Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Advance your career while helping people overcome ailments and increase their well-being by earning an online MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Our master’s in clinical exercise physiology will teach you to provide and/or instruct others on how to use exercise as part of clinical treatment or a wellness program. Our CAAHEP-accredited program — the first in the world to be offered in a blended learning format — combines online education with week-long, on-site lab experiences once per semester. Student graduates from the program have a 100% pass rate on the  ACSM-CEP Exam. In addition, while in the program, you can continue to live where you are while you acquire clinical exercise skills to advance your career. 

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.

After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$54,760
Median annual wage for exercise physiologists

Program Length

2 years

Format

  • Blended, online with a one-week on-site lab each semester at our campus in Bismarck, ND

Tuition per Credit

$670

Next Start Date: 9/1/2025

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Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Public Health and Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Other wellness professionals who want to improve lives in the health care and wellness sectors
  • Graduates of a bachelor's program in exercise science or a related field

Career Paths

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Wellness Center Program Director
  • Physiology Researcher
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Corporate Fitness Director
  • Lead Trainer
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Teaching in Higher Education

What You’ll Learn

Our MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology provides you with hands-on clinical experience and you will learn how to serve the exercise health and fitness needs of people who are healthy, at-risk, or with known chronic diseases or conditions. Upon graduation from our program, you will be prepared to:

  • Apply physical activity and behavioral interventions for those with clinical diseases and health conditions for both therapeutic and/or functional benefit. 
  • Provide primary and secondary prevention and rehabilitation strategies designed to improve physical fitness and health in healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan.
  • Conduct high-quality clinical research aimed at improving health, quality of life, and quality of care in a clinical world of constant change and discovery.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism grounded in professional guidelines/standards, servant leadership, and Benedictine Values.

Accreditations

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.



The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

The following will be needed when you have applied for admission so we can get you accepted into the graduate program. Applications received by January 5 will be considered for priority early acceptance. Apply by February 15 to guarantee consideration for an interview. Applications will be accepted until June 30 or until the cohort is full.

  • Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in Exercise Science or a related field with the following prerequisite courses:

    • Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in a different major with the following pre-requisites are also encouraged to apply: 

      • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
      • College Chemistry Series (with labs)
      • Exercise Physiology
      • Lifespan/Developmental Psychology
      • Abnormal Psychology
      • College Math

  • Students in the senior year of their undergraduate program are welcome to apply and may submit unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required upon degree conferral. 

  • When submitting your official transcripts:
    • You can request transcripts at most schools by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
    • Have your transcripts sent to:

      Office of Admissions

      University of Mary

      7500 University Drive

      Bismarck, ND 58504
    • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu
    • Graduated from the University of Mary before? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
  • Resume with 3 professional references listed (letters of recommendation are not required)
  • Professional goals statement (2-3 paragraphs describing your career goals)

  • Prior to beginning the program (before the fall start date), students will need to provide proof of CPR/AED certification.

View additional information regarding the accreditation and outcome data of this program.

Get Started Today

Apply Online