Franklin University Launches New 100% Online M.S. in Exercise Science Featuring Two Specializations

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University, a recognized leader in online education for working adults, is proud to announce the launch of its new Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science program, offering two in-demand specializations: Clinical Exercise Physiology and Strength & Conditioning. As Ohio’s #1 nonprofit University for online degrees, Franklin continues to build academic programs that are flexible, career-relevant, and designed to empower today’s learners for success in tomorrow’s workforce.

The fully online M.S. in Exercise Science program offers students the opportunity to tailor their studies through two targeted tracks:

M.S. in Exercise Science – Clinical Exercise Physiology Specialization:
Designed for those who want to bridge fitness and healthcare, this specialization prepares students to support patients managing chronic conditions, recovering from injury, or rebuilding strength. Coursework emphasizes clinical exercise testing, chronic disease management, and rehabilitative care practices, aligning with the American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification. Ideal for professionals pursuing roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and long-term care facilities, this specialization delivers practical training grounded in real-world clinical applications.

M.S. in Exercise Science – Strength & Conditioning Specialization:
For those passionate about athletic performance, tactical fitness, or human optimization, the strength and conditioning track offers advanced training in program design, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and performance enhancement. The curriculum aligns with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, preparing graduates to train elite athletes, support military and first responders, lead corporate wellness programs, or run their own fitness business.

With growing recognition of exercise as a critical component in healthcare, athletics, and preventative medicine, the need for qualified exercise science professionals is increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow, driven by greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and fitness-based rehabilitation. Franklin’s new M.S. in Exercise Science program addresses this market need by delivering specialized, flexible, and hands-on education.

Both specializations are designed to be completed 100% online in as few as 16 months, offering the flexibility working adults need to balance education with career and life commitments. With practitioner-led courses and a focus on applied learning, Franklin’s M.S. in Exercise Science prepares students to translate theory into practice across clinical and athletic settings.

Franklin’s new master’s program, built to industry standards and accredited by a nonprofit leader in adult education, positions graduates for meaningful careers at the intersection of fitness, healthcare, and performance.

Learn more about Franklin’s new M.S. in Exercise Science program and its specializations here:
•    Clinical Exercise Physiology: franklin.edu/degrees/masters/exercise-science/clinical-exercise-physiology
•    Strength & Conditioning: franklin.edu/degrees/masters/exercise-science/strength-conditioning

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).