The online Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance prepares students and working professionals to advance their knowledge and skills working in a number of fields including performance coaching, sport science, athletic programs, physical education and strength and conditioning.
Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement advanced exercise programs with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical aspects of human performance that are required to enhance athletic performance of individuals from a wide range of populations. Advance your coaching skills to implement strength and conditioning programs to various athletic and general populations utilizing real-life data.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of Sport and Exercise Sciences is fast growing across the United States. Sport organizations, academic institutions, private contractors, as well as professional sport organizations are seeking out exercise and health professionals with advanced degrees to enhance the athletic performance of athletes and to better the overall health and wellbeing of individuals. Successful program graduates will also be able to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Program Learning Outcomes:
Sport and Human Performance Residency Program
In addition to the academic curriculum, students can attend an optional one-week Sport and Human Performance Residency Program on campus, including training certification on the advanced metabolic and body composition equipment, coaching and lifting technique education, and potentially other specialized certifications (such as Blood Flow Restriction Training/Therapy).
This one-week program is intended to give students extra hands-on experiences that they do not have access to during the online curriculum. The program offers an opportunity to collaborate with other peers, attain valuable practical skills for their career, and help distinguish their experiences from other individuals in the field.
The Sport and Human Performance Residency Program will be a separate optional one-week hands-on learning intensive experience. The program can be offered to other professionals/graduates not enrolled in the online MS Program for a separate fee.
Prerequisites:
– Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
– Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
– Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
– Exercise Physiology
– Kinesiology / Biomechanics / Functional Anatomy
*Potential students missing one of the above prerequisites may still be allowed to enroll in the MS program if 1.) They successfully complete AIC’s Principles of Human Performance Bridge course or 2.) Possess an advanced certification in the field of Human Performance (to be analyzed by faculty on a case-by-case basis for approval).
Courses:
*Upon program completion, Comprehensive Examinations will take place. A thesis option will be explored in the future.
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills of interpreting and applying the conclusions from scientific and colloquial literature in the field of Sport and Human Performance. Topics to be covered will include; the philosophical basis of the scientific method, differentiating types of research or source materials, interpreting the validity and reliability of source materials and research conclusions, the ethical considerations for research with human subjects, and the application of conclusions that are drawn from scientific and colloquial materials.
This course explores the theory, application, and demonstration of advanced principles of Exercise Physiology. The course will discuss the adaptability of physiologic function and the biological responses to various forms of exercise from the cellular level to high level athletes. Physiological responses of the systems will be discussed from rest to exercise condition. Advanced topics such as altitude and environmental training will be discussed.
This course will provide students with theoretical knowledge that underlies the organization and implementation of comprehensive sports training programs over the short-term and long-term. Topics to be covered will include; the general adaptation syndrome, the manipulation of training variables to achieve peak performance, the common phases of training, calculating workloads, and common rest/recovery methods.
This course will emphasize the development of evidenced based exercise program writing and organization using information from peer-reviewed and colloquial sources of information common in the field. Topics to be covered will include; identifying exercises appropriate for various levels of athletes, selecting strength, speed, agility and conditioning exercises to optimize performance, the daily organization of exercise programs to enhance adaptation and mitigate fatigue.
This course is designed to explore the structural and physiological components to the muscular and endocrine systems. In-depth analyses of how these two systems integrate and coordinate with one another with regards to homeostatic balance will be discussed at rest and during exercise.
This course explores the energy systems of the human body and how they are utilized from a resting to exercise condition. Different modes of exercise will be explored from a biochemistry standpoint. Applications of how to maximize energy system use will be explored in the athletic population.
This course explores the nutritional parameters of sport performance in the athletic population. Topics covered include energy production, macro nutrients, vitamins and minerals, timing and composition of intakes, hydration, balanced diets, and weight management strategies related to physical activity.
This course explores the psychological and philosophical aspects to sport and exercise. Key psychological and philosophical theories will be discussed and applied to the athletic population based upon research in the field. An emphasis will be placed upon the ways in which psychological and philosophical principles can be applied to the coaching of athletes. Topics will include motivation, arousal, reinforcement, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics as they relate to sport & exercise.
This course explores how students can develop the insight, tools, and process of either owning or managing their exercise-based facility.
Students will obtain a minimum of 120 hours of field experience in the field of Sport and Human Performance. This off-campus experience may be completed at private training facilities, college/university/high school strength and conditioning programs, or professional sporting organizations. Other sites for the internship may be considered at the discretion of the EXS Faculty. The purpose of the internship requirement in the Master of Exercise Science of Sport and Human Performance is to offer students the opportunity to develop practical coaching, programming, logistical, and interpersonal skills and knowledge that are necessary for a career in the field. The internship experience will also give students the opportunity to enhance their professional behavior and network via interaction with established professionals and athletes.
The Online Sport and Human Performance Program comprehensive examinations are multiple choice based examinations which encompass the curriculum’s learning objectives and course material taught throughout the program. Each student must pass the exams in order to receive a Master of Science Degree in Sport and Human Performance. Students are allowed ONLY ONE re-try on the examinations to complete this program requirement.
© 2026 American International College