Our exercise science graduate degree offers elite, hands-on preparation for careers in health promotion, exercise physiology and related fields. The Strength and Conditioning concentration is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Finish in as little as 9 - 12 months. Apply by May 17, 2021 for the summer term.
Graduate Virtual Information Session
Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a Virtual Information Session to learn more about our graduate programs, hear directly from program directors and chat with admissions representatives.
Exercise and Sport Science Master’s Degree: Why Merrimack College?
You’ll cultivate a complete range of professional skills in our Exercise and Sport Science master’s program, while choosing from concentrations in Strength and Conditioning or Exercise Science. The degree has earned wide recognition for its:
Exceptional fellowship opportunities.
Merrimack College’s one-of-a-kind Exercise and Sport Science fellowships offer hands-on experience that you can’t get in a classroom. You’ll work in a professional practice, get immersed in exercise science technologies and methods, and enjoy a 50 percent tuition reduction.
Flexible program options.
You can earn the Exercise and Sport Science master’s degree either full-time or part-time, graduating in as little as 9 months or as long as 2 years.
Personalized faculty support.
Our Exercise and Sport Science master’s degree features small classes and attentive faculty. You’ll learn from seasoned practitioners who hold advanced degrees and have years of professional practice in exercise physiology, athletics and coaching.
Strong community.
Merrimack College’s exercise science graduate program features small courses and a welcoming culture that’s more collaborative than competitive. You’ll develop close-knit relationships with classmates and faculty, developing a supportive network that endures long past graduation.
Students choosing the concentration in Strength and Conditioning will prepare to work with a variety of athletes in multiple settings. The coursework focuses on advanced strength and conditioning theory, program design, coaching leadership, and coaching skills. The curriculum is designed to be relevant and practical to prepare students for job placement upon graduation and be adequately prepared to pass national certification exams.
Concentration in Exercise Science
The concentration in Exercise Science has a curriculum that is focused on science and disease prevention with courses like Physical Activity and Technology and Chronic Disease and Health Promotion. In this concentration, students will gain practical skills needed for success in the industry.
Video: Exercise and Sports Science Fellowships
Exercise and Sport Science: What You’ll Learn
Merrimack’s exercise and sport science master’s degree enables you learn both in the classroom and in real-world settings. You’ll acquire the expertise to apply state-of-the art technologies and evidence-based practices.
In addition, our Exercise and Sport Science master’s program provides you with full preparation for professional certification. You’ll learn to:
Collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with fellow medical and exercise professionals.
Work with diverse clients of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and levels of fitness and athletic ability.
Apply the most current, cutting-edge technologies, including BodPod, Force Plate, Neurotracker, Zephyr, and 3-D gait tracking.
Help athletes achieve peak performance.
Exercise leadership in community health and fitness programs.
Core Classes
Advanced Exercise Physiology
Health Sciences Organization and Leadership
Research Methods
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sports Nutrition
Capstone Seminar
Concentration: Strength and Conditioning
Advanced Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning Coaching Theory and Practice
Concentration: Exercise Science
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Physical Activity and Exercise Technologies
Exercise Science and Personal Fitness Career Opportunities
Graduates of Merrimack College’s Exercise and Sport Science master’s program have an outstanding hiring record. Many of our alumni pursue careers as strength and conditioning coaches, one of the fastest-growing health science professions. In addition, our graduates work in positions such as:
“We really focus on hard skills. I don’t even use a textbook in my classes. Our students get hands-on training and experience. They work with up-to-date technology. They learn to write detailed protocols. They get everything they need.”
― Mike Corcoran, Associate Professor
Want to Learn More about the Exercise and Sport Science Master’s Degree?
Here’s how to get more information about Merrimack College’s Exercise and Sport Science master’s degree.
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Scholarships and Fellowships
Exercise and Sport Science fellowships can reduce your tuition by 50 percent or more. Scholarships can provide additional support to limit your expenses and debt burden.
<section class="content-fluid-slider-container content-fluid dark section" style="background:url('/live/image/gid/67/width/1000/height/500/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1920,1080/ignore_cropper/1/21260_MC_Church1.rev.1587317585.jpg'); background-size:cover;"><div class="container"><div class="row no-gutters"><div class="col-lg-9"><span class="label">Office of Communications and Marketing</span><a class="hover-yellow" href="https://www.merrimack.edu/covid-19/addressing-financial-hardships/index.php"><h3>Merrimack Establishes Student Emergency Fund</h3></a> <p>As a testament to our Augustinian value of service to others and in the wake of this ongoing health crisis, Merrimack has established the Student Emergency Fund to assist those students who are facing additional financial hurdles due to COVID-19. </p></div><div class="col-lg-3"><div class="d-table h-100 "><div class="d-table-cell align-middle"><img src="/live/image/gid/67/width/1000/height/500/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1920,1080/ignore_cropper/1/21260_MC_Church1.rev.1587317585.jpg" alt="Merrimack church"/></div></div></div></div></div></section>
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<section class="content-fluid-slider-container content-fluid dark section" style="background:url('/live/image/gid/67/width/1000/height/500/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1200,670/ignore_cropper/1/21758_rickey-caldwell.rev.1599077275.jpg'); background-size:cover;"><div class="container"><div class="row no-gutters"><div class="col-lg-9"><span class="label">Office of Communications and Marketing</span><a class="hover-yellow" href="/live/news/4947-merrimack-college-awarded-nsf-grant-for-machs"><h3>Merrimack College Awarded NSF Grant for MACHS Scholars Program</h3></a> <p>Merrimack secures NSF grant for new STEM program to support high-achieving, low-income students. </p></div><div class="col-lg-3"><div class="d-table h-100 "><div class="d-table-cell align-middle"><img src="/live/image/gid/67/width/1000/height/500/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1200,670/ignore_cropper/1/21758_rickey-caldwell.rev.1599077275.jpg" alt="Principal Investigator Dr. Rickey Caldwell, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering"/></div></div></div></div></div></section>
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