Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
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 be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held at Loyola's Lakeshore Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
The program offers three distinct concentrations in Exercise Science: General Track, Strength and Conditioning and Human Performance, and Clinical Exercise Science.
In addition to the program's foundational coursework, the General Track requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of electives, which includes courses in Strength Training and Conditioning, Motor Learning and Performance, Applied Sports Science, and others.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
In addition to the program's foundational coursework, the Strength and Conditioning and Human Performance concentration requires a minimum of 13 credit hours of track-specific curricula and a minimum of 6 credit hours of electives. Courses include Strength Training and Conditioning, Motor Learning and Performance, Applied Biomechanics, and others.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
In addition to the program's foundational coursework, the Clinical Exercise Science concentration requires a minimum of 13 credit hours of track-specific curricula and a minimum of 6 credit hours of electives. Courses include Health Promotion and Wellness Theories and Frameworks, Cardiac and Pulmonary Disease and Rehabilitation, and EKG Interpretation, and others.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
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 eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for your MS in Exercise Science?
- Expanded opportunities
- Certification readiness
- Built-in networking
- Rigorous curriculum
- Experienced faculty
- State-of-the-art facilities
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.
Applied Health Sciences Department
The Department of Applied Health Sciences invites students and faculty to engage in timely, interdisciplinary research that improves lives through better health. Find more information on the department and stories showcasing current Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health students and graduates from the Exercise Science MS program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteParkinson News and StoriesMeet 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 & StaffMS in Exercise Science: Career Connections
The MS in Exercise Science at Loyola University Chicago will prepare you for careers in a range of settings, including hospitals, acute and chronic care health centers, sports medicine, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, community health centers, sports performance, or fitness facilities. You will also be prepared to pursue PhD-level studies.
Specific job options include:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Sports medicine specialist
- Athletic performance coach
- Personal trainer
- Fitness center director
- Health educator
- Physical therapy aide
- Exercise science researcher
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Corporate wellness director
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
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.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMS in Exercise Science Results and Skills
Upon successful completion of your MS in Exercise Science, you will have the ability to:
- Help people make positive lifestyle choices for their health, whether it's in hospitals, acute and chronic care health centers, sports medicine, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, community health centers, sports performance, or fitness facilities
- Conduct comprehensive health and fitness assessments using theories and frameworks
- Make evidence-based recommendations into the prescription, implementation, and evaluation of exercise and fitness programs based on scientific principles
- Create lifestyle modification and health promotion plans for individuals and groups
- Support clients or patients as they adopt, perform, and maintain a healthy lifestyle through effective communication and motivational strategies
- Manage human, fiscal, and physical resources of health fitness facilities and programs
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 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 $46620.00, or 36 credit hours at a cost of $1,295.00 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.
Graduate Student Opportunities
The Parkinson School is dedicated to making education both accessible and affordable. Along with potential scholarship opportunities, the school offers paid graduate student positions that provide hands-on experience in research, community engagement, and scholarship. The available positions for incoming Parkinson graduate students are paid roles, with compensation provided bi-weekly, and do not include a benefits package. These positions offer invaluable experience while supporting your academic journey.
Learn More
More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health 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.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Exercise Science MS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline.
Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.
Spring: November 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the spring.
Summer: March 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after March 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the summer.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Exercise Science MS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
2.75 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Admission to the Exercise Science MS program requires successful completion (grade C or better) of undergraduate anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics courses.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Exercise Science MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY