Tennessee Tech’s online MA in Exercise Science: The ultimate guide, as told by students

“Tennessee Tech ‘s 100% online Master of Arts in Exercise Science prepares students to educate groups and individuals about the importance and benefits of healthy lifestyles. It is offered by the College of Education and Human Sciences and was ranked in the top 25 online master’s programmes in Physical Education nationally in 2023. Practical skills are emphasised, as well as specialisations. The programme’s concentrations include: Adapted Physical Education Elementary & Middle School K-12 Licensure Lifetime Wellness, Physical Education Sport Management To give you a fuller picture of what it’s like to be part of this MA, Itohan Ogbomo, a Sport Management student, and Bobby “Tre” Montgomery, a K-12 Licensure student, share their experiences below. Tennessee Tech’s Exercise Science programmes provide practical training for current and future professionals. Source: Tennessee Tech Itohan Ogbomo (Sport Management) What is the typical class experience like in an online master’s in exercise science? Classes are very discussion-based and application-focused. Most courses involve a combination of readings, research assignments, presentations, discussions, and projects rather than just exams alone. I would say the typical master’s student experience centres on online communication with professors, alongside asynchronous coursework and exams. Research opportunities are available through the Research Methods and Assessment in Physical Education courses, and 120 internship hours are required for course credit, with additional opportunities available beyond that. How supportive is the faculty? The faculty is extremely helpful and supportive. They genuinely want to see their students succeed and will help guide students in the right direction when they need help. What equipment do exercise science students get access to? As an online student, my experience may differ from that of traditional students. However, as a graduate assistant, I have access to several types of equipment, labs, and technologies within the department. For example, I had access to Nord boards, force plates, BODPOD, VO2 max machine, skinfold callipers, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) measurement, sit and reach boxes, vertical jump mat, free weights and other lifting equipment. Bobby “Tre” Montgomery (K-12 Licensure concentration) Does the programme focus more on performance, health, or research? The programme does a strong job balancing all three areas. The research courses helped me become much more confident with literature reviews, research methods, critical thinking, and APA formatting. Health and performance are also major themes throughout the concentration courses. A lot of what we learned focused on lifelong healthy habits, physical activity, exercise programming, and ways to improve quality of life for different populations. Are there any hands-on experience in an online exercise science programme? As part of our field experience course, we had the opportunity to go into schools and teach. That taught me a lot about communication, classroom management, and applying what we learned in real situations. It challenged me in a good way and helped build my confidence. In addition to that course, I also gained valuable experience working with college students through my graduate assistantship, which helped me continue developing as an educator and leader. Tennessee Tech prepares practical, career-ready graduates across diverse disciplines for a technology-driven world, supported by a strong, student-focused community. Source: Tennessee Tech Does an exercise science master’s help with CSCS or ACSM certification prep? Yes, I believe the programme provides a strong academic foundation for certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and other fitness or strength-and-conditioning certifications. Many of the topics covered throughout the coursework directly relate to exercise physiology, training principles, programme design, and research concepts that are important for certification exams and professional practice. What jobs do exercise science graduates typically get? Graduates go into a wide variety of careers, including teaching, coaching, personal training, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, fitness management, and other health-related professions. One of the great things about exercise science is how versatile the degree can be. The degree provides knowledge and skills that can apply to many populations and settings, which creates opportunities well beyond traditional athletics. Personally, I plan to continue pursuing opportunities in education, coaching, and physical activity-related fields. Long term, I would also love to continue growing professionally and possibly work in higher education one day. Is an exercise science master’s worth it for a career change? Absolutely. The programme provides a strong foundation in exercise science, research, and practical application, and exposes students to a range of career paths while building both knowledge and professional skills. Whether someone is interested in fitness, wellness, coaching, education, or healthcare, the degree offers a versatile background that can open multiple opportunities. Learn more about the online MA in Exercise Science programme at Tennessee Tech. Follow Tennessee Tech on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube

Summary generated from the RSS feed of Study International. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on www.studyinternational.com.