Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

Tuition is Tuition for 2026-2027. Rates are subject to change..

This Master of Science program prepares students for careers in human performance, strength and conditioning, and exercise physiology through rigorous, evidence-based coursework and applied professional practice. It is designed for working professionals, offering flexible online or on-campus learning options for each course to balance graduate study with personal and professional commitments.

Focus areas include Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning.

The program requires 32-34 credits, distributed across coursework, a capstone experience, and a supervised field experience. The Exercise Science concentration is 32 credits, and the Strength and Conditioning concentration is 34 credits.

Graduates enter roles such as Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sports Performance Coach, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Health and Wellness Program Manager, or pursue doctoral study.

The program is offered 100% online or through a flexible on-campus format, with on-campus students attending one to two days per week. Full-time study can be completed in 9-12 months, with part-time study also available. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 74% of applicants.

Health sciences learning, research and wellness come together at Merrimack through CHAMP, a hub for academics, research and community wellness. The College offers more than 130 undergraduate majors, minors, master’s degrees and specialized certificate programs. Students can follow a traditional academic route, combine majors, accelerate their studies or pursue dual-degree options. Programs span areas including education, English, sports management, marketing and entrepreneurship, creative arts, design and architecture, government, humanities and health sciences.

Practical preparation is central to the Merrimack experience. Students can take part in co-ops, internships, faculty-led travel and other real-world opportunities. Guaranteed co-ops are part of bachelor’s degrees in humanities, government, and creative arts and design. Graduate students can study online courses, pursue fellowships and work as teaching assistants. Recent academic activity includes songwriting and music production courses, education studies and research connected with wellness.

The campus community is home to the Merrimack Warriors and Division I athletics, with school spirit forming part of everyday campus life. Merrimack is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, and its wider setting includes nearby Andover, where Merrimack on Main is becoming a home for creative arts, design and architecture in a historic building. International students can consider undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing studies pathways, as well as faculty-led international experiences such as travel to Ireland and Northern Ireland.