Published:
Adelphi University has once again been honored for its commitment to supporting the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in the STEM fields.
Exercise Science Master’s Program
Study human movement and work with advanced athletes and people with health issues who may benefit from the thoughtful application of evidence-based exercise testing and programming.
What Is Exercise Science?
Exercise Science is the study of how the human body responds to physical exercise, with application to acute exercise, chronic exercise, environmental conditions and special populations such as athletes, rehabilitation patients, children and senior citizens. It draws on various disciplines, including physiology, biomechanics, sports nutrition, behavioral strategies and exercise program design.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science?
With a master’s in exercise science you will open the doors to a number of career opportunities including clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, personal training and strength and conditioning. Some students will decide to continue their education pursuing doctoral degrees in allied health or exercise physiology or go to medical school. All are pursuing improvement in health and wellness and/or performance of their clientele.
Graduates of Adelphi’s exercise science master’s degree program are currently working in sports medicine facilities, research programs, rehabilitation facilities, athletic performance centers and hospitals.
Many graduates have found fulfilling careers as personal trainers, rehabilitation specialists, university faculty, strength and conditioning coaches, health coaches, and wellness directors. Almost 40 percent of our graduates pursue higher education and are currently practicing physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, chiropractors, physicians and researchers.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Exercise Science at Adelphi University in New York?
- Prepare to work with a wide range of clients, including high-level athletes, as well as others with cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic or metabolic issues, and be eligible for American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) clinical certification.
- Take advantage of our flexible program format with online course options and personal attention in small classes taught by leaders in exercise science.
- Benefit from being part of a STEM-designated program, letting future employers know you graduated from a rigorous program.
- Gain access to top-level internships in the New York area and life-changing job opportunities.
Studying Exercise Science at Adelphi
Adelphi’s exercise science program prepares students for careers in strength and conditioning and personal training, with opportunities for internships. Its state-of-the-art lab—the only university-based adult fitness cardiac rehabilitation program in the New York tristate area—offers 100 patient visits weekly.
This program is STEM-designated offering specialized training in high-demand fields and eligible international students can extend their OPT to 36 months.
90%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
The exercise science graduate program offers state-of-the-art training and laboratory facilities with onsite experiences, including an adult fitness/cardiac rehabilitation program, a sports conditioning program, and an adolescent nutrition and exercise intervention program, supported by dynamic, caring faculty while maintaining a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Apply your classroom knowledge in professional settings. Recent internship opportunities in the New York area have included:
- Adelphi University Adult Fitness Program
- Equinox
- Hospital for Special Surgery
- NYIT’s Adele Smithers Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center
- NYU-Winthrop Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
- Mount Sinai South Nassau Communities Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
- Professional Physical Therapy
- St. John University Strength and Conditioning
- Peak Performance Fitness and Physical Therapy
- Victory Sports Performance
- Parisi Speed School
- Relentless Strength and Performance
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Our Research Labs
Engage with the latest technology for exercise testing in Adelphi’s state-of-the-art Human Performance Lab. Develop exercise training initiatives and work with clients in our on-site adult fitness center, gaining invaluable experience in testing, programming and interpersonal skill-building.
Two staffers monitor a female’s metabolic response to incremental treadmill exercise in the Human Performance Lab
Program Info
Courses & Requirements
Application Requirements
In addition to a completed application for graduate admission and application fee, applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
- Final transcript stating bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Personal essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé
- Prerequisites with a minimum grade of B:
- Two semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology with a Lab are required.
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
Insight Into Academia
Adelphi University has been named a 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award—demonstrating an outstanding commitment to access, diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Our STEM Programs
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has ranked Adelphi University among the Best Northeastern Colleges based on academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.
Best Northeastern College
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi University has been recognized as a Career Development college for the exceptional way in which our institution is equipping students with the skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Colleges of Distinction: International
Adelphi University has been given International Recognition by the Colleges of Distinction. This newest honor from the organization honors universities that “dedicate resources to supporting international students at every stage of their academic journey.”
Top Ranked in Global Belonging
Times Higher Education
Adelphi ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, receiving the highest scores in academic reputation and international outlook.
Global Recognition
PhD
Location
Woodruff Hall 068