Exercise Science

Boost your career and prepare for corporate, clinical, and fitness roles. Thesis and non-thesis options available.

Home » Program » Exercise Science, M.S.

Exercise Science, M.S.

The Master of Science in Exercise Science offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Science at MTSU preparation for career opportunities in corporate, community, and private fitness sectors, as well as clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and doctoral programs. Thesis and non-thesis tracks are available for students.
This four-semester degree offers advanced coursework that prepares candidates for certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology. This degree also prepares candidates to enter terminal Exercise Science degree programs. Career opportunities include employment in clinical exercise physiology and corporate, community, or private fitness sectors. The Exercise Science Lab contains state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate both student and faculty research, including a DEXA, metabolic carts, an EKG system, land and underwater treadmills, leg and arm ergometers, a hydrostatic weighing tank, bioelectrical impedance, a lactate and cholesterol analyzer, isokinetic dynamometry, and a telemetry EMG system. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 semester hours including an internship. The thesis option includes 30-33 hours of coursework. The degree prerequisite is two semesters of human anatomy and physiology.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Kenny Bennett receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Middle Tennessee State University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Kenny Bennett, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Science Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning his M.S. in Exercise Science in Human Performance in 2016, Kenny has made significant strides in the field as the founder of Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, where he applies his expertise to train professional and collegiate athletes during their off seasons. His impact extends to his successful role as a High School Strength and Conditioning coach, where he has led his teams to five district titles in Clarksville, TN, and as a Performance Specialist for Puma Hoops' "The Basketball Tournament" over the past three years. In 2023, his achievements were further recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Health and Human Performance Department.

Kenny attributes his success to the robust education he received at MTSU, which emphasized essential testing and programming techniques, the application of research, and prepared students for key certification exams (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CES, etc.). The program's comprehensive approach and exposure to a broad spectrum of exercise science topics have not only prepared him for a fruitful career but also positioned him as a leader in promoting fitness and athletic excellence. Kenny Bennett's story exemplifies the profound impact of MTSU's Exercise Science program on its graduates, enabling them to excel and contribute significantly to the health and fitness industry.

Improving the health of Tennesseans

Russell Cliche (M.S. in Exercise Science, 2002) is state director of the Healthier Tennessee Initiative in schools for the Governor's Foundation for Health and Wellness. His career has focused on changing environments, policies, and programs to improve health behaviors and outcomes. "Exercise science isn't just about putting someone on a treadmill," Cliche says. "Sometimes it's about helping people identify physical activities they truly enjoy, learn proper techniques, and develop strategies to make their chosen activities sustainable. By far, the best part of being in this field is having a positive impact on someone's life." His time at MTSU was "life-changing" and convinced him to work in prevention, especially after a cardiac rehabilitation internship at Vanderbilt's Dayani Center. Cliche was the first director of Hamilton County's Coordinated School Health and Step ONE (Optimize with Nutrition and Exercise) programs before beginning his current position.

News Briefs

Kenny Bennett receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Middle Tennessee State University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Kenny Bennett, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Science Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning his M.S. in Exercise Science in Human Performance in 2016, Kenny has made significant strides in the field as the founder of Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, where he applies his expertise to train professional and collegiate athletes during their off seasons. His impact extends to his successful role as a High School Strength and Conditioning coach, where he has led his teams to five district titles in Clarksville, TN, and as a Performance Specialist for Puma Hoops' "The Basketball Tournament" over the past three years. In 2023, his achievements were further recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Health and Human Performance Department.

Kenny attributes his success to the robust education he received at MTSU, which emphasized essential testing and programming techniques, the application of research, and prepared students for key certification exams (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CES, etc.). The program's comprehensive approach and exposure to a broad spectrum of exercise science topics have not only prepared him for a fruitful career but also positioned him as a leader in promoting fitness and athletic excellence. Kenny Bennett's story exemplifies the profound impact of MTSU's Exercise Science program on its graduates, enabling them to excel and contribute significantly to the health and fitness industry.

Improving the health of Tennesseans

Russell Cliche (M.S. in Exercise Science, 2002) is state director of the Healthier Tennessee Initiative in schools for the Governor's Foundation for Health and Wellness. His career has focused on changing environments, policies, and programs to improve health behaviors and outcomes. "Exercise science isn't just about putting someone on a treadmill," Cliche says. "Sometimes it's about helping people identify physical activities they truly enjoy, learn proper techniques, and develop strategies to make their chosen activities sustainable. By far, the best part of being in this field is having a positive impact on someone's life." His time at MTSU was "life-changing" and convinced him to work in prevention, especially after a cardiac rehabilitation internship at Vanderbilt's Dayani Center. Cliche was the first director of Hamilton County's Coordinated School Health and Step ONE (Optimize with Nutrition and Exercise) programs before beginning his current position.

Related Media

WonderIfYouCanAfford

CAREERS

Graduates gain expertise to advance in positions in fitness and wellness, cardiac
rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, and research. The degree also helps prepare candidates to gain certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and to enter a doctoral degree program in Exercise Science. Graduates can also continue their education in other health care professions. Potential occupations include, but are not limited to:

  • Bariatric exercise specialist
  • Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
  • Diabetes educator
  • Educator/professor
  • Employee fitness director
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Fitness center/gym owner or manager
  • Health coach
  • Occupational therapist
  • Oncology exercise rehabilitation specialist
  • Personal trainer
  • Physical therapist
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
  • Researcher
  • Strength and conditioning specialist
  • Wellness coach

Employers of MTSU Exercise Science M.S. alumni include

  • Acuff & Associates, Inc.
  • Bowling Green University
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Cross-fit Rampage
  • Cumberland University
  • DaVita Renal Dialysis
  • Journeys In Community Living
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • National Federation of the Blind
  • North Carolina State University
  • OnLife Health
  • Orthotics Manufacturing Co., Chicago, Ill.
  • Physiotherapy Associates
  • Southern Tennessee Medical Center
  • Steadman Orthopedic Group
  • Tennessee State Governor's Foundation for Health and Wellness
  • Tri-Fit Athletics
  • University of California-Santa Clara
  • University of Tennessee-Martin
  • U.S. Army
  • Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute
  • Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute Fitness Center
  • Well Fit Medicine and Nutrition
  • Williamson Medical Center/Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • YMCA

REQUIREMENTS

Loading...

FACULTY

INFORMATION

FAQs

CONTACT US

Contact Us

Please fill in the form below and we will contact you very soon

Hidden
Hidden

SuccessStories
Scroll to Top