The Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program was designed in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The five distinct concentrations prepare individuals for certification exams with ACSM, ISSN, NASM and NSCA.
- The Exercise Physiology concentration was designed for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Certified Exercise Physiologist, or who wish to gain a deeper understanding of conducting and interpreting physical fitness assessments and developing exercise prescriptions. Students who pursue this concentration will be prepared to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine's Certified Exercise Physiologist exam.
- The Human Movement Science concentration is an advanced specialization that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to assist clients with muscle imbalances, musculoskeletal impairments and post-rehabilitation concerns. This strand prepares individuals for the advanced certifications in human movement science.
- The Sports Nutrition concentration was designed for individuals who aspire to provide sound nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. This strand prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam.
- The Sports Performance Training concentration was designed for coaches, athletic trainers and other sports professionals who work with all levels of athletes from high school players up through Olympic competitors. This strand prepares individuals for advanced certifications in sports performance training.
- The Strength & Conditioning concentration was designed for individuals who have an interest in the theory and practice of strength and conditioning. Students who pursue this program will be prepared to sit for the National Strength & Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam or other advanced certification in strength and conditioning.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 18 | |
| AES-6020 | Kinesiology I | 3 |
| or AES-6040 | Biomechanics I | |
| AES-6030 | Kinesiology II | 3 |
| or AES-6045 | Biomechanics II | |
(Strength and Conditioning students take AES-6030) | ||
| AES-6050 | Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science | 3 |
| AES-6200 | Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| or AES-6250 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | |
(Strength and Conditioning and Exercise Physiology Track 2 students take AES-6250) | ||
| AES-6300 | Exercise and Sport Nutrition | 3 |
| AES-6830 | Application of Advanced Strength and Conditioning (required for Strength and Conditioning concentration only) | 3 |
| or AES-6990 | Capstone Experience | |
| Area of Concentration | 12-18 | |
| Select one of the following Areas of Concentration: | ||
| Total Hours | 30-36 | |
Areas of Concentration
Human Movement Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AES-6500 | Principles of Human Movement Science | 3 |
| AES-6520 | Program Design in Corrective Exercise Training | 3 |
| AES-6540 | Practicum: Human Movement Science | 3 |
| AES-6560 | Special Topics: Seminar in Movement Science | 3 |
Exercise Physiology - Select one track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Track 1: For students who meet no ASCM course requirements | 18 | |
| AES-6000 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| AES-6040 | Biomechanics I | 3 |
| AES-6700 | Principles of Exercise Testing, Prescription and Health Risk Appraisal | 3 |
| AES-6770 | Exercise Testing and Prescription for Special Populations | 3 |
| AES-6780 | Patient Education and Behavioral Change Strategies | 3 |
| AES-6810 | Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning | 3 |
| or | ||
| Track 2: For students who have an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science | 12 | |
| AES-6040 | Biomechanics I (core requirement) | - |
| AES-6700 | Principles of Exercise Testing, Prescription and Health Risk Appraisal | 3 |
| AES-6770 | Exercise Testing and Prescription for Special Populations | 3 |
| AES-6780 | Patient Education and Behavioral Change Strategies | 3 |
| AES-6810 | Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning | 3 |
Sports Performance Training
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AES-6600 | Principles of Sports Performance Training | 3 |
| AES-6620 | Program Design in Sports Performance Training | 3 |
| AES-6640 | Practicum: Sports Performance Training | 3 |
| AES-6660 | Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Performance Training | 3 |
Sports Nutrition
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AES-6320 | Vitamins and Minerals | 3 |
| AES-6340 | Nutrition and Exercise for Weight Management | 3 |
| AES-6360 | Practicum: Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| AES-6380 | Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Nutrition | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AES-6815 | Principles of Strength and Conditioning I | 3 |
| AES-6825 | Principles of Strength and Conditioning II | 3 |
| AES-6835 | Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| AES-6845 | Strength and Conditioning Field Experience I | 3 |
| AES-6850 | Strength and Conditioning Field Experience II | 3 |
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.