All MS in Applied Exercise Science students complete a rigorous scientific and research core:

• AES-6020 Kinesiology I or AES-6040 Biomechanics I: Upper extremity musculoskeletal anatomy, kinetic chain mechanics, stabilization systems, kinematics, and kinetics.
• AES-6030 Kinesiology II or AES-6045 Biomechanics II: Trunk and lower extremity anatomy, motion analysis, force-velocity curves, and functional movement assessment.
• AES-6050 Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science: Exercise science research designs, statistics, scientific writing, data interpretation, and research ethics.
• AES-6200 Applied Exercise Physiology or AES-6250 Advanced Exercise Physiology: Metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromuscular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050)
• AES-6300 Exercise and Sport Nutrition: Energy metabolism, macronutrient timing, hydration, body composition optimization, and dietary supplementation. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050 and AES-6200/6250)
• AES-6990 Capstone Experience in Applied Exercise Science: Culminating project resulting in a tangible deliverable: independent research/publishable paper, field practicum project, conference presentation, program/facility design, or curriculum development.

Concentration-specific courses deliver focused application in performance enhancement:

• AES-6600 Principles of Sports Performance Training: Examines systematic integrated performance training utilizing the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) model. Prepares students for the NASM-PES credential. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6020/6040, AES-6030/6045, and AES-6050)
• AES-6620 Program Design in Sports Performance Training: In-depth study of periodization, integrated training variables (speed, agility, quickness, core, reactive/plyometric, and power), and sport-specific program development. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6600)
• AES-6640 Practicum: Sports Performance Training: Applied field experience planning and executing an integrated performance program through a real-world athlete case study in your community. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6620)
• AES-6660 Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Performance Training: Deep dive into advanced research, emerging technologies, elite athlete load monitoring, and current controversies in sports performance. (Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6620)  

Graduates master comprehensive performance and analytics skills:

• Integrated periodization and sport-specific program design (speed, agility, quickness, power, hypertrophy, endurance)
• Athlete assessment, movement screening, and kinetic chain evaluation
• Implementation of the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) continuum
• Performance data interpretation and athlete load monitoring
• Injury risk mitigation through neuromuscular and stability training
• Clear, evidence-based communication with head coaches, sports medicine staff, and athletes
• Servant-leadership, ethical coaching, and athlete-centered mentorship  

Concordia's sports performance training 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 Performance Training 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 a 100% online graduate degree focusing on the advanced scientific principles, program design methodologies, and assessment tools needed to maximize athletic performance. It combines exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition with specialized training in speed, agility, power, periodization, and NASM-PES certification preparation.  

Graduates work as collegiate and professional strength coaches, sports performance specialists, high-performance directors, performance analysts, elite private trainers, fitness directors, and collegiate instructors. The degree also provides a direct pathway into doctoral study (PhD in Exercise Science).  

Yes. The curriculum aligns directly with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) exam—a premier credential utilized by performance coaches in the NFL, NBA, and elite athletic organizations.  

Salaries vary based on geographic location, sport level, and experience. According to ZipRecruiter (2024), the average annual salary for a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist is $68,249, with top collegiate and professional high-performance roles commanding substantially higher compensation.

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