Exercise Science MS

About the MS in Exercise Science at Loyola

As our society becomes increasingly health conscious, Loyola University Chicago's MS in Exercise Science offers you the opportunity to help others make positive lifestyle choices by educating them on exercise and nutrition in a variety of settings.

Our two-year program combines classroom instruction, lab-based activities, specialty coursework, an internship, and a comprehensive final examination to prepare you for careers in exercise science, including rehabilitation, sports medicine, athletic performance, and fitness.

With anticipated growth in employment for exercise physiologists, a master's in exercise science program is a valuable investment in your future as well as a great first step toward a doctorate in physical therapy or PhD in exercise science.

Program Structure

The MS in Exercise Science can only be pursued full time. Classes are held at Loyola's Lakeshore Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.

Are you a current Loyola undergrad?

This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your undergraduate degree.

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Why Choose Loyola for your MS in Exercise Science?

Expanded opportunities

While a bachelor's degree in exercise science can get you an entry-level position, our master's degree provides you with more advanced career opportunities in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, athletic performance, physical therapy or fitness.

You will gain the knowledge and skills you need to obtain professional certifications, such as registered clinical exercise physiologist or clinical exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine or certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

You will benefit from a collaborative environment and networking opportunities in a close-knit cohort of professors, peers and alumni who share your passion for exercise science.

Delivered through Chicago's largest urban research university, our master's program will prepare you for real-world success through classroom instruction, lab-based activities, advanced specialty coursework, a 200-hour internship, and a comprehensive final exam.

Gain valuable insights and knowledge that you can apply to your career from professors and industry experts who bring direct experience in the field to the classroom.

Put concepts into practice in one of our two on-campus labs like the Human Performance Laboratory. Located within the Alfie Norville Practice Facility, the lab gives you access to advanced equipment, such as an electrocardiogram, heart rate monitors, lab treadmills, and Olympic lifting platforms.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Exercise Science MS program.

Faculty & Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Exercise Science MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Exercise Science MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Exercise Science MS totals $43200.00, or 36 credit hours at a cost of $1,200.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health Financial Aid & Scholarships

Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award

Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Parkinson Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that such health care is a basic human right. Bob and Betty Parkinson took to heart the Ignatian value of “being persons for others.” The Parkinson Scholars Award supports exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and will use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.

Awarded each semester to up to 10 Parkinson students, it includes an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. Scholars are selected to represent the broad range of the Parkinson School’s disciplines.

Learn More

More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Visit and Connect With Us

Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

Schedule an Appointment

Early in your search?

Connect with an Enrollment Advisor to help find your fit.

Already submitted an application?

Connect with an admissions team member to help you through the process.

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Exercise Science MS are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Fall: August 10
Spring: November 15
Summer: March 15

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Exercise Science MS include:

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 2.75 Minimum GPA

  • Personal Statement

  • Successful completion (grade C or better) of one semester of an anatomy and physiology course and one semester of biomechanics

If the courses listed above have not been completed, please contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss alternative courses.

International Student Requirements

Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.

Additional Details

For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.

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