Start your journey
Your pathway to careers in coaching, sport performance, and sports medicine
The master's in education (MEd) in sports and exercise science program prepares you for a range of careers in exercise science, movement science, and human performance. This program is highly customizable, allowing you to choose from one of three specialized career tracks: Sport Performance, athletic training, or health promotion.
This primarily in-person program allows you to network with faculty and peers while you learn. You'll also have the support of an academic and faculty adviser throughout the program. These advisors provide career guidance and administrative support.
Courses are delivered by faculty experts using the latest research and hands-on learning experiences. You'll gain practical skills to launch your career in schools, fitness facilities, clinical settings, or sports organizations.
Careers
A master's in sport and exercise science opens up program a wide variety of career opportunities. Examples of job titles our graduates hold include:
- Athletic trainer
- Exercise physiologist
- Group fitness instructor
- Personal trainer
- Sport analyst
- Sports coach
- Sport training facility manager
- Strength and conditioning staff
- Team conditioning coach
- Clinical support staff
- Health fitness specialist
How to apply
Before applying
Review the MS vs. MEd degree information to ensure you want to apply for the MEd program: A professional and coursework-focused program.
Application deadlines
The School of Kinesiology reviews applications on a rolling basis. Review the deadlines below to be admitted to a specific semester:
- November 1: Spring start
- March first: Summer start
- May 1 (preferred) and July 1 (final): Fall start
Admission requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a comparable experience
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- English language proficiency (nonnative english speakers and/or international students)
- Transfer credit information
- Application fee
Application process
- Apply online
- Submit your application materials
- Statement of purpose for the program, including details on how the application’s experience, education, and goals align with the program (limit 2 pages)
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Applicants are notified of admission decisions approximately 2-4 weeks after their application is submitted
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's 2025-2026 professional program costs page for information on the master's in education (MEd) in sports and exercise science program costs.
Visit OneStop for the most up-to-date tuition information and to understand the full cost of attendance.
Financial aid
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- College of Education and Human Development fellowships and scholarships
- University of Minnesota financial aid opportunities
Visit our funding webpage for additional opportunities.
Request information
Quote from Akhila Narla
"I came into the sports and exercise science MEd as a foreign-educated PT with more questions than answers — mostly along the lines of “Why does this work... or not?” I wanted to ground my practice in research-backed understanding of exercise science and learn how to bridge the gap between clinical recovery and a safe return to fitness or performance. The faculty and academic advisor were not only experts in their field, but also deeply generous with their time and support."
Coursework
Students will learn the how to help others improve athletic performance, recover from injury, or improve their overall health. Our curriculum dives into the following areas essential to the industry:
- Exercise physiology
- Athletic training
- Physical activity and health promotion
- Exercise science
- Sport injury
When in the program, students in this program have the option to focus their coursework in one of three tracks to further support their professional goals:
- Sports performance
- Athletic training
- Health promotion
This primarily in-person program requries 30 total credits to be completed, divided into core courses, electives, and a capstone project. For more information, visit the Graduate Program Catalog.
