Sports Nutrition Master’s Concentration Program Details

Our 100% online MS in Applied Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition concentration program is designed for working adults with classes that can be completed anytime, anywhere. We keep class sizes small, so you can connect with your classmates and professors. Dual concentrations are also available.

Our Sports Nutrition concentration prepares graduates to help others nourish their bodies with nutrient-rich diets. As a sports nutritionist, you can encourage and support those who want to improve their overall health.

Help Others Reach Optimal Wellness

The Sports Nutrition concentration is designed for individuals who aspire to provide sound sports nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. The program focuses on using evidence-based principles in designing and implementing exercise and nutrition programs and interpreting research in the field of exercise and sports nutrition.

This strand prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the future job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists is rosy, predicted to increase by 7%. Additionally, those who take the exam can open doors to personal training and the food, beverage and supplement industry.

Other compelling reasons to pursue the Applied Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition concentration include:

Helping Athletes Reach Their Peak Performance

As a sports nutrition professional, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with athletes and physically active individuals to optimize their performance and health. By providing them with personalized nutrition plans and evidence-based advice, you can help them achieve their goals, whether it’s improving strength, endurance or overall athletic performance.

Understanding the Science Behind Nutrition and Exercise

Sports Nutrition concentration programs delve deep into the scientific principles of how nutrition and exercise affect the human body. With this knowledge, you’ll be equipped to design tailored meal plans and supplementation strategies that can maximize an individual’s training outcomes and aid in injury prevention and recovery.

Promoting Health and Well-being

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. As a sports nutrition specialist, you’ll not only be helping athletes perform better but also contributing to their long-term health by promoting balanced diets, managing weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition.

Contributing to Sports and Exercise Research

Through your studies, you’ll gain an understanding of how to interpret and analyze research in the field of exercise and sports nutrition. Armed with this knowledge, you can contribute to the scientific community by conducting your research or assisting in ongoing studies to advance the field further.

Meeting the Growing Demand

The awareness of the importance of nutrition in sports and exercise is increasing rapidly. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals with specialized knowledge in this area. An Applied Exercise Science degree with a Sports Nutrition concentration can open doors to various career opportunities in sports teams, fitness centers, sports organizations and even private practice.

Gaining Professional Recognition

Pursuing an Applied Exercise Science degree with a Sports Nutrition concentration and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition can add credibility to your expertise and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Flexibility in Career Choices

A degree in Applied Exercise Science with a Sports Nutrition concentration can lead to diverse career paths. While you may initially focus on working with athletes, you could later transition into roles like sports nutrition consulting, nutrition education, research or even writing for sports magazines and websites.

Personal Passion and Interest

If you have a passion for both sports and nutrition, pursuing a degree in Applied Exercise Science with a Sports Nutrition concentration can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice. It allows you to merge your interests and make a positive impact on people’s lives by optimizing their athletic performance and well-being.

Required Core Courses

• AES-6020 Kinesiology I or AES-6040 Biomechanics I
• AES-6030 Kinesiology II or AES-6045 Biomechanics II
• AES-6050 Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
• AES-6200 Applied Exercise Physiology or AES-6250 Advanced Exercise Physiology
• AES-6300 Exercise and Sport Nutrition
• AES-6990 Capstone Experience

Required Program Courses

• AES-6320 Vitamins and Minerals
• AES-6340 Nutrition and Exercise for Weight Management
• AES-6360 Practicum: Sports Nutrition
• AES-6380 Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Nutrition

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2.85 minimum GPA
• Objective statement
• Letters of recommendation

A Commitment to Integrity

Integrity lies at the heart of CUC’s ethos. Our faculty, staff and students are dedicated to living authentically, guided by their faith. Within our programs, students are empowered to demonstrate resilience and unwavering commitment to their academic pursuits.

Cost-Effectiveness

CUC’s Sports Nutrition Concentration is competitively priced and provides a high return on investment. More information on Tuition and Fees.

Distinguished Faculty

Benefit from the expertise of seasoned faculty members in the field of exercise science. Rest assured, you’ll receive top-tier education from industry leaders.

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Industry Certification

This program prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

The Sports Nutrition concentration is designed for individuals who aspire to provide reliable nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. This program emphasizes evidence-based principles in designing and implementing exercise and nutrition programs while interpreting relevant research in the field. By helping athletes reach their peak performance, understanding the science behind nutrition and exercise, promoting overall health and well-being and contributing to sports and exercise research, graduates will play a vital role in enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, this degree offers flexibility in career choices, allowing graduates to explore diverse paths, including consulting, nutrition education and writing for sports publications, while gaining professional recognition in a competitive job market.

Potential Careers

• Sports Nutritionist: Work with athletes and active individuals to develop customized nutrition plans that enhance performance, improve recovery and support overall health.
• Dietitian for Professional Sports Teams: Collaborate with coaches and medical staff to design and implement nutrition programs that optimize athletes’ performance and endurance during training and competition.
• Performance Nutrition Consultant: Provide expert nutritional advice to sports organizations, fitness centers and individual clients, helping them achieve specific fitness goals through targeted dietary strategies.
• Researcher in Sports Nutrition: Conduct research on the effects of diet and supplementation on athletic performance, body composition and recovery, contributing to the advancement of sports nutrition science.
• Corporate Wellness Nutritionist: Design and deliver nutrition programs within corporate wellness initiatives, focusing on improving employee health, productivity and overall well-being through balanced diets and healthy eating habits.