working with various populations striving to reach athletic, fitness, and general health goals.
Degree concentrations further expand on how physical activity can enhance sports performance and general wellness. Courses address how exercise programs can be designed to align with specific health and fitness objectives.
To conclude the program, students complete a capstone project demonstrating their ability to formulate and investigate research questions using peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Select a Concentration for Your MS in Sports and Health Sciences
APU’s online master’s degree program includes concentrations that allow students to explore various subfields within the sports and health sciences. Each concentration examines evidence-based practices and the science that supports them. Courses cover a wide range of subject areas, from exercise testing and wellness management to strategies for designing fitness programs.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
This general concentration allows you to select from all the concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
Program Objectives
This general concentration allows you to select from all the concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
About the Concentration
With growing evidence that exercise and activity can help alleviate the burden of chronic disease, it is important for Health and Fitness Professionals to understand the positive effects of exercise on chronic diseases. This concentration will prepare the learner to design and implement fitness programs for individuals and groups who suffer from one or more chronic diseases. Students will learn the role of fitness professionals in the healthcare continuum, be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of common chronic diseases, and design and implement fitness programs for individuals who suffer from common chronic diseases.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Analyze effects of exercise and activity on health and chronic diseases
- Evaluate the roles and limitations of fitness professionals in the healthcare continuum
- Create safe and effective fitness programs for those suffering the effects of chronic diseases using industry best practices
- Utilize critical thinking skills to synthesize relevant knowledge to implement fitness programs for individuals who suffer from common chronic diseases
About the Concentration
The Exercise Science and Human Performance concentration is a scientific study of the concepts and applications designed to appraise and enhance athletic performance for researchers and practitioners. Students will develop skills to effectively assess and evaluate exercise and human performance through test administration and program design. Course content focuses on factors influencing health and performance; including adaptations to exercise, biomechanics, nutrition, testing and evaluation, exercise techniques, exercise prescription, and psychological aspects of performance.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Design an individualized exercise prescription using results from fitness and exercise testing and evaluation.
- Analyze the functional anatomy of the lower and upper extremities during exercise and human performance.
- Synthesize sports nutrition and supplementation findings into recommendations for professional practice.
- Assess concepts associated with functional movements as they pertain to integrated training.
- Generate mental training strategies to improve an athlete’s performance.
About the Concentration
The Health and Wellness Management concentration helps give students the knowledge to design and implement wellness programs. Students will develop skills to effectively design and manage health and wellness programs for individual clients and corporate settings. Course content focuses on topics crucial to effective fitness leadership and quality management in health and wellness occupations.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Implement programs for exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle change in designing health and wellness programs for clients in private, community, and corporate settings.
- Construct an ethical and leadership philosophy for managing a corporate wellness facility and program.
- Evaluate the role of healthier fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle habits have on disease prevention, general health, and overall well-being.
- Hypothesize solutions to current challenges facing the fitness, wellness, and healthcare industries.
APU’s Online Master’s Degree Program Provides a Career-Relevant Education in Sports and Health Sciences
This online Master of Science program provides an in-depth examination of how proper nutrition and physical activity can transform the human body. Coursework builds fluency in exercise testing, and students learn how to develop individualized training plans that can enhance athletic performance and support long-term wellness.
Students will also:
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research to relevant issues in sports and health sciences
- Understand the relationships between psychological behaviors such as personality, motivation, stress, and aggression
- Analyze sport movements and design movement-oriented exercise prescriptions
- Illustrate the potential for enhancement of muscle strength, muscular endurance, power, flexibility, and motor performance during anaerobic training
APU’s online master’s program emphasizes practical applications for sports science and nutrition research. Students learn how health and fitness objectives can be achieved through individualized exercise plans, such as strength and conditioning programs. Coursework also addresses sports psychology, and students discuss how personality, motivation, and stress can affect an athlete’s performance.
Graduates may have potential career opportunities as:
- Strength and conditioning specialists, who develop and implement training programs designed to improve athletic performance and physical fitness
- Exercise physiologists, who design fitness and rehabilitation programs based on health and performance assessments
- Health and wellness program managers, who coordinate wellness initiatives and performance programs in corporate or community settings
This Master of Science program may also help lay the groundwork to pursue research roles or continuing education in sports and health sciences and related fields.
APU’s sports and health sciences curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of training athletes and helping various populations reach their health and fitness goals. Coursework connects exercise physiology to individualized training programs and dietary plans. Students also review case studies to sharpen career-relevant skills.
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Analyze advanced concepts in exercise physiology, sports performance, and health sciences
- Design evidence-based training and performance programs for athletic and active populations
- Evaluate research literature and apply statistical analysis to sports and health data
- Assess injury prevention, recovery strategies, and wellness interventions
- Integrate technology and performance metrics to optimize athletic training outcomes
- Communicate scientific findings and program recommendations to professional stakeholders
“ Sports and health sciences, including the exercise science program, bring together the study of human movement, physiology, performance, recovery, nutrition, and wellness. What I value most is helping students connect scientific principles to real-world questions and develop a deeper understanding of how the body responds, adapts, performs, and supports lifelong health. ”
Browse Courses from APU’s Online Master's Degree Program in Sports and Health Sciences
This online master’s degree program examines human movement through the lens of exercise physiology. Students learn how to develop individualized training and nutrition programs to optimize sports performance and support disease prevention. The curriculum also includes sports psychology coursework that explores how stress and motivation affect performance.
Degree concentrations delve further into the real-world applications of exercise science. Courses build practical skills in areas such as exercise testing and movement analysis.
Students conclude the program with a capstone project that investigates a research question through published scientific literature.
Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.
Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.
Connect with APU’s Community While You Pursue Your MS in Sports and Health Sciences
Online clubs and communities give classmates, faculty, and alumni a place to connect over shared interests beyond the virtual classroom. Students interested in sports science, exercise science, and related disciplines may be drawn to groups such as the Sports Experience and Events Network or the Health Sciences Honor Society.
The University also hosts a wide selection of social and cultural organizations, and students may explore mentorship and volunteer opportunities, as well. Learn more about how to get involved when you pursue your master’s degree in sports and health sciences online at APU.
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Learn MorePursue Your MS in Sports and Health Sciences Online Through APU’s Affordable Program
With a mission to make higher education accessible and affordable, APU offers low-cost tuition rates and a generous transfer credit policy. Qualifying students may also apply University grants toward this MS in Sports and Health Sciences to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
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Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may be eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admissions representative for more details.
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Transfer Credits
APU makes it easy to earn credit for the work you’ve already done. We accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, professional training, exams, and certifications. We’ll evaluate your transcripts at no cost and help you maximize eligible credits so you can save time, reduce costs, and stay focused on reaching your education goals sooner.
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We’re committed to making quality education accessible and affordable. APU participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office can provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, complete required forms, and make an informed decision about paying for your education.
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In addition to federal financial aid, some APU students choose to explore private education loans or external scholarships to help fund their studies. We encourage all students to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid before considering private options. Be sure to research lenders carefully, compare terms, and understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
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Apply to APU’s Online Master’s Degree Program in Sports and Health Sciences Today
APU's online MS in Sports and Health Sciences is designed for working professionals and adult learners balancing their studies with career and family obligations. Courses start monthly, run for 8 to 16 weeks, and have no set login times. Students may complete weekly assignments and participate in weekly class discussions from anywhere with a stable internet connection. The University also welcomes new students to this master’s degree program year-round.
Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams No GRE® or GMAT® required for master’s programs
- No Application Fee For undergraduate & master’s-level courses
- Courses Start Monthly Enroll now, start next month
- All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®) or its international equivalent. If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.
- Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or official JST or CCAF transcript (military students).
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
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Learn More About Pursuing an MS in Sports and Health Sciences
Studying exercise science can be a practical choice for master’s-level students who are interested in the relationship between human movement, sports nutrition, and athletic performance. Coursework encourages analytical thinking, and learners sharpen their research skills as they explore scientific principles.
When evaluating degree programs, however, it is important to closely review the curricula. If you are considering pursuing an online master’s in exercise science, you may find that APU’s online Master of Science in Sports and Health Sciences aligns with your interests. The curriculum examines many topics commonly associated with exercise science master’s degrees. Courses cover advanced exercise physiology, sports nutrition, exercise testing, sports psychology, and strength and conditioning. Students also evaluate scientific literature and discuss evidence-based practices suited to professional settings.
SPHS509 – Optimal Sports Performance is designed to prepare students for the Performance Enhancement Specialist examination offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASAM-PES). This course is offered through select degree concentrations.
NOTE: Professional certifications are established by independent organizations, and each certification has its own eligibility requirements. Students who are interested in certifications should review the requirements for the credentials they wish to pursue and evaluate how this program's coursework aligns with their goals.
With more than 200 career-relevant degrees and certificates, APU makes online education accessible and affordable.
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The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
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