MS in Exercise and Sport Science

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Work with optimized equipment in Western’s High Altitude Performance Laboratory (HAP Lab), testing and analyzing real-world physiological responses.

Designed for students to complete in just two years, our exercise science degree balances intensive coursework, hands-on research, and practical experience to fast-track your professional growth.

The AESP Experience

Career Development

An M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science opens doors to a wide range of high-impact careers in human performance, clinical health, research, and education. Graduates of our program are prepared to work with athletes, healthcare professionals, outdoor industry leaders, and scientific researchers—applying exercise science to optimize performance, prevent injury, and improve health.

Make an Impact

Beyond career growth, this exercise science degree allows you to make a real impact through a culminating thesis project—whether helping athletes reach peak performance, improving patient rehabilitation, or advancing research in exercise science. If you’re looking to boost your career, increase your earning potential, or prepare for a Ph.D. or medical program, our master’s is a valuable investment.

Honed Skill Sets

Our curriculum prepares students for careers in physiology, healthcare, and training through hands-on research, professional communication, and applied science. Students learn to analyze data, present and publish findings, and design evidence-based exercise programs using advanced technology. This well-rounded approach equips graduates to lead and innovate in the field.

Push the boundaries of human performance with Western Colorado University’s Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science – Applied Exercise Science and Performance (AESP). Designed for ambitious professionals, this program immerses you in cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and high-altitude environments that challenge and expand your knowledge. Whether you’re aiming for a career in performance coaching, clinical exercise physiology, or research, you’ll gain the expertise needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s Western Slope, our Master’s in Exercise Science program offers unparalleled access to real-world, high-altitude training and research opportunities. Choose from four specialized research pathways—Clinical Exercise Physiology, Human Performance, Cardiovascular Health, or Environmental Exercise Physiology—and dive deep into a thesis project tailored to your interests. Small class sizes, state-of-the-art labs, and dedicated faculty ensure you receive the mentorship and experience necessary to make an impact in the field.

Why the School of Graduate Studies?

A graduate student wearing a cowboy hat walks among a herd of cattle on Verzuh Ranch during the fall. Mount Crested Butte can be seen in the background.

Flexible Learning

With a mix of online programs and immersive in-person curricula, the SGS at Western provides an accessible learning platform for students and working professionals alike.

Two MEM students smile at each other as they weed the Chipeta Garden.

Small Class Sizes

Western has a 17:1 student-to-professor ratio, making it ideal for students seeking personalized attention and invaluable mentorship from their professors.

Graduates smile big as they enter the Mountaineer Bowl during commencement.

Graduate Degrees

A graduate degree will give you the knowledge and skill sets needed to achieve your career goals and elevate your professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Western’s Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science – Applied Exercise Science and Performance (AESP) is a cutting-edge graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in human performance, clinical exercise physiology, and research. Rooted in applied science and real-world experience, the program blends rigorous coursework with novel research, offering a unique opportunity to study health and performance in various populations.

This two-year, full-time program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, expert faculty mentorship, and industry connections that open doors to elite career pathways. Our program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in your studies of how the human body responds to exercise.

With a specialized focus on applied exercise science and performance, graduates pursue careers such as:

Clinical Exercise Physiologist – Working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or wellness programs to help patients manage chronic conditions through exercise.

Strength & Conditioning Coach – Training elite athletes, military personnel, or outdoor professionals to maximize performance.

University Researcher or Ph.D. Student – Conducting cutting-edge research in exercise science and physiology.

A Master’s in Exercise Science gives you the expertise and credentials to stand out in a crucial field. With increasing demand for exercise physiologists, strength coaches, and human performance specialists, this degree opens doors to higher-paying and leadership roles that go beyond what a bachelor’s can offer. Students who pursue degrees like a Master’s in Human Performance or an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science tend to excel as trailblazers within their lines of work.

Tuition and Costs

Our immersive and multi-faceted curriculum equips students with the skill sets needed to pursue lifelong careers in physiology, healthcare, training, and more:

Research & Critical Analysis – Students develop strong research skills, learning to analyze scientific literature, apply the scientific method, and conduct their own studies. They gain expertise in study design, data interpretation, and problem-solving, ensuring they can evaluate and contribute to cutting-edge research in exercise science.

Professional Communication & Writing – Graduates master oral and written communication, preparing them to present research at conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and effectively convey complex scientific concepts to both academic and professional audiences.

Applied Science & Technology – With advanced exercise testing equipment and data analysis tools, candidates develop evidence-based exercise prescriptions for various populations, including athletes and those with specialized health needs.

970.943.7129

970.943.7125

Western Colorado University
Paul Wright Gym 209
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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Common Questions

Common Searches

Lab Access

Year Completion

Career Development

Make an Impact

Honed Skill Sets

Flexible Learning

Small Class Sizes

Graduate Degrees

Department Chairperson

Administrative Assistant

AESP Graduate Program Director