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Exercise Sports Sciences Graduate Program

Why Earn Your Graduate Degree in Exercise Sports Science at Marian?

If you want to combine hands-on experience with advanced research skills in exercise physiology, Marian University’s ESS graduate program is designed for you. Whether you're pursuing a career in coaching, rehabilitation, or as an exercise physiologist, this program equips you with the practical knowledge and scientific foundation needed for success.

  • Gain real-world experience by working alongside highly trained professionals.
  • Develop research expertise to advance in exercise physiology.
  • Choose from three specialized degree options tailored to your career goals.

Take the next step toward a rewarding career in exercise and sports science with Marian University’s ESS program.

Marian's Three ESS Graduate Degrees

Master of Arts in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Woman Working OutIf you’re looking to become a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Exercise Physiology is designed for you. Like the Master of Science track, this program teaches you to assess, plan, and implement fitness programs that enhance cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. You'll work with an eclectic adult population, from those in rehabilitation to competitive athletes in need of specialized training.

This degree prepares you to take and pass the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification exam, ensuring you're ready for a successful career in the field.

Learn More About Our Clinical Exercise Physiology Program

Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Man working outThe Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) pathway puts you on track to sit for the certification offered by the ACSM and makes you admissible to Ph.D. programs in any related field.

The M.S. in CEP teaches you to assess, plan, and implement fitness programs intended to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility for a range of adults between those in need of rehabilitation to competitive athletes needing training. The M.S. is a thesis-based program and can be used as a standalone research-based degree or can be used to qualify to sit for the CEP certification exam.

Learn More About Our Clinical Exercise Physiology Program

Exercise Physiologists in the Workforce

The demand for exercise physiologists is growing, and many higher-paying positions in medical clinics and hospitals prefer applicants with advanced coursework, training, and certification. With only a bachelor's degree, you’ll likely start in an entry-level position, while a master's degree can qualify you for supervisory roles. Earning a master's in exercise and sports sciences can also be a direct path toward eventually earning a Ph.D.

If you want to enhance your competitiveness for doctoral programs—such as Ph.D., Physician Assistant (PA), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs—this master's program is an excellent fit. A master's degree, combined with substantive research experience, significantly strengthens your qualifications for specialization in these fields.

ESS Graduate Program Objectives

  1. Understand the biochemistry and physiology of the acute responses to exercise;

  2. Understand the biochemistry and physiology of the adaptations that result from chronic exposure to exercise;

  3. Understand the ways that both the acute responses and chronic adaptations can be components of the practice of modern medicine;

  4. Apply this understanding to the assessment of common exercise programs;

  5. Analyze the relationships between different organ systems in the setting of acute responses to exercise and the setting of adaptations that result from chronic exposure to exercise;

  6. Evaluate the biomedical and scientific validity of modern publications in the field of exercise physiology;

  7. Evaluate the biomedical and scientific validity of common nutritional and exercise prescriptions;

  1. Design an independent research project;

  2. Conduct an independent project;

  3. Create enough new research data that it can support the production of a publication-quality research article;

  4. Write and defend a thesis.

For More Information

(317) 955-6400
GRadmissions@marian.edu

Health Professions Financial Aid

hpfinaid@marian.edu

July 1, 2026, Financial Aid Updates

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3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000

admissions@marian.edu COMadmissions@marian.edu

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Notice of Nondiscrimination: Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students. Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation. Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education. Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.