Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology Online
Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology Online
journey today.
Are you passionate about health, fitness and wellness? The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology is designed for students like you — those eager to dive deeper into human physiology and make a real impact in the wellness industry.
In this master’s in exercise physiology online program, you’ll explore specialized topics in exercise science, nutrition and therapeutic intervention, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how the body responds to physical activity and diet. You’ll also work toward developing strong communication skills and examine the psychological, spiritual and physical aspects of health, preparing you for a career in wellness, rehabilitation or advanced certifications.
GCU’s master's in exercise physiology online program emphasizes collaboration, support and academic growth. Within this community-driven environment, you can engage with peers and faculty while exploring the role of exercise physiologists in helping individuals recover, manage chronic conditions and maintain fitness. The program encourages meaningful connections and professional development, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, gain insights and grow in a supportive learning community.
Pursue your MS in Exercise Physiology online while balancing work and life. Online learning offers the same quality education as on-campus learning, deepening your expertise in human physiology, exercise science and wellness. With dedication, you can advance your skills from anywhere with internet.
This exercise physiology program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers key topics in science and health-related courses, such as anatomy, kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition and wellness. You will be taught how physical activity and nutrition affect health, while also investigating the mental, emotional and physical factors contributing to overall health and recovery.
As an MS in Exercise Physiology online student, you will engage with advanced coursework in kinesiology, human performance and health science, including being taught how to:
Practicum
Students are required to complete 600 practicum/field experience hours, offering you the chance to apply what you've learned. Practicums offer a valuable opportunity to showcase your growth and help you prepare for the next steps in your career or academic journey.
Whether you're looking to take your career further or prepare for graduate studies, this program can help prepare you to pursue roles in: 2
Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Fitness facilities
Research institutions
10%
Estimated job growth for exercise physiologists from 2023 to 20333
$54,860
Median annual wage for exercise physiologists as of May 20234
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Natural Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ section to learn more about GCU’s master’s degree in exercise physiology online, including career and program details, curriculum and learning opportunities.
Exercise physiology studies the body’s response to physical activity, focusing on the cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory and nervous systems. It covers areas such as energy metabolism, exercise prescription and the role of physical activity in managing chronic diseases.
Exercise physiologists design and monitor exercise programs to help enhance health, performance and rehabilitation. Working in hospitals, research labs, fitness centers and sports organizations, they often use tools like VO₂ max testing, ECGs and metabolic analysis to assess fitness and health risks. Their expertise can also help others manage chronic diseases, recover from injuries and optimize training with evidence-based interventions.
Exercise physiology can be challenging, as it involves understanding complex concepts about the body’s response to physical activity. It requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and problem-solving skills. However, with dedication, it can be a rewarding field focused on improving health and performance.
Optimize Human Performance
Expand your knowledge of human movement, performance and recovery. Start your master’s degree in exercise physiology online at GCU today!
- Sweeten-Shults, L. (2024, July 23). Exercise Science, Biology Professors Flex Roles as Academic Fellows. GCU News. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Exercise Physiologists: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Exercise Physiologists, retrieved March 5, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Exercise Physiologists as of May 2023, retrieved March 5, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as exercise physiologists, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.