OverviewCurriculumFacultyTuition & FeesCareer Outlook

Fitness and Health Promotion Program Overview

Prime adult Caucasian female with personal trainer at gym.
The Fitness and Health Promotion concentration was designed to meet the needs of individuals who are currently working in, or hoping to enter into a career in the health and fitness industry. This strand prepares individuals for the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential, which can lead to a job in a rapidly expanding field. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, employment opportunities are expected to increase by 24% through 2020, and the field is expected to add more than 60,000 jobs over that time. 

 

Program Features

  • Courses are offered 100% online, no campus visit required
  • The program is comprised of 10, 8 week courses for a total of 30 credits
  • Program begins three times annually: fall, spring, summer
  • Affordable tuition is guaranteed throughout the entire program
  • Small cohort/class sizes, at 12 to 18 students per class
  • Regionally accredited institution qualified to offer federal financial aid to students
  • $455 per credit hour

Program Admissions Requirements

  • A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent non-U.S. degree.
  • To be considered for Full Admission at Concordia University, candidates in the MS Applied Exercise Science program will present a cumulative grade point average above 2.85 or will have earned a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • To be considered for Provisional Admission to the program, candidates will present credentials that generally satisfy full admission requirements, but need to satisfy additional admission requirements such as special program prerequisites.
  • Note: All admission requirements must be satisfied by the end of the candidate’s first enrolled semester in the program. Provisional Admission is only available to US residents and citizens.
  • For students to be considered for Probationary Admission, one or more of the following special conditions may exist: 1) a cumulative GPA between 2.25 and 2.84 (on a 4.0 scale); 2) holding a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA below 3.0; and/or 3) credentials/documents that raise cause for reservation for admission. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a 3.0 GPA in graduate course work within their first semester of enrollment to continue in the program.

Required Documentation

  • Application for admission: Apply online.
  • Objective Statement: Provide information on your future educational goals and/or objectives and their relationship to pursuing graduate work at Concordia University Chicago.
  • Transcripts: Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned.
  • International Transcripts: Any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant’s academic proficiency, personal character and competence and effectiveness in professional work.
  • All documents should be submitted to:
    Concordia University Chicago
    Office of Graduate Admissions and Services
    Addison Hall, Office 158
    7400 Augusta Street
    River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
  • Application documents may also be faxed to 708.777.4773 or emailed to exsci.admissions@cuchicago.edu.

Highlights

PROGRAM INFORMATION

calendarNext Start Date: 05/01/17

timeCourse Length: 8 weeks

computerDelivery Format: 100% Online

applicationApplication Deadline: Rolling

Fitness and Health Promotion Curriculum
Required Core Courses 18 Credit Hours

Course Number Course Title Credits
AES 6020
Kinesiology I
Students will explore upper extremity musculoskeletal anatomy with emphasis on systems that enable the human body to maintain proper stabilization and produce efficient movements. Students will develop human movement analysis techniques through assessment and evaluation of biomechanical movement patterns.
3
AES 6030
Kinesiology II
Students will explore trunk and lower extremity musculoskeletal anatomy with emphasis on systems that enable the human body to maintain proper stabilization and produce efficient movements. Students will develop human movement analysis techniques through assessment and evaluation of biomechanical movement patterns.
3
AES 6050
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
Selected research techniques and designs utilized in exercise science research with emphasis on general statistics, interpretation of data, research ethics, scientific writing and library use.
3
AES 6200
Applied Exercise Physiology
Effects of exercise on the major systems of the human body, including cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, glandular and digestive; with emphasis on optimizing human performance.
3
AES 6300
Exercise and Sport Nutrition
Explores the relationships between nutrition, energy metabolism, and exercise and sport performance, with an in-depth analysis of dietary and nutritional supplementation.
3
AES 6990
Capstone Experience
Culminating experience in the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science degree. Experiences may include, but is not limited to, independent research that leads to an actual product such as a publishable journal article, professional field experience, conference presentation, advanced certifications, program or facility development, web site, on-line course materials, curriculum development.
3
Fitness and Health Promotion Concentration 12 Credit Hours
Course Number Course Title Credits
AES 6400
Principles of Fitness and Health Promotion
Examines a systematic approach to personal training using the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Optimum Performance Training model. The course provides an overview of evidence-based principles of fitness assessment, program design, balance, flexibility, strength, stabilization, and power. Designed to prepare students interested in becoming a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
3
AES 6420
Program Design in Fitness and Health Promotion
Explores program design principles for fitness and health promotion, with an emphasis on the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Optimum Performance Training model.
3
AES 6440
Practicum: Fitness and Health Promotion
Planning and implementation of a fitness or health promotion program through a case study with a member of their community.
3
AES 6460
Business Development and Entrepreneurship in Fitness and Health
Interfaces between human resource management, operations, marketing, and entrepreneurship within the context of entrepreneurial, for-profit and nonprofit fitness and health promotion ventures.
3

PROGRAM INFORMATION

calendarNext Start Date: 05/01/17

timeCourse Length: 8 weeks

computerDelivery Format: 100% Online

applicationApplication Deadline: Rolling

Fitness and Health Promotion Faculty

The faculty at Concordia University can be found hard at work in the fields that they teach-specialties in kinesiology and sports studies. At Concordia, we realize that a top-flight education is only possible with best-in-class instructors with real-world experience. We recruit passionate professionals from around the globe who are committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Our faculty are experienced and distinguished, combining years of hands-on clinic experience with extensive academic knowledge and teaching experience. Many of our faculty have the highest credential available in the field in which they teach. They demonstrate the highest degree of professional skills, and find unique ways to convey that knowledge in our remote online curriculum.

Robert Ferguson, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Exercise Science and Pedagogy, University of Arkansas
MA in Health and Physical Education, Adams State College
BA in Business Administration, Adams State College 

 

BIO:
Dr. Robert Ferguson is an adjunct faculty member teaching in the web-based graduate program in Applied Exercise Science. Dr. Ferguson is the director of physical education and physical education project director in the Springdale Public Schools in Springdale, AR. He has also served as a grant consultant for school fitness and wellness programs and coaching/teacher continuing education. He has spent over 20 years working in higher education both as a track & field coach and teaching exercise science, coaching education, and teacher education coursework.

Previously, he was a full time faculty member at the University of Arkansas and Kentucky Wesley College from 1993 until 2006. He has taught exercise science, physical activity, and fitness related coursework at the University of the Ozarks (AR) and Northwestern State University (LA). Additionally, he was an exercise physiology instructor for Level I and Level II coaching certification programs for USA Track & Field from 2000 to 2010. He has coached college and high school track at Adams State College, Northwestern State University, Springdale Har-Ber HS and Tucumcari HS (NM).

He received his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas in 1997, a Master of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Adams State College in 1988, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Adams State College in 1986. While at Adams State, he was a member of the track & field and cross country teams and was an eight-time All-American and National Champion. He also ran post collegiately as a member of the Reebok Racing Team. His research interests include exercise and performance in the heat, fitness assessment, and teaching and coaching education.

Robert Andel, DC
 
Kimberly Harris, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Health Science, University of Arkansas
MS in Kinesiology, California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Education, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science, University of Arkansas
Michael Heifferon, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Motor Learning/Orthopedic Sports Medicine, The University of Toledo
MS in Strength Training and Athletic Conditioning, The Ohio State University
MBA in Healthcare Administration, Baker College, Flint Michigan, MI
BA in Physical Education, The Ohio State University 

 

BIO:
A native of Rochester New York, Michael Heifferon completed his Bachelor of Education and Master of Science at The Ohio State University. He earned his Doctorate of Science from The University of Toledo and Masters in Business Administration from Baker College. Over the past 29 years as an athletic trainer, Michael has worked with the New York Yankees, The Ohio State University, The United States Olympic Committee and United States Anti-Doping Agency. Additionally, during that period of time Michael was selected to participate as a Doping Control Officer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Additionally, from 1992 until present Michael has remained a health care administrator with a career in strengthening and leading all areas of operations within ambulatory, orthopedic, primary care, occupational, pain management and sports medicine practices. His diverse healthcare management experience includes achieving bottom line objectives, improving organization communication, and negotiator with success in securing advantageous contracts with strategic business partners, professional staff, insurance providers, and vendors. Other areas of interest and strengths include marketing, financial budgets, joint ventures, benchmarking and strategic planning and implementation.

Ayanna Lyles, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Health Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
MS in Athletic Training Education, California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Sport Science with emphasis in Athletic Training, University of Connecticut
Ronald Merryman, MS
EDUCATION:
MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Rehabilitation Science, California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Business Administration and Management 

 

BIO:
Ron Merryman has served roles in leadership, academia and practitioner for over 17 years. Ron’s experience coupled with academic backgrounds in both Business and Exercise Science positions him as a leader in the field of Fitness and Health Promotion. Ron earned his bachelors in Management Information Systems from the University of Massachusetts and then earned a Masters in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a concentration in Rehab Sciences from the University of California Pennsylvania. Ron serves as a Master Instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine where he has been teaching throughout the United States since 2011 and online since 2012. Ron is routinely called upon as a content expert and product consultant for various academic institutions where he helps develop education for practitioners, managers and leaders worldwide. Ron works full-time as the Executive Director of Fitness for Youfit Health Clubs where he is responsible for the strategic success of over 100 health clubs, over 1000 employees and over 500,000 members.

Theresa Miyashita, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Education in Biomedical Sciences
MA in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Athletic Training, University of North Carolina
BS in Athletic Training, Canisius College 

 

BIO:
Dr. Miyashita has worked in Higher Education for the last nine years as a Clinical Education Coordinator and now as a Program Director of the Athletic Training Education Program at Canisius College. Her area of focus is on college athletes-injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and functional return to play assessments. She has worked with a variety of athletes at varying levels of competition.  Her research focuses on sports-related concussions.  Dr. Miyashita is a Subject Matter Expert for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and serves on a variety of school, state, regional, and national committees including by not limited to: Internal Review Board, Legislative Task Force on Youth Concussion, Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association Research & Education Committee, and PINK Concussions Medical Advisor.

Jordan Moon, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Exercise Physiology, University of Oklahoma
MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University
BS in Physical Education with an emphasis in Corporate Fitness and Wellness, Grand Valley State University 

 

BIO:
Dr. Jordan R. Moon has been teaching in higher education for over 10 years with 6 years of online teaching experience and been actively involved in strength and conditioning for over 15 years.

Dr. Moon is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) and a Certified Health and Fitness Specialist (HFS). Dr. Moon has trained all levels of athletes, including professionals in Major League baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, as well as college athletes and teams in addition to youth and fitness clients. He has presented over 40 lectures at multiple scientific conferences and has published more than 125 research articles and abstracts in the areas of sports nutrition and human body composition and changes regarding age and fitness level.

Michael S. Palmieri, MS
EDUCATION:
Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science, Concordia University Chicago 

 

BIO:
Michael is the Director of Research & Performance at the Dominate Your Game! Training Facility at The Institute of Sport Science & Athletic Conditioning. With his expertise in Biomechanics, Michael is currently pursuing his PhD in Human Performance at Concordia University, which is also where he attained his Master of Science degree in Exercise Science.

Michael is a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach, as well as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is a USAW Sports Performance Coach, which he received while attending the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. In addition, Michael holds Specialist certifications in Heavy Sports, Combat Sports, Tactical Athletes, Speed/Power, and Physique Athletes training, and is a former powerlifter.

With almost 25 years experience in the industry, Michael’s research interests lie in the application of biomechanical analysis of performance testing, and its relevance to program design. His current studies involve evaluating changes in force and power production as a result of muscular fatigue during the high intensity training and operations of U.S. Special Forces. Moreover, he is very involved with many research and application institutions, as well as with numerous sports teams and athletes, and has made multiple presentations around the country for several internationally recognized organizations.

Michael is the Nevada State Director for the NSCA as well as the Nevada State Chair for the North American Strongman Corporation, and a judge for the International Natural Bodybuilding Association. He is also a Sport Science Research Consultant for Muscle Pharm.

Sean Pruitt, MS
EDUCATION:
MA in Education, Lindenwood University
MS in Human Performance, Lindenwood University
BS in Movement Science, University of Michigan 

 

BIO:
I received my BS in Movement Science from the University of Michigan in 2010 where I was also a member of the Track and Field team. I moved to Missouri to continue my education and training, and in 2013 I graduated with my MS in Human Performance from Lindenwood University. Shortly after finishing my Masters degree, I started teaching classes for the School of Exercise Science at Lindenwood and pursued a Master of Education. In 2015, I graduated with my MA in Education, and started teaching at Concordia University.During my graduate education I also worked as a track and field coach at Lindenwood University where I developed several All-Americans, School Record Holders, and Conference Champions. I also have experience working as a personal trainer. My educational interests include: human performance, strength and conditioning, exercise as medicine, learning strategies, curriculum development, and instructional design. My MA proposal examined the impact of physical activity on cognitive performance and development in elementary aged youth. My MS proposal examined the impact of a plyometric program on endurance running performance.

Lacy Puttuck, MS, RD
EDUCATION:
MS in Applied Exercise Science, Concordia University Chicago
BS in Nutrition, University of Nevada Las Vegas
BS in Kinesiology, University of Nevada Las Vegas 

 

BIO:
Lacy Puttuck is one of the most sought after experts in the field of Sports Nutrition. She started her college studies at the University of Utah; while being a physical therapy aide at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Park City, she rehabilitated many of the top Winter Olympians in the world.After moving to Las Vegas, Lacy earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – one in Nutrition, and the other in Kinesiology. She then attained her Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University.Lacy is a Licensed Dietician through the State of Nevada, a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and a Certified Sport Nutritionist (CISSN) from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). She is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and achieved her Sports Performance Coach certification through the USAW while attending the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

A Fellow at The Institute of Sport Science & Athletic Conditioning, Lacy also holds Specialist certifications in Exercise Therapy, Speed/Power, and Physique Athlete training.
Furthermore, Lacy is an adjunct professor for Concordia University, and assisted in the development of their Master of Science Degree in Sports Nutrition. She also consults for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Program, and various sports programs, as well for several area hospitals, and has presented at multiple symposiums around the country for various nationally recognized organizations.
Lacy’s current research involves maintaining proper fuel requirements during competition for anaerobic athletes, including evaluating recovery from muscular fatigue due to high intensity training of U.S. Special Forces.

In addition, Lacy is the Dietician for Syndicate MMA, and has been the Team Sports Dietician for the Las Vegas Outlaws Pro Arena Football team and Real MMA Fight House Reality TV Show.

Ronald Wagner, PhD
EDUCATION:
PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Pedagogy, University of Arkansas
MS in Instructional Technology, Bloomsburg University
MS in Physical Education, Eastern Kentucky University
BS in Health Management and Athletic Training, Southeast Missouri State University

PROGRAM INFORMATION

calendarNext Start Date: 05/01/17

timeCourse Length: 8 weeks

computerDelivery Format: 100% Online

applicationApplication Deadline: Rolling

Fitness and Health Promotion Tuition & Fees
Our tuition is reasonable and will not change over time.

Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. And for graduates, the benefits of obtaining a Master of Science degree can be very valuable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the median of earnings for adults ages 25-34 working full-time, year-round, with a master’s degree or higher was $59,200, compared to just $44,970 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.

MS Applied Exercise Science Cost
Tuition (Per Credit Hour) $440
Technology Fee (Per Credit Hour) $15
Books (Approximate) $800
TOTAL $14450

PROGRAM INFORMATION

calendarNext Start Date: 05/01/17

timeCourse Length: 8 weeks

computerDelivery Format: 100% Online

applicationApplication Deadline: Rolling

Fitness and Health Promotion Career Options
A variety of career paths is attainable with a Masters degree in Exercise Science

A Masters degree in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago’s Kinesiology and Sports Studies program can open many doors in numerous fields.

Our exercise science degree programs are 100% online, allowing students to achieve real-life success in their chosen profession, while advancing their careers

Graduates in our graduate degree in kinesiology go on to serve in a variety of capacities in fitness, wellness, sports management and leadership careers. Our students emerge from our programs in as little as 18 months with:

  • Increased earning potential
  • Job security
  • Job opportunities
  • Increased job satisfaction

Explore the following career opportunities. Talk with your student advisor for additional information on which degree program is right for you. Many of our students pursue careers in exercise science fields such as these areas:

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Biomechanist
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Chiropractor
  • Dietician
  • Dietetic Assistant
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Health Coach

PROGRAM INFORMATION

calendarNext Start Date: 05/01/17

timeCourse Length: 8 weeks

computerDelivery Format: 100% Online

applicationApplication Deadline: Rolling

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