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Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science

Program Overview

The graduate certificate in Exercise Science combines advanced study in exercise physiology, motor performance, epidemiology, and behavior change with strategic leadership, systems thinking, communication, and implementation practice. Students learn to assess complex performance and health challenges, lead evidence-based intervention design, and translate scientific knowledge into scalable practice across clinical, community, corporate, wellness, and sport-related settings. Through applied research design and a real-world capstone, graduates are prepared to produce meaningful improvements in health, performance, and organizational outcomes. An outcomes-focused, leadership-driven approach that distinguishes this specialization from traditional clinically oriented or purely academic exercise science master’s programs.  

Admission Requirements

Individuals seeking admission to a Newberry College graduate program must meet the following minimal requirements:

  • Provide official transcripts from an accredited degree-granting university or college demonstrating completion of a bachelor's degree.
  • Students must have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (as recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
  • Students must have a minimum, cumulative college GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale OR 3.0 or higher during the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. The GPA requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for an earned graduate degree.

Learning Path

The online master’s certificate in Exercise Science requires a total of 12 credit hours:  

  • EXL 500 Mechanisms of Motor Skill Performance  
  • EXL 510 Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity  
  • EXL 520 Physical Activity and Health: Epidemiology, Research, and Practice   
  • EXL 530 Biostatistics and Bioethics

Pathway Toward MS Degree

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition Rate: $575 per credit hour

Included Fees / Costs:

  • Application fee — No fee to apply
  • Student Services fees — included in tuition
  • Course Resource fee —included in tuition
  • Testing fees — included in tuition

Other Expenses:

  • Enrollment fee — $100
  • Books and Supplies —varies by course; approx $100-$300 per course
  • Technology fee — $50 per subterm
  • Transcript fees (for transferring schools) —varies by institution; typically $20-$30 per school

Financial Aid and Grants:

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is encouraged
  • Newberry College school code: 003440