Master of Science in Coaching and Exercise Sciences
Master the physical dynamics of sport through exercise sciences.
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MSCE: The Pathway to Peak Performance
Prepare athletes for success at every level with a Master of Science in Coaching and Exercise Sciences (MSCE) from Concordia University Irvine. Designed by successful, experienced performance coaches, athletic trainers, and exercise movement experts, this program equips you to work at the high school, collegiate, club, professional, and Olympic levels. Courses are offered online and on campus, with summer intensives available to personalize your education as you develop critical knowledge and skill sets.
You will study cutting-edge performance science — everything from injury prevention and biomechanics to strength, speed, and conditioning — while also learning how to guide athletes holistically, design individualized strength, fitness, and flexibility programs, expedite recovery, and promote lifelong wellness. By graduation, you will be ready to apply your expertise in schools, colleges, fitness centers, clinics, or as a self-employed professional in the growing sports, training, and wellness industry.
Online or Hybrid
Take your classes online or in a hybrid format.
36 Units
Finish your master’s in just 15 months.
$610/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
“The faculty…had so much passion and so much energy for developing us. I was already sold on the program, but they just tipped the scales for me. It was the best decision that I’ve made.”
George Ellis ’17 – PCG Basketball
Prepare for the CSCS Certification Exam
Concordia is proud to collaborate with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to give students graduate credit through the MSCE 586 Advanced Strength, Speed, and Conditioning class while preparing for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam. This coveted credential is especially valuable for those who want to serve as Performance Directors and Strength Coaches at the NCAA Division I and II levels.
Getting Started
Each course at Concordia is designed to be practical and applicable, whether you are just starting out in your career or have years of experience. These courses give you knowledge, skills, and strategies you can apply immediately in your current role.
As your capstone, you will complete a professional portfolio, curating your best work from all your courses. This portfolio not only helps you reflect on your growth and achievements, but also gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Winter 2026 November 16, 2026
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Spring 2027 February 15, 2027
Curriculum
Complete the following 5 Core Courses:
- MCAA510 – Principles of Coaching and Leadership
- MCAA530 – Ethics And Sport
- MCAA550 – Research Methods and Analysis
- MCAA580 – Legal Aspect of Sport
- MCAA595 – Culminating Project
In addition to the 5 Core Courses, you will take 4 Elective Courses from key courses designed to meet your goals and aspirations.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Major Benefits of an MCSE Experience:
- Prepared for professional careers in strength, conditioning, and fitness training
- Acquire the foundation for success in healthcare, especially injury prevention and recovery
- Qualifies for teaching kinesiology in many California Community Colleges
- Strengthens knowledge and confidence necessary for an entrepreneurial role in training and performance
- Improved effectiveness in coaching, management, and leadership skills
- Positive impact on most salary scales and potential income increases
- Provides improved career path advancement opportunities:
- More appealing candidate for human movement and performance-related positions
- Greater consideration for promotion or administrative positions
- Graduate with a portfolio featuring your best work is very helpful for interviews
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Expand Your Professional Toolkit
Want to expand your expertise? In addition to earning your master’s in coaching and exercise sciences, you could earn your Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletics Administration with just five more courses. Both degrees share four of the same core courses but offer different electives and a new portfolio showcasing your MCAA knowledge, giving you the opportunity to maximize your investment.
Networking Opportunities
As an MSCE graduate student at Concordia, you will become part of an impressive community of over 5,000 alumni who are coaching, leading, and contributing all over the country. You will create meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover your calling and develop your skills through imparting knowledge, collaboration, and mentorship.
Concordia University Irvine’s program has been a pioneer in producing leaders in athletics for over two decades. Each year, more graduate students enroll in our program than in any other educational athletics program of its kind. You will be joining an extraordinary family of outstanding leaders in athletics committed to excellence.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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James Staunton
MCAA Adjunct Instructor Western Regional Coordinator for Recruitment and Retention
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Keegan Bloomfield
MCAA Adjunct Instructor and head coach of men’s and women’s…
FAQs
What’s the difference between MSCE and MCAA?
The Master of Science (MSCE) incorporates exercise science coursework in the electives, preparing you for roles that require a science-based degree, such as teaching kinesiology in a community college, serving as a strength and conditioning coach, or becoming an athletic trainer to name a few examples.
The Master of Arts (MCAA) focuses on practical application of knowledge in coaching and athletic administration, with electives and the option for an internship. The MCAA degree is ideal for those who wish to hone their coaching skills, move into a head coaching position, or seek a position as an athletics administrator. Both programs share five core courses, and graduates of either MCAA or MSCE can earn the other, complimentary degree with just five additional classes.
What is a Master’s in Exercise Science?
A graduate degree in exercise science lets you dive deeper into the science of human movement, physical activity, pursuing peak performance, and wellness. At Concordia, you can take specialized courses like Advanced Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics for Sport, Sport Medicine and Performance, Nutrition, and Advanced Strength, Speed and Conditioning.
Is exercise science the same as kinesiology?
While exercise science and kinesiology have some similarities, they are not the same field of study. Kinesiology is the broader study of human movement, including muscles, bones, and nerves. Exercise science is a specialized branch of kinesiology focused on fitness, training, injury prevention, and flexibility.
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Most MSCE students earn their Master’s Degree in 15 months. There are four 11-week terms each year. Students may enroll and begin in any term. 36 units are required which is made up of nine 4-unit courses (five core courses and four electives). You take two courses per term for four terms and one in your fifth term. Or take one course per term and finish in two years plus one final term. Each term is 11 weeks in length.
Do I have to take all classes online or in person?
There are three delivery mode options available to you:
- 100% online: you can do your coursework at times convenient for you. All online courses are asynchronous, meaning you are not required to meet online at a set time.
- In-person courses are offered on Concordia Irvine’s beautiful campus.
- Hybrid: you can blend online classes with in-person classes.
Note – There are two types of in-person courses: 1) Meet once a week during a regular 11-week semester or 2) The other option is one-week intensive courses that meet during the summer.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/ (viewed Dec. 5, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/coaches-and-scouts.htm (viewed Dec. 5, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm (viewed Dec. 5, 2024).
2Statista, Sports industry revenue worldwide in 2022, with a forecast for 2028, on the internet, at:
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/370560/worldwide-sports-market-revenue/ (viewed Dec. 5, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.