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Human Performance and Fitness

Trevecca's human performance and fitness (M.S.) degree equips students for hands-on careers in strength and conditioning, human performance, health and fitness, personal training and exercise science.

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Upcoming Start Dates:

Online:
Feb. 18, 2025

This fully online master’s degree program offers a twist on a traditional master’s in exercise science with a focus on practical application, human performance and fitness and an MBA-level entrepreneurship and innovation track.

Graduates will be prepared to manage a practice as well as earn their certification through organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Program Benefits

  • This is a 100% online program with laboratory materials and books delivered to your door.
  • Continue to work and focus on other priorities while earning your degree, taking one course at a time with all materials delivered to you.
  • Learn from faculty who possess relevant and valuable real-world experience, with all professors working as clinicians in their field.
  • The curriculum is designed to help students pass a strength and conditioning certification (i.e. CSCS through the NSCA) upon completion of the program.

What to Expect

Trevecca’s Master of Science in human performance and fitness brings actionable insights to the field of exercise science, empowering graduates to more effectively impact and optimize the performance of both their clientele and the organizations they manage. There’s no fee to apply, and no GMAT/GRE required.

This program will educate, equip and empower graduates to mentor and lead their clientele with an advanced knowledge of preventive health practices and fitness strategies.

This degree will provide students with advanced knowledge in:

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Biomechanical assessment
  • Aerobic and anaerobic training
  • Creation and progression of training programs

In addition to the human performance and fitness curriculum, students complete an MBA Entrepreneurship and Innovation Track. The track will equip students to effectively lead and manage a health facility. They will be empowered to effectively develop strategies to create rapport with staff and clients, market their services and brand and develop conflict management strategies.

Why Choose Trevecca?

2024 #2 Online College in Tennessee, intelligent.comConsistent with our beliefs as part of a Christian university, our Master of Science in human performance and fitness explores the ways faith and exercise science intersect. We view the health and fitness industry through a biblical lens as we aim to produce servants who coach, train and lead with strong ethics, expertise and integrity.

This program’s cohort model fosters incredible support between members, enhancing the learning process through a variety of perspectives. It fosters well-rounded students and provides the foundation you need to become a servant leader in the human performance and fitness sectors at the local, state, national and global levels.

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca has been recognized nationally and locally for providing students with the highest level of academic quality and rigor. We offer a holistic education focused on the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual health of all the students in our diverse student body.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Trevecca undergraduates who decide to pursue a graduate degree within one year of earning their Bachelor of Science degree are eligible for the Trevecca alumni scholarship, a 10% discount. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Trevecca undergraduates who decide to pursue a graduate degree within one year of earning their Bachelor of Science degree are eligible for the Trevecca alumni scholarship, a 10% discount. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Cost/Credit Hour

$563
Hours

36
Tuition Cost*

$20,268

*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course. $100 estimated book cost per course.

Admission Requirements

Admission into MS in Human Performance and Fitness program is based on a careful appraisal of the applicant's academic record, performance, and work experience, if any.

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

  • Submit an online application
  • Have earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher

Applicants must submit one official transcript from all colleges/universities attended (undergraduate and graduate work). These transcripts must be sent directly (by mail or fax) from the institution to the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies Admissions, Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210. All hours from accredited institutions will be considered in calculating the cumulative GPA.

Have prior credit (Grade C- or higher as reflected on transcript or equivalency) in the following exercise science related courses:

  • General Biology I
  • General Biology II
  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Kinesiology or a science-related course

Students who do not meet the admissions requirements stated above may be granted conditional admission (see Conditional Admission policy below).  To be admitted on a conditional status the applicant will need to complete an interview with the program coordinator (zoom or in person) and submit a 500-word essay on their personal philosophy of human performance and fitness.  After the completion of eight credit hours, the program coordinator will review and decide if a student admitted under the Conditional Admission policy will continue in the program. The program coordinator will have a virtual meeting with the student to discuss the rationale behind the final decision.

  • Have prior credit of a college English Composition course (grade "C" or higher), reflected on transcript, or equivalent

For those who do not have a four-year degree that was completed within the United States, a 40-minute, writing assessment at Trevecca is required as a part of the admissions process.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Master of Science in human performance and fitness will possess an attractive skill set designed to address the anticipated need for qualified professionals that centers around training, conditioning and leading individuals of all health and wellness backgrounds to achieve their individualized training program goals and aspirations.

With this degree, you’ll have the tools to take the next step in a variety of exercise science careers, whether you’re looking to become a personal trainer, enter a highschool or collegiate coaching position or open your own practice. Trevecca’s curriculum is geared toward preparing students to sit for the CSCS certification if they so choose.

Possible roles include:

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Sports Performance Director
  • Training Manager
  • Health Clinic or Facility Manager
  • Sport Performance Trainer
  • Training/Fitness Consultant
  • Private Gym Owner or management
  • Client Fitness Services

Faculty

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


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Cohort Schedule

View a sample schedule of the courses you will be taking when you enroll.

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Introduction to Human Performance and Fitness
EXS 6000
Introduction to the rigors and expectations of an exercise science graduate school program. Students will examine the following topics: professionalism, ethics, employment opportunities, and certification requirements for future professional growth. Writing scholarly papers as well as other strategies for successful completion of this graduate program will be also included.
Credit Hours: 2
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
EXS 6010
A comprehensive study of the musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular system, and biomechanics of movement. The student will understand the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology. The student will understand and appreciate the external  and internal forces involved in influencing body movement.
Credit Hours: 3
Applied Exercise Physiology
EXS 6020
A study of the acute and chronic physiological effects of exercise on the human body. Maintaining homeostasis and steady state during exercise as it relates to the following physiological systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, biomechanical, neuromuscular, and gastrointestinal. Analyzation the effects of external factors and their response to the ability to maintain homeostasis and steady state in the human body will be included.
Credit Hours: 3
Biomechanics & Biomechanical Screening
EXS 6030
A survey of the biological, arthrokinematics, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular forces foundations that affect biomechanics. Developing competencies at biomechanical screenings to identify pathomechanical movement patterns and abnormal kinematic compensations.
Credit Hours: 3
Fundamentals of Aerobic and Anaerobic Program Development
EXS 6100
Development and implementation of an aerobic and anaerobic training program that provides a safe and effective workout. An understanding of the training principles of frequency, intensity, time, type, and volume of training that is required to train an individual’s aerobic and anaerobic systems will be discussed.
Credit Hours: 3
Advanced Aerobic and Strength Progressions
EXS 6110
Designing a safe and effective macrocycle training program with the appropriate progressions of workout intensity, volume, and type. Workouts that meet the unique specialized training needs of the novice as well as the more experienced, highly functioning athletes will be planned.
Credit Hours: 3
Fitness Assessment and Training Progression for Special Populations
EXS 6120
Assess and implement the appropriate physical fitness tests and measures for those with long term, multiple, chronic, acute diseases/conditions. Special considerations will include but not limited to cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal injuries, inherited/genetic disorders, and neuromuscular conditions.  Appropriate modifications for limitations or impairments will be taken into consideration for individual and group exercise programs.
Credit Hours: 3
Fitness and Nutrition
EXS 6130
A survey of the relationship between nutrition and an exercise training program.  Nutritional requirements including macro and micronutrients, fluid, vitamins, and minerals as well the dietary needs of the individual will be examined.  Analysis of the value of nutrition in the pre-, during, and post-phases of a workouts will be studied.
Credit Hours: 3
Human Performance and Fitness Capstone
EXS 6210
In-depth research of the components of various philosophies for aerobic and anaerobic training programs in both athletic and non-athletic populations. After reviewing the research, the student will develop their personal training philosophy.
Credit Hours: 3
Field Experience
EXS 6230
Designed to provide a practical application of material learned in the didactic setting of the human performance and fitness graduate program. Developing specialized programming and interventions that meets the client’s individualized needs will be evidence of knowledge learned. It will either be a formalized internship or a specific field experience project.
Credit Hours: 1
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
BUS 6210
An introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset, intrapreneurship, and the different types of innovation. Includes such topics as developing entrepreneurial thinking in a corporate setting, managing entrepreneurial ventures within a larger corporate structure, the difference between sustaining and disruptive innovations, and developing processes for stimulating creative solutions to business challenges.
Credit Hours: 3
New Venture Creation
BUS 6220
Provides processes and tools for developing and evaluating new business ideas including new venture ideation, business planning, financial forecasting, competitive analysis, target market identification, and basic marketing strategies. As part of the course, students will develop a modified business plan around a business idea of their choosing.
Credit Hours: 3
Small Business Management
BUS 6230
This course highlights the unique aspects of owning and managing a small business, particularly in the areas of marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, and strategic planning. Includes an introduction to various software packages and third party resources to help the small business owner in these areas.
Credit Hours: 3

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.

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