Online Master of Science in Exercise Science
Ouachita Baptist University's online Master of Science in exercise science degree program is built on a cutting-edge, evidence-based understanding of exercise as medicine. With an emphasis on cardiac rehabilitation and program implementation, we provide you with a unique perspective on the therapeutic effects of exercise on the human body. Our rigorous, 36-hour program is designed for completion in just one year to meet the needs of students working in health-related professions. Through Ouachita’s Department of Kinesiology, our curriculum showcases flexible learning opportunities to help accelerate your career advancement.
As part of Ouachita's faith-focused learning community, you’ll discover how exercise science can transform lives as a form of ministry — impacting mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
As an exercise physiologist, you have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of careers, including:
Cardiac Rehab
Corporate and Industry Wellness
Corrective Exercise Specialties
Fitness and Wellness
Military Holistic Health
Strength and Conditioning
Engage in intellectually stimulating coursework that encourages critical thinking and provides a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between science and faith. Key exercise science courses include:
Care and Prevention of Injury
Exercise Physiology I & II
Instruction of Human Performance
Leadership & Ethics in Human Performance
Ouachita’s online exercise science master’s degree does not require a specific undergraduate degree for acceptance.
The Huckabee School of Education offers a fully online, 36-hour master’s in exercise science degree program, complemented by a mandatory two-day on-campus orientation workshop held in late summer before your first term. This flexible program accommodates full-time and part-time study options, enabling completion within 12 months at a full-time pace. You also tailor your experience by selecting either a hands-on internship or research-based thesis for your capstone project, preparing you for various career fields.
For enrollment starting in August 2025, Ouachita’s exercise science application opens on January 1, 2025, and closes on June 1, 2025.
Learn more about Ouachita’s Graduate and Professional Studies.
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"This program is designed for working professionals who want to expand their career opportunities in the field of exercise science. We have some of the best faculty and guests to share experiences and help navigate the way for an exceptional career path in our field of study."
Terry DeWitt, Ph.D., AT, EP-C
director, exercise science graduate program
Program Details
Ouachita General Graduate Admissions Requirements:
- Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 2.5 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may require a specific GPA)
- Completed Ouachita graduate application with a statement of purpose
- Three references
Admissions Requirements for the M.S. in Exercise Science:
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- An active CPR certification by time of enrollment
- Completion of recommended undergraduate coursework:
- College Algebra
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (final grade of C or higher), 8 hours
- Nutrition or Sports Nutrition (final grade of C or higher), 3 hours
- Kinesiology undergraduate coursework (such as Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing, Special Populations, Strength & Conditioning, Structural Basis of Human Movement or Sports Nutrition), 9+ hours
Conditional admission is considered for applicants who meet all other exercise science admissions requirements and have a GPA below 2.75 but not lower than 2.5.
To fulfill capstone experience requirements, exercise science students must:
- Complete 36 hours of coursework and show competency in student learning outcomes.
- Choose to complete one of the following options for a capstone experience:
- A 100-hour internship at a fitness and wellness facility. This placement is especially helpful for students who want to pursue careers in wellness and clinical settings.
- A research-based thesis. This option is available for students who want to pursue careers in research and scholarship.
- Pass either a department comprehensive exam or an industry-standard exam, such as
the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiology exam. Passing either exam demonstrates mastery of the
program’s student learning outcomes. We provide these options so that students can
select the exam that best suits their career path.
- The department exam covers research-related student learning outcomes, while the ACSM exam does not.
- We encourage students who plan to work in a clinical setting to take the industry-recognized exam. Those seeking employment in areas including health coaching and research may prefer to take the department exam customized to their personal learning goals.
2024-2025 Exercise Science Degree Cost of Attendance
- Tuition per graduate credit hour: $500
- Estimated total tuition and fees for full 36-hour program: $18,440
Explore Graduate and Professional Studies program costs and financial assistance.
If you’re interested in applying to a Ouachita graduate program but are not a U.S. citizen, contact your graduate admissions counselor, Angie Schleiff, at [email protected] before submitting an application. Due to visa requirements, admission requests from non-U.S. citizens are addressed on a case-by-case basis and take extra time. Please inquire early in the process.
Minimum English proficiency requirements for international students are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- At least a 79 on the internet-Based TOEFL (iBT)
- At least a 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
- At least a 6.5 on the IELTS exam
Learn about the international student experience and admissions requirements.
Flexible, Faith-Focused Courses
Experience the accessibility and interactivity of Ouachita's online exercise science degree program. Our experienced faculty leverage modern technology and industry-standard equipment to deliver engaging video instruction and hands-on demonstrations, ensuring an immersive, enriching learning experience. Prepare for outstanding academic achievement within our faith-based educational community: we commit to nurturing a love for God and a passion for learning.
Cutting-Edge Research
Built upon decades of groundbreaking research, our exercise science curriculum explores the important role of physical activity in boosting physical and mental wellbeing. At Ouachita, you’ll delve into the expanding role exercise plays in enhancing quality of life for people grappling with an array of challenges ranging from anxiety and heart disease to Type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression and arthritis.
Career Advancement in a Growing Field
GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Ouachita Baptist University's Graduate and Professional Studies programs cater to individuals committed to lifelong learning or seeking career advancement. The programs employ innovative modalities in diverse fields, ensuring that students find success professionally and spiritually. Emphasizing a sense of community, Ouachita cultivates meaningful relationships among students and professors for a supportive and enriching educational experience.
GET IN TOUCH
Take the first step toward elevating your exercise science career: contact your graduate admissions counselor to ask questions and get personalized assistance with the online master’s in exercise science application.
