Master's in Health & Human Performance
Program Overview
Online Master's in Health & Human Performance
Achieve greater levels of health and fitness, and learn how to train others to accomplish the same.
Types
Master
Location
Online
Credits
30
Cost
$355/credit hour
Overview
Our performance in life is directly tied to our health. Through an emphasis on lifestyle and fitness, you can achieve greater levels of physical performance than you thought possible, while at the same time learning to competently and compassionately lead others into healthier lifestyles as well. Our online Master of Science in Health & Human Performance (MSHPP) degree program focuses on two relevant concentration areas: Health and Fitness Promotion, and Coaching and Fitness Leadership. If you want to achieve effective and ethical leadership styles in guiding individual and team performance, this is the program for you.
By the Numbers
$53,840
Average Salary
14%
Industry Growth
#1
in KY, Affordable Master's
100%
Online Program
Programs & Requirements
Master of Science in Health & Human Performance (MSHHP)
This online master’s in health and human performance will provide you with an understanding of chronic disease prevention along with intervention skills to execute health promotion programs for diverse populations. In short, not only will you be better able to improve and maintain your own health and fitness, but you will also be able to effectively guide others into healthier lifestyles after completing this human performance master’s degree. Accepting that our mental and emotional wellbeing is directly linked to our physical health, by helping others improve their physical wellbeing, you will also aid in improving their mental and emotional health, increasing their potential to live more confident and successful lives.
Course Requirements
- Core Courses (18 hours)
- HHP 530 - Research Methods
- HHP 531 - Applied Statistics
- HHP 532 - Applied Nutrition
- HHP 533 - Health and Fitness Psychology
- HHP 534 - Exercise Physiology
- HHP 535 - Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Emphasis Courses (6 hours)
- HHP 536 - Foundations of Physical Activity in Health Promotion
- HHP 630 - Health Promotion through Physical Activity
- Elective Courses (6 hours)
- Choose from two (2) elective courses (6 credit hours) to round out the required credit hours needed for the MSHHP.
- HHP 537 - Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 631 - Advanced Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 632 - Current Issues in Health Promotion
- HHP 633 - Current Issues in Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 634 - Strength and Conditioning
- HHP 635 - Youth Health and Fitness
- HHP 636 - Plant Based Nutrition
- HHP 637 - Applied Sports Medicine
- HHP 638 - Administrative and Management Strategies
- HHP 639 - Special Topics
Mission & Goals
The mission of the online master of science and human performance program is to prepare you for an effective career in health-related vocations.
- Understand the connection between lifestyle behaviors, general health, and chronic disease
- Implement health and fitness assessment, intervention, and planning appropriate to diverse populations
- Develop and apply effective coaching and fitness leadership strategies and styles in a physical activity context, from fitness to competitive athletic levels
- Effectively communicate with and educate others on behavior changes, assessment procedures and results, and program implementation
- Have a meaningful impact on the overall health and wellbeing of others, inside and outside your career
Career Outcomes
Fitness Trainer: $45,380
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities.
Fitness Studies Teacher: $72,650
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Physical Therapist: $97,720
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
Coach/Scout: $44,890
Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits.
Health Education Specialist: $59,990
Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.
Athletic Trainer: $53,840
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
FAQs
What is a master’s degree in health and human performance?
A master’s degree in health and human performance prepares students to enhance physical health and wellness through fitness promotion, chronic disease prevention, and coaching techniques. This degree provides the skills needed to lead health programs and promote healthy lifestyles.
How long does a master’s degree in health and human performance take?
Typically, the master’s program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in about two years, depending on your pace and course load.
Can I get a master’s degree in health and human performance online?
Yes, the master’s in health and human performance is available fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments.
Is a master’s degree in health and human performance worth it?
Yes, this degree is valuable for those looking to advance in health-focused careers, such as fitness training, health education, and athletic coaching. It provides a solid foundation in health leadership and disease prevention.
What can I do with a master’s degree in health and human performance?
With this degree, you can pursue roles as a fitness trainer, health educator, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or coach. These roles allow you to make a positive impact on individuals’ health and wellness.
How to get a master’s degree in health and human performance?
To earn this degree, you’ll need to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, focusing on fitness, health promotion, and leadership in health programs. Applications generally require a bachelor’s degree and may include transcripts and relevant experience.
Is a master’s degree in health and human performance difficult?
The program can be challenging, as it combines scientific knowledge of health and fitness with leadership skills. However, with dedication and interest in health, many students find the content engaging and manageable.
Faculty Experts
Dr. Anita Bowman
Professor / Program Director
Health, Exercise and Sport Science
Master's in Coaching
Master Health & Human Performance
Dr. Eric Stephens
Professor
Master Health & Human Performance
Master's in Coaching
Psychology
Dr. Ann Livengood
Adjunct Faculty
Health, Exercise and Sport Science
Master Health & Human Performance
Master's in Coaching
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Master of Science in Health & Human Performance (MSHPP) is an online graduate program that prepares students to achieve greater levels of health and fitness and to train others to do the same.
- Objectives: By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Understand the connection between lifestyle behaviors, general health, and chronic disease.
- Implement health and fitness assessment, intervention, and planning appropriate to diverse populations.
- Develop and apply effective coaching and fitness leadership strategies and styles in a physical activity context, from fitness to competitive athletic levels.
- Effectively communicate with and educate others on behavior changes, assessment procedures and results, and program implementation.
- Have a meaningful impact on the overall health and well-being of others, inside and outside your career.
- Program Description: The MSHHP is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. The program's curriculum includes courses in research methods, applied statistics, applied nutrition, health and fitness psychology, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, coaching and fitness leadership, health promotion through physical activity, and current issues in health promotion and coaching and fitness leadership.
Outline:
- Program Content: The coursework includes topics such as research methods, applied statistics, applied nutrition, health and fitness psychology, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, coaching and fitness leadership, health promotion through physical activity, and current issues in health promotion and coaching and fitness leadership.
- Structure: The program is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online.
- Course Schedule: The program is offered in an eight-week format, with two bi-terms per semester and three semesters per year.
- Modules: The program's curriculum includes the following courses:
- Core Courses:
- HHP 530 – Research Methods
- HHP 531 – Applied Statistics
- HHP 532 – Applied Nutrition
- HHP 533 – Health and Fitness Psychology
- HHP 534 – Exercise Physiology
- HHP 535 – Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Concentration Courses:
- HHP 536 – Foundations of Physical Activity in Health Promotion
- HHP 630 – Health Promotion through Physical Activity
- Elective Courses: Choose from two (2) elective courses (6 credit hours) to round out the required credit hours needed for the MSHHP.
- HHP 537 - Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 631 - Advanced Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 632 – Current Issues in Health Promotion
- HHP 633 – Current Issues in Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 634 – Strength and Conditioning
- HHP 635 – Youth Health and Fitness
- HHP 636 – Plant Based Nutrition
- HHP 637 – Applied Sports Medicine
- HHP 638 – Administrative and Management Strategies
- HHP 639 – Special Topics
Careers:
- Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers as Fitness Trainers and Instructors, Fitness Studies Teachers, Physical Therapists, Coaches/Scouts, Health Education Specialists, and Athletic Trainers.
- Opportunities: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 19 percent growth in employment for Fitness Trainers and Instructors through 2031.
- Outcomes: Graduates are prepared to lead others into healthier lifestyles and improve their physical performance.
