MS in Exercise and Sport Science

RESS student conducting different exercise tests on a HAP lab volunteer.

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

The Applied Exercise Science and Performance (AESP) program at Western Colorado University is a graduate program where students earn a Master of Science (MS) degree. It is a rigorous, research-based program that focuses on understanding how the body responds and adapts to physical activity in high-altitude environments.

Students in the AESP program engage in hands-on, cutting-edge research while developing the skills necessary for careers in fields such as athletic training, physiology, rehabilitation, and health sciences. The program emphasizes both practical applications and theoretical knowledge, ensuring that graduates are prepared for a variety of health-related professions or advanced academic pursuits.

A student observes a person exercising in the Mountaineer Field House.

Applied Exercise Science and Performance refers to the study and practical application of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other scientific principles to optimize physical performance and improve health outcomes. This field of study is particularly relevant in areas like Colorado’s mountainous regions, where altitude significantly affects athletic performance, recovery, and overall health.

As part of the graduate program, students will explore the physiological mechanisms of the human body under conditions of reduced oxygen availability, gaining insights critical for improving athletic performance and managing health conditions at high altitudes.

What makes the AESP program truly unique is its focus on high-altitude research and its location. With an on-campus High Altitude Performance Laboratory at 7,700 feet, Western Colorado University is situated in one of the world’s best environments for studying high-altitude exercise physiology. This provides students with opportunities to conduct research in natural high-altitude settings that mirror real-world conditions.

Small class sizes offer personalized mentorship and close collaboration with faculty, allowing students to deeply engage in specialized research. This makes the program ideal for students looking to apply their learning to real-world challenges in health, athletic performance, and physiology.

Research Tracks

Students in the AESP graduate program can choose from four offered research pathways.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

Explore the science of improving health and fitness in clinical populations, preparing for impactful careers in healthcare and applied physiology.

Human Performance

Unlock the secrets to optimizing athletic potential through cutting-edge research and practical application in sports and fitness.

Cardiovascular Health

Dive into the critical study of heart and vascular function to address health challenges and advance cardiovascular wellness.

Environmental Exercise Physiology

Discover how the human body adapts to extreme environments, such as high altitudes, and lead innovative research with global implications.

Professional & Educational Opportunities

Pursue a rewarding career improving lives through health and wellness. With a Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science, you’ll be prepared for roles such as Clinical Exercise Physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, community wellness advocate, or research scientist, making a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond.

Graduate student, Emily Jauch, with the HAEP program tapes a sensor on a swimmer's back during testing for her project.

Fuel elite performance and athletic excellence. This degree opens doors to careers like professional athletics coach, NCAA-level coach, or strength and conditioning coach, where you’ll apply advanced knowledge to elevate athletes’ potential and optimize physical performance.

Take the next step toward advanced professional or academic opportunities. Graduates of this program are well-positioned for doctoral programs (PhD), as well as careers in physical therapy (PT) or physician assistant (PA) programs, setting the stage for continued success in healthcare and research.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Candidate must submit:

Official Transcript of BA or BS degree in Exercise and Sport Science, or related field from a regionally accredited college or university showing cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Undergraduate Prerequisite Coursework (all prerequisites must be completed by the end of the first year of the MS. Students cannot start the program with more than two course deficiencies.):
- General Health and/or Wellness course (lower or upper division)
- Kinesiology or Biomechanics (lower or upper division)
- Statistics (lower or upper division)
- Chemistry (1 year lab-based) (lower or upper division)
- Biology (general biology with lab) (lower or upper division)
- Anatomy (with lab), Physiology (with lab) – can be a combined course (lower or upper division)
- Exercise Physiology (with lab) (upper division)
- Physics (lower or upper division)

Provisional Admission: An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the MS in Exercise & Sport Science: Applied Exercise Science and Performance program may be required to submit additional materials in order to be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the School of Graduate Studies. Prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to entering the AESP program include Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise Physiology (with lab). A provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any pre-requisite academic coursework. The program director or the School of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.

International Students: see Graduate Academic Catalog section, Criteria for International Admission.

For admissions requirements for B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology Emphasis & MS in Applied Exercise and Science Performance (3+2) program, please refer to the guidelines outlined in the undergraduate academic catalog under exercise & sport science.

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Program Information

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	9	$720.00	$133.40	$50.00	$7,730.60
Year 1: Spring	9	$720.00	$133.40		$7,680.60
Year 2: Fall	9	$720.00	$133.40		$7,680.60
Year 2: Spring	9	$720.00	$133.40		$7,680.60
Program Total	36				$30,772.40

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$50.00 Research Fee
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

Program Requirements

Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Exercise Physiology Lab Skills
Research
Data Analysis
Written & Oral Communication

Exercise Physiology
Coaching
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Community Wellness
Researcher
Physical Therapy
Professor

Financial Aid

Assistantship Opportunities

Research, Teaching Assistantship, City of Gunnison Silver Sneakers Research Assistantship, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Wellness Elevated (community-based wellness), Senior Care Center Research Assistantships, Cardiac Rehab, Athletic Training and NCAA GAs available. Partial to full Assistantships are available for first and second-year HAEP students. Contact us for more information.

Students admitted before February 15 are given priority.

Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from a variety of sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

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"Exercise and being active is so important at any level and encouraging people to be physically active is so important. I feel like I can help educate so many people on the importance of health."

Aspen Wallace

Exercise and Sport Science

We are so excited about your interest in applying to AESP! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

Apply to AESP