Graduate Fellowships in Exercise and Sport Science

Graduate fellowships for the M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science program are highly sought-after opportunities that provide you with hands-on learning and reduced tuition costs.

Exercise and Sport Science Fellowships & Fieldwork Experiences

Merrimack College offers 4 levels of on campus and external fellowship and fieldwork opportunities exclusively for our M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science students. Each fieldwork category provides our graduate students with unparalleled experience in strength and conditioning or exercise science, as well as a significant tuition discount of 33%-100%.

Presidential Fellowship

Covers 100% of your graduate tuition. Includes a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.

NEW

Health Science Sponsored Fellowship

Covers 75% of your graduate tuition. Includes a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 20 hours per week.

Provost Fellowship

Covers 50% of your graduate tuition. Includes a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.

NEW

Graduate Intern

Covers 33% of your graduate tuition. Includes a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 10 hours per week.

2026-2027 Exercise and Sport Science Fellowship Opportunities

By Type
By Location

Location: North Andover, MA

Job Description

The fellow will have the oppurtunity to work with Division 1 sports teams to manage injuries and illnesses and provide athletic training services. Working alongside Certified Athletic trainers, the fellow will develop skills across all BOC competencies including emergency/acute care, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, modalities application, referral and student-athlete wellness. They will also develop working connections with athletes, coaches, strength and conditioning staff, MGB team physicians and athletic trainers.

Position Responsibilities

  • Work with designated teams and student-athletes to provide onsite care and management of injuries and illnesses including: clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment, rehabilitation, and health and well-being support to student-athletes.
  • Assess risk of injury, perform ergonomic evaluation and coaching, self-care implementation, and overall wellness promotion.
  • Think critically and make independent decisions regarding the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and return to play decisions per state licensure guidelines.
  • Maintain written/electronic documentation of all athletic injuries/conditions, treatment, rehabilitation and progress notes, including physician referrals and completion of insurance claims.
  • Communicate with physicians and coaches regarding student-athlete injuries and healthcare.
  • Carry out medical care for assigned student-athletes per the sports medicine standard operating procedures.
  • Work cooperatively and communicate with the strength and conditioning staff regarding injuries and rehabilitation, treatment plans and programming for specific individuals.
  • Minimize risk of injury through awareness, education and prevention strategies.
  • Represent Merrimack Athletics with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to the graduate fellows and student interns.
  • Teach skills and competencies to students in the graduate Athletic Training Education Program; serve as a preceptor.
  • Foster and maintain a culture that demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as trust and mutual respect.
  • Foster and maintain a culture that demonstrates a commitment to NCAA rules compliance, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Northeast Conference (NEC) and Hockey East rules and protocols, and institutional policies.
  • Participate in departmental activities including staff meetings, compliance education, diversity, equity and inclusion training, guest speaker presentations and other events/meetings.
  • Adhere to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Code of Ethics.
  • Fulfill other specific areas of responsibility related to the athletic training program as assigned.
  • Athletic Training Room Coverage Game coverage on weekdays and weekends Quality care of all athletes May be responsible for specific team care Wellbeing of athletes

Position Requirements

  • BOC License
  • BOC Certification, eligible for MA state licensure

Location: Norwood, MA

Job Description

The grad fellow at Compete will be fully immersed into the onboarding, training, and hands-on athletic development we facilitate for each individual client the moment they step through the door. Although you will not be expected to be at a head coach level in terms of presence in the weight room from day one, you should be able to make a positive impact on the athletes’ training experience. This can be as simple as ensuring a certain drill is set up properly in advance to communicating to the coach that an athlete may need a modification if you flag an injury during their pre-lift. This grad fellowship will provide countless reps on the floor coaching, learning how to cue a large amount of exercises, and learn how to coach a variety of different athletes in an effective manner.

Upon completion of this program, our interns will be competent in program design, speed development program design, intern development, as well as ascertaining how the private sports performance industry works. We also work closely with our PT and AT team so our interns will be able to learn more in the realm of physical therapy and athletic training on top of the elite sports performance program we employ.

Position Responsibilities

  • Assist the Head coach in speed and agility training in the field house
  • Assist the Head coach in strength training in the weight room
  • Ensure turf and weight room setup to facilitate training experience
  • Attend weekly staff meetings that include continuing education, programming, client management, and facility management
  • Data entry for athlete groups (jump numbers, sprint numbers, bodyweight)
  • Facility maintenance checklist

Position Requirements

Eagerness to learn and develop professionally, sports background, enthusiasm to work with athletes ages 12-24, flexible with weekly schedule.

Location: Greenland, NH

Job Description

MaxWay Performance is a functional fitness and sports performance facility on the seacoast of NH that trains athletes and adults of all ages. MaxWay will be able to provide a unique experience for Fellowship applicants, we will be able place the Fellow in both public sector and private sector strength and conditioning. They will be able to run a strength and conditioning program, conduct any research required for their academics, and explore the ins and outs of the strength and conditioning field. The Fellows will be able to spend time training with public and private schools athletic teams and students at one of our contracted schools or club teams; but also learn and experience private sector S&C by training within our brick and mortar facility where we train middle school, high school & collegiate athletes, while also adults and seniors in a small group personal training setting.

Position Responsibilities

  • Running and implementing strength and conditioning of athlete groups in facility, on field, or at respective schools as the primary coach with support and guidance from the Fellowship Coordinator.
  • Assist with conditioning of adult groups at MaxWay's facility as the primary coach with support and guidance from the Fellowship Coordinator.
  • Participate in weekly education provided by MaxWay staff.
  • Participate and collaborate during coach education and professional development.

Position Requirements

  • CPR / AED certification
  • Personal training certification or equivalent is preferred but not mandatory.
  • A positive attitude and growth mindset

Location: North Andover, MA

Job Description

Expectations are 25 hours per week. Each candidate will be assigned a minimum of 2 varsity sports, and will assist with other teams and coaches on a need basis. Further, each candidate will provide design, implementation and correction for all assigned duties. We will work with our students to ensure their coaching and academic schedules are not conflicting. Merrimack College is a Division 1 institution as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and participates in Hockey East (HEA)

Portfolio Submission: For consideration, please submit your entire portfolio as one combined PDF file to [email protected] by February 13, 2026.
  • Title Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • References
  • Coaching Philosophy
  • Vision Statement of your career and how Merrimack College Sports Performance will assist in that process
  • Personal and Professional Career Goals
  • 1-minute coaching video (showing live coaching with athletes in a team setting)
  • Needs Analysis for a Collegiate Men's Basketball Team
  • 4-Week Collegiate Men's Basketball Program (Beginning of the Off-Season Period) including:
    • Warm Up
    • Speed, Change of Direction, and Agility
    • Resistance Training
    • Conditioning
  • Position Responsibilities

    • Be capable of fulfilling all required duties of Graduate Fellow Strength and Conditioning Coach.
    • Assist in all training and preparation for all of the varsity inter-collegiate sports.
    • Regularly and actively participate in weekly administrative and professional development staff meetings.
    • Assist in supervision of Interns in Strength and Conditioning.
    • Have a working knowledge and adherence to all NCAA, NEC, and Hockey East rules and regulations.
    • Understand the institutional and departmental mission and goals and ensure support.
    • Develop strong working relationships with administrative, coaching, and support staff within Athletic Department.
    • Develop year-round sport-specific training programs for assigned teams.
    • Report any information to Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Welfare that may be in question.
    • Achieve and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
    • Achieve or be working towards, and maintain pertinent certification to the Strength and Conditioning field (CSCS, CSCCa).
    • Accept responsibility for all equipment and appearance of the Strength and Conditioning facility.
    • Accept responsibility for the well-being of all student-athletes utilizing the services of the Strength and Conditioning department.
    • Continually participate in professional development in order to stay current with any new information that may benefit the program and student-athletes.
    • Be visible at athletic competitions and support the student-athletes.
    • Meet regularly with Director of Strength and Conditioning and follow up on any duties that may be assigned.
    • Communicate regularly and effectively with Head sport coaches and staffs regarding any and all pertinent information.
    • Maintain a level of professionalism in and around the Merrimack Campus community and around student and student-athletes.
    • Build relationships with Merrimack Community.

    Position Requirements

    • CPR - AED / First Aid
    • NSCA - CSCS (preferred)

    Location: Exeter, NH

    Job Description

    Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational independent boarding school for boarding and day students in grades 9 through 12, and offers a postgraduate program. Located in Exeter NH, it is one of the oldest secondary schools in the United States. Phillips Exeter Academy Athletic program boasts 63 interscholastic athletic teams (varsity & junior varsity).

    Each successful candidate will be assigned 2-3 Varsity/ Junior Varsity High School athletic teams to design and implement in-season strength and conditioning programs, as well as assisting with all athletic programs on campus. Each candidate will also be responsible for communicating and scheduling with the assigned sport Head Coach. There will be direct mentoring from the Head and Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach via daily and weekly staff meetings and performance reviews that will cover an education curriculum and professional development activities. The expected outcome of this fellowship is that each candidate gain the necessary competencies and become prepared to excel as a successful Strength and Conditioning coach.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Will be responsible for the direct programming, scheduling and coaching of at least 2 junior varsity or varsity teams per term.
    • Conducts and records testing parameters throughout the year to determine effectiveness of development.
    • Work with Head and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coaches to create a positive, encouraging, and competitive environment for student athletes.
    • Professionally interact with members of the support staff (athletic trainers, physical therapists, sport coaches, athletic admin).
    • Knowledge and commitment to follow Athletic Department and Academy policies and procedures along with other rules and regulations.
    • Ensures proper supervision in the fitness center, including instruction in lifting technique of training with free weights and Olympic Lifts, as well as safety procedures for athletes as well as general population.
    • Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
    • Contributes to the overall success of the academy’s athletics programs by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
    • Completes all fellowship curriculum assignments on time and with full effort. Present and active in all Strength & Conditioning department meetings.
    • Technology integration – TeamBuildr, Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates, Brower Timing Systems.

    Position Requirements

    • Current Certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) OR must have proof they are working towards one of the above. (Proof of registration for appropriate exam within the first 60 days of fellowship)
    • Current CPR/First Aid certifications required and must be maintained throughout the course of employment in this position (can be done on campus if necessary)
    • Scope of the position requires the ability to perform and/or demonstrate various physical strength exercises and to assist others performing those exercises in a group setting
    • Excellent communication skills, supervisory, and management skills are required

    Location: North Andover, MA

    Job Description

    As a Research Assistant (RA) for the Strength to Quit Lab, she/he/they will work primarily in the conduct and publication of independent and collaborative scholarly research on topics focused on the role physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors can play in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, with a targeted focus on mental health, substance use, and cardiometabolic disease and disability. All research by the RA will involve relevant collaboration with other Merrimack faculty members, as well as with investigators at other institutions (e.g., UCLA, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, and Yale New Haven Hospital, among others). This position would be beneficial to students interested in pursuing doctoral degrees, PA/OT/PT school, or other careers in research or clinical settings.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Conducting cardiopulmonary exercise testing, muscular strength and power assessments
    • Interpreting metabolic and performance data from exercise fitness tests
    • Exercise program design/prescription (i.e., exercise mode, intensity, frequency and duration) for individuals with and without physical limitations/disabilities
    • Data collection/maintenance
    • Overseeing the recruitment of participants
    • Conducting testing and training sessions
    • Assuring quality of sessions
    • Participating in all on-site audits
    • Assisting with supervision of other research staff (if applicable)
    • Managing multiple aspects of project administration

    Position Requirements

    • A strong background in exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise psychology, research methods, or exercise science, is preferred. Specifically, a knowledge of and experience with conducting muscular fitness assessments, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and measurement techniques for assessing physical activity is preferrable but not required. Motivated students with a strong interest in this research area but who have little experience will be considered on a case-to-case basis.
    • Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and a professional certification from an accredited fitness organization (e.g., NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist or ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist) will be required prior to beginning the position.
    • Research ethics and compliance training will also be required upon beginning the assistantship through The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). RA’s will have dedicated time to complete this training and it is mandatory prior to beginning any research activities.
    • Knowledge of a variety of research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative procedures for assessing physical activity, mental health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength.
    • Some knowledge of statistical methods and analysis.
    • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to communicate with personnel involved in the research project(s) and administration.

    Location: Lowell, MA

    Job Description

    The University of Massachusetts Lowell (Division I) is currently accepting applications for their Sports Performance Graduate Fellowship Position. This is a one-year position that will run through the 2026-2027 academic year. While having the opportunity in one year to complete a Master's degree in Exercise Science at Merrimack College, Graduate Fellows will gain practical experience in the field of Sports Performance by working at UMASS Lowell.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Design and implement training programs for designated athletic program(s) under the supervision of a member of the Sports Performance staff
    • Assist the Sports Performance staff with the day-to-day operations of the weight room
    • Aid in the supervision and execution of the training programs for our Division I Athletic programs
    • Maintain and upkeep athlete refueling station
    • Create and curate social media content for UMass Lowell Sports Performance

    Position Requirements

    • Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or a related field
    • Minimum 1 year of previous experience in sports performance preferred
    • Must possess a SCCC or CSCS certification (applicants who do not hold a certification prior to the interview will not be considered)

    Location: North Andover, MA

    Job Description

    Merrimack College Fitness & Recreation offers a variety of formal and informal recreational activities to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle and foster a sense of belonging. The graduate fellow for campus recreation will be responsible for the programming, scheduling, and advertising for the intramural and recreation programs and managing the Intramurals student staff of supervisors, referees, and scorekeepers. Time will be spent staffing the Fitness & Recreation centers on a weekly basis as well as various events and tournaments, working directly with large student staffs. Merrimack Fitness & Recreation's goal is to create a fun, welcoming environment for our students and increase engagement within our community,

    Position Responsibilities

    • Scheduling of Intramural contests, tournaments, and events using IM Leagues
    • Identify opportunities for collaboration with campus partners for events to increase student engagement
    • Develop marketing plans and collateral for programs and events using various social media platforms, CORQ, Canva
    • Attend college events including Open Houses, Accepted Students Days, and Involvement Fairs to increase awareness of college offerings
    • Periodically attend Intramurals competitions to monitor department operations and network
    • Monitor and order equipment inventory, identifying new opportunities for popular games and activities
    • Facilitate weekly meetings with the Intramural Supervisors and seasonal orientations with the full staff
    • Hiring, onboarding, and training Intramurals and Recreation staff and supervisors
    • Process staff payroll
    • Identify, plan, and implement off-campus recreation trips
    • Survey the students for interest in additional recreation opportunities
    • Assist in the development, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and operation protocols to ensure safe and well-managed recreation facilities

    Position Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree required
    • 1+ years of fitness or collegiate recreation experience or equivalent
    • Excellent interpersonal skills, including customer service skills
    • Ability to engage and establish rapport with a variety of individuals
    • Self-starter with a positive attitude and proactive mindset
    • Knowledge of existing and emerging trends in collegiate recreation and social media
    • Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
    • Evening and weekend work will be required in accordance with support of departmental programming

    Location: North Andover, MA

    Job Description

    The graduate fellow in athletics administration will work with multiple senior leaders in the department over the course of the year and will have the opportunity to experience a number of areas within the department (general administration, business operations, marketing and branding, facilities and operations, corporate partnerships, etc.). Combining facets from all of these different areas, the position will allow the individual to work across the Merrimack Athletics department and gain a deeper understanding into the components that help make a NCAA Division I athletic department function. Opportunities to expand the position into areas of the individual's preference also exist.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Work with senior leaders in the athletic department to help general administration, operation, and function of the day-to-day workings of the department.
    • Work with athletics CFO, assisting with business operations and processes.
    • Assist with facility and event operations as needed, especially around large events (e.g. homecoming).
    • Provide support to senior athletic administrators on special projects and initiatives, as well as day-to-day office operations.
    • Under the guidance of senior administrators, propose and work up new ideas, initiatives, and projects.
    • Assist with fulfillment of athletics contracts (e.g. equipment and apparel with New Balance, marketing with corporate partners).

    Position Requirements

    • Interest and desire to work in college athletics.
    • Availability for daily office work and occasional nights and weekend responsibilities.
    • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and ensure accuracy in reporting.
    • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
    • Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
    • Ability to solve problems using critical thinking skills and work effectively within a team environment.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and G-Suite.

    Location: North Andover, MA

    Job Description

    This is an exciting opportunity to work with the nationally recognized NOURISH Lab (https://www.childnourishlab.org/) and its principal investigator, Dr. Juliana Cohen. The NOURISH Lab evaluates school-based interventions and policies to improve children's nutrition, wellbeing, and academic outcomes. Current research projects include: (1) a multi-state evaluation of ultra-processed foods in schools and the updated national school meal standards; and (2) an evaluation in Anchorage School District (in Alaska) to examine a wellness policy that provides students with longer lunch periods, longer recess, and movement breaks throughout the school day.

    The NOURISH Lab is one of the core research labs within the Center for Health Innovation, Research, and Policy (CHIRP) in the School of Nursing Health Sciences at Merrimack College. Research within the NOURISH Lab is supported by two prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants and several foundations. The NOURISH Lab Research Fellow will assist Dr. Juliana Cohen in a variety of research-related and administrative tasks."

    Position Responsibilities

    • Complete human subjects CITI training
    • Literature reviews, including working with a research librarian to search for and screen studies for review and summary
    • Data collection (in-person and remote), data entry, and cleaning
    • Support with writing manuscripts (with potential for co-authorship on publications)
    • Communication of results, including research poster design, visual abstract, and presentations

    Position Requirements

    Any individuals with Interest in working on research projects related to children’s nutrition and health are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are welcome. Those pursuing a master’s program in the health sciences will receive priority consideration due to the nature of the work.

    Location: Worcester, MA

    Job Description

    The Assistant Strength Coach will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a comprehensive, evidence-based strength and conditioning program for Clark University student-athletes.

    Under the supervision of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, the Fellow will take on responsibility for 2-4 teams at Clark. They will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of strength training, conditioning, speed, agility, mobility, and recovery programs tailored to the needs of those teams. Emphasis is placed on teaching proper technique, fostering safe training habits, and creating an inclusive, positive, and development-focused training environment.

    The Fellow will contribute to daily operations of the strength and conditioning program, including facility supervision, equipment upkeep, scheduling, and data tracking. This role requires regular collaboration with sport coaches, athletic training staff, and other athletic department personnel to support athlete health, performance, and return-to-play protocols.

    The Fellow is expected to serve as a positive role model, mentor student-athletes, and uphold all NCAA, conference, and institutional policies and procedures.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Design and implement strength programs, conditioning, and SAQC for assigned teams and assist with other teams as needed.
    • Supervise team and individual training sessions to ensure proper technique and safety.
    • Assist with facility management, scheduling, and equipment maintenance.
    • Support injury prevention and return-to-play efforts in collaboration with athletic training staff.
    • Maintain accurate training records and assist with performance testing.
    • Promote positive coach–athlete relationships and a culture of sportsmanship and academic success.
    • Additional duties as assigned by the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach or Athletic Department.

    Position Requirements

    • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
    • National strength and conditioning certification (CSCS, SCCC, or equivalent).
    • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

    Location: Framingham, MA

    Job Description

    Framingham State University is accepting applications for the position of Graduate Assistant Sports Performance Coach. The Rams are a member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, and currently sponsor 15 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs that provide opportunities for 400 student athletes.

    Position Responsibilities

    Responsibilities for the successful candidate include assisting the Coordinator of Sports Performance in all aspects of training for 15 Division III programs. Among other things the Sports Performance staff is responsible for the following: Program design, teaching exercise technique, leading warm-ups and agility/speed drills, nutritional guidance for student-athletes, scheduling of weight room, conducting performance testing, meeting with recruits, and weight room maintenance.

    Position Requirements

    • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field.
    • Strong desire to gain valuable experience in the field of sports performance.
    • 1-2 years (or semesters) of experience training high school or college-age athletes.
    • CSCS certified.

    Location: Providence, RI

    Job Description

    The Brown Sports Performance Fellowship is an opportunity for an eager coach to gain experience implementing their own training programs, coaching training sessions, and collaborating with their team's respective staffs which may include, Sports Medicine, Sport Psychology and Sports Dietitian. In addition to assigned team responsibilities, a Fellow may have opportunities to assist with other programs as well. The Brown Sports Performance Fellowship has an expected start date in August and will conclude in May. This position will have guidance from and report to Associate Head of Sports Performance, Adrianna Johnson.

    Position Responsibilities

    • Design, implement, and administer strength & conditioning programs for assigned teams
    • Meet and collaborate with sport coaches, athletic training staff, sport administrators, and others who work closely with assigned programs
    • Meet regularly with direct supervisor to discuss programs, projects, and other responsibilities
    • Assist with daily maintenance of the Zucconi Varsity Weight Room
    • Actively participate in continuing education
    • Set semester and yearly goals

    Position Requirements

    • CPR certified
    • CSCCa-SCCC or NSCA-CSCS credentialed
    • B.A. in Exercise Science or related field (Kinesiology, Sport Science, Health Science, etc.)
    • At least one internship with coaching experience; collegiate settings preferred

    Location: Haverhill, MA

    Location: Easton, MA

    Job Description

    The Strength & Conditioning Fellow will assist in the daily operations of the Stonehill College Strength and Conditioning department. This position provides hands-on experience in developing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for collegiate athletes while working closely with the Director of Strength & Conditioning and the athletic teams. The fellow will also gain experience in performance testing, athlete monitoring, and injury prevention strategies.

    Position Responsibilities

    Assist with the design, implementation, and supervision of strength and conditioning programs for various sports teams. The graduate fellow strength coach will be assigned 2-3 teams to oversee, design, and implement their program in the weight room. Conduct performance assessments and monitor athlete progress using force plates and other performance testing tools. Provide instruction and feedback on proper lifting techniques, conditioning drills, and mobility exercises. Support student-athletes in injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols as guided by the sports medicine team. Help manage the weight room facility, ensuring a safe and effective training environment. Assist with scheduling, facility setup, and administrative duties as needed. Attend staff meetings and educational sessions to develop skills and knowledge related to strength and conditioning.

    Position Requirements

    Strong understanding of strength training, conditioning, mobility, and injury prevention principles. Certifications or pursuing certifications from accredited organizations (e.g., NSCA CSCS, CSCCa SCCC, or similar). Previous experience in a collegiate strength and conditioning environment is preferred. Strong communication and leadership.

    Exercise and Sport Science Fellowship Process

    How To Apply

    1. Click the “Apply Now” button below or go to gps.merrimack.edu/apply to begin or resume your graduate application.
    2. Within your app, select “Yes” for “Are you applying to a fellowship?”
    3. Submit your application. Be sure to complete the required Fellowship essay.
    4. Receive your admission decision. If admitted to the master’s program, you’ll receive further instructions about the fellowship process.
    A screenshot from an iPhone displaying the question about fellowship interest on the graduate application.

    Important Information for the 2026-2027 Exercise and Sport Science Fellowship Program

    We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship positions have been filled.

    • Priority Fellowship Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

    • Initial Rankings Form Available: February 5, 2026

    • Initial Rankings Deadline: February 13, 2026

    • Fellowship Interviews: March 2-5, 2026

    • Post-Interview Rankings Deadline: March 6, 2026

    • Match Decisions: Late March 2026

    • First Day of Fellowship Training: August 2026

    • Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 2026 to late May 2027

    The process is as follows:

    1. Submit your online application. Be sure to indicate your fellowship interest within your application.
    2. Submit your initial ranking form. Students who are accepted for admission and invited to interview for a fellowship will be eligible to review and rank their preferred positions. If you are invited, your invitation will include a deadline for submitting your selections. Please note: we do not guarantee that you will be invited to interview for your top selections.
    3. Complete your site interviews. First round of interviews will take place. 
    4. Submit your post-interview rankings. After the interviews, both students and sites must complete and submit their post-interview ranking forms, ranking their preferences for final placement.
    5. Receive your match notification. Match letters will be sent to all students and supervisors.
     

    Please note:

    • Participation in the fellowship placement process does not guarantee a fellowship. Sites will independently decide which candidates to invite for interviews. Please note that interviews are not guaranteed with your selected sites.
    • Deposits are due ten days after matches are sent to students.
    • If you are granted a fellowship, you will not be eligible for any other discounts or scholarships. 
    • If you are admitted into the traditional program but not offered a fellowship, you may be considered for a Dean scholarship.
    • If you are originally awarded a scholarship and then are given a fellowship placement, you will no longer receive the merit scholarship. The fellowship will replace any other discounts.

    Questions? All interested students should email graduate admission

    Dean and Alumni Scholarships

    Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who are not receiving a fellowship. No additional application is needed.

    Send Me Info

    Merrimack’s Exercise and Sport Science graduate fellowships make earning your master’s degree more affordable while providing you hands-on professional experience. Fellows receive tuition support, gain real-world skills through placements, and work closely with faculty and staff mentors. Please complete this form so a member of our graduate admissions team can follow up with details and guidance on applying.