All MS in Applied Exercise Science students complete a shared scientific core before and alongside concentration study:

• AES-6020 Kinesiology I or AES-6040 Biomechanics I: Upper extremity musculoskeletal anatomy, stabilization systems, kinematics, and kinetics.
• AES-6030 Kinesiology II or AES-6045 Biomechanics II: Trunk and lower extremity anatomy, motion analysis, and force production.
• AES-6050 Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science: Statistics, data interpretation, scientific writing, and research ethics.
• AES-6200 Applied Exercise Physiology or AES-6250 Advanced Exercise Physiology: Neuromuscular, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory adaptations to exercise. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050.
• AES-6300 Exercise and Sport Nutrition: Explores the relationships between nutrition, energy metabolism, and exercise and sport performance, with an in-depth analysis of dietary and nutritional supplementation. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050, and AES-6200 or AES-6250.
• AES-6990 Capstone Experience in Applied Exercise Science: Culminating experience producing a tangible product — publishable journal article, professional field experience, conference presentation, advanced certification, program or facility development, or curriculum development.  

Concentration coursework moves from foundational nutrition science into applied, client-facing practice:

• Advanced Sports Nutrition: In-depth study of macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for athletic populations, nutrient timing, energy availability, and fueling for specific sport demands.
• Nutritional Supplementation and Ergogenic Aids: Critical evaluation of the efficacy, safety, legality, and regulatory status of dietary supplements and performance aids.
• Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Nutrition: Analysis of emerging research, case studies, and current controversies in performance nutrition.
• AES-6380 Practicum: Sports Nutrition: Applied field experience implementing nutrition assessment, counseling, and programming with real clients or athletes in your community. Serves as the concentration prerequisite for AES-6990 Capstone.  

Graduates leave the program able to:

• Conduct nutrition and body composition assessments for athletic and active populations
• Design individualized fueling, hydration, and recovery plans aligned to training cycles
• Evaluate supplement claims against peer-reviewed evidence and regulatory standards
• Apply behavior-change and counseling strategies that drive client adherence
• Interpret and communicate research findings to coaches, athletes, and medical staff
• Practice with ethical integrity and scope-of-practice awareness
• Lead nutrition education efforts across teams, clinics, and organizations

Concordia's sports nutrition courses are taught by practitioners who work with athletes and active clients directly. Students regularly cite faculty responsiveness and individualized feedback as a defining feature of the program.  

Concordia University Chicago pairs academic rigor with a Christian liberal arts foundation. With Christ at the center of all we do, students are encouraged to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose — serving the physical health and well-being of the people and communities they work with.

Students may combine Sports Nutrition with a second concentration — such as Exercise Physiology, Human Movement Science, or Strength and Conditioning — to broaden their credentials. Graduates of the MS in Applied Exercise Science can also transfer up to 12 eligible credits directly into CUC's online PhD in Exercise Science.

It is an advanced, fully online graduate degree that combines exercise physiology, kinesiology, and research methods with specialized study in nutrient metabolism, performance fueling, body composition, and dietary supplementation. Graduates are prepared to support athletes and active populations with evidence-based nutrition strategies.

Graduates work as sports nutritionists, performance nutrition consultants, team dietitians, corporate wellness nutritionists, researchers, nutrition educators and writers, and university instructors. The degree also strengthens applications to doctoral programs.  

Yes. Coursework aligns with the competencies assessed by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) credential, one of the field's most recognized certifications.  

No. The program welcomes coaches, trainers, athletic trainers, clinicians, and other health and performance professionals. Students who are RDs use the degree to specialize in sport populations; non-RD students should understand and practice within their professional scope.

Concordia University Chicago locks in your tuition per credit hour. As long as you maintain continuous enrollment, your rate will never increase during your program.

Yes. All coursework is 100% online and delivered asynchronously, giving working adults the flexibility to study on their own schedule without sacrificing work or family commitments.  

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 (conditional review available), official transcripts, a professional objective statement, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.

Yes. Sports Nutrition can be paired with another MS in Applied Exercise Science concentration, such as Exercise Physiology, Human Movement Science, or Strength and Conditioning.