When considering exercise science, most people envision a gym setting with personal trainers or athletic coaches pacing the sidelines. While those roles are certainly a prominent part of the field, the career possibilities extend far beyond many people’s expectations. In reality, modern exercise science is deeply intertwined with various fields, including healthcare, technology, corporate wellness, and public safety.
Earning a Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) can open the door to career paths you may not expect. Whether you’re passionate about helping those recovering from injury or illness, want to learn more about the science of movement, or are interested in bringing wellness into workplaces and communities, an MSES degree equips you to take the next step.
At SNU, students pursuing a Master’s in Exercise Science can choose between two focused tracks: Health and Human Performance or Health Promotion and Wellness. This allows you to further align your studies with your particular goals and interests. As we examine the expansion of the exercise science field, we can gain a deeper understanding of the need for diverse approaches to studying it and discover exciting career opportunities that may not have been previously considered.
In today’s world, our perspective on health and physical activity is changing. What was once widely regarded as limited to athletic training or gym workouts has evolved to encompass long-term well-being, disease prevention, and overall health and performance in daily life. Professionals with advanced training in exercise science work in positions that serve hospitals, tech companies, schools, military organizations, and businesses.
SNU’s Graduate Programs in Sports Sciences and Rehabilitation support this evolution. With a curriculum that blends science with practical application and student-focused flexibility, the Master of Science in Exercise Science program prepares learners to meet the demands and needs of the real world with skill and confidence.
The MSES Health and Human Performance track is ideal for those wanting to focus on areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, or performance testing. Specializing in how the human body moves, adapts, and performs, this program prepares graduates to work with athletes, tactical professionals, and patients recovering from illness or injury.
This path supports careers in:
For those drawn to community health, health education, or promoting well-being in the workplace, the MSES Health Promotion and Wellness track focuses on strategies to enhance physical and mental health and wellness across diverse populations. Students explore public health concepts, behavioral change, health and wellness program design, and other related topics.
Graduates may pursue roles in:
Both Master of Science in Exercise Science tracks are built on a strong scientific foundation, equipping students with practical experience, research skills, and personalized support from experienced staff.
As more companies prioritize employee health and well-being, the demand for experts who can design, implement, and evaluate workplace wellness programs is increasing. Professionals in this role collaborate with companies to enhance employee health and well-being through customized programs and strategies. They help to improve productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and create healthier work environments.
SNU’s Health Promotion and Wellness track provides the knowledge to develop effective, engaging programs grounded in exercise science and strategies to encourage behavioral change.
This healthcare-focused career involves helping patients manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or pulmonary issues through personalized exercise plans. Professionals may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or specialty clinics.
The Health and Human Performance track equips students with a deeper understanding of human physiology, testing protocols, and safety considerations.
Those who serve in the military or public service sectors, such as fire departments or law enforcement, face unique physical demands. This career path supports those professionals through performance training, recovery strategies, and injury prevention.
The Health and Human Performance track prepares graduates to work in these high-demand environments, helping tactical teams stay physically ready and mission-effective.
Biomechanics and Movement Analysts assess how people run, lift, jump, or recover by using tools like motion capture, force plates, and video analysis. They often work with athletes, physical therapy teams, or research institutions, identifying movement inefficiencies and working to prevent injury.
Students in the Health and Human Performance track will build the foundational knowledge and technical skills to work in this analytical and science-based field.
From smartwatches to mobile fitness apps, the intersection of exercise science and technology is continually evolving. This role focuses on analyzing user data, supporting product design, and guiding health behavior through tech tools.
Either of the MSES tracks can support this career path, with students benefitting from learning how to interpret data through the lens of long-term behavior change and wellness strategies.
For those interested in teaching or expanding the field through research, graduate-level training is essential. Academic or Research Roles in the field of exercise science may involve contributing to clinical studies, sports science innovations, or public health data projects.
Both MSES tracks include a focus on research methods, statistics, and scientific writing—core skills for academic and research-based careers.
Southern Nazarene University’s Master of Science in Exercise Science program is designed with the needs of working professionals in mind. Whether you’re returning to school after a long time away or continuing your education right after earning your undergraduate degree, you’ll find a program that respects your time and supports your goals.
Here’s what makes SNU’s MSES program stand out:
Exercise science is no longer a field limited to personal trainers and athletic coaches. It’s a powerful springboard for a career that supports people’s health, performance, and well-being across a wide range of industries.
By choosing a specialized track in Health and Human Performance or Health Promotion and Wellness, you can tailor your education to make an impact in an area that best fits your career goals. Whether you're supporting athletes, helping patients recover, designing wellness programs, or exploring new technology, there’s a path that fits your passion.
Ready to get started?
Learn more about how SNU’s Master of Science in Exercise Science can help you build a meaningful, forward-looking career in a field that’s always moving. Explore the MSES and other Graduate Programs in Sports Science & Rehabilitation at SNU.