People are more invested in their health than ever—and more confused about how to optimize it. That confusion creates demand for professionals who can translate science into results. Salem’s online Master of Science in Health and Human Performance (MSHHP) is a 36-credit graduate degree built for coaches, trainers, and fitness professionals ready to move into advanced roles. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months and offers two specialization tracks: Strength and Conditioning and Sports Coaching Education.  

Earn Your Master’s in as Little as 12 Months 

Many master’s programs in this field take 18 to 24 months to complete. Salem’s MSHHP is built for students who want to move faster: the full 36-credit degree can be completed in as little as 12 months by successfully taking one course per month, without sacrificing depth, credibility or rigor.  

Every student’s situation is different. Contact an admissions advisor to map out a timeline that works for you.  

Online Master’s in Health and Human Performance at Salem University 

The MSHHP is a 36-credit graduate program covering the core disciplines of exercise science, human performance and health—with a consistent emphasis on evidence-based practice and applied problem-solving. The curriculum is built around two specializations. 

Health and Human Performance Degree Specializations 

  • Strength and Conditioning – Aligned with NSCA CSCS standards (certification administered separately by the NSCA; not guaranteed by program completion) 
  • Sports Coaching Education – Focused on coaching psychology, performance analysis and ethics in sport 

Every student completes a capstone course in research methodology, ensuring graduates can evaluate the science behind their practice – not just apply it.  

Careers with a Master’s in Health and Human Performance  

Advanced positions in health, exercise science and athletic performance increasingly require graduate-level credentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several careers this degree prepares you for are growing much faster than the national average—with salaries to match. 

A Master’s in Health and Human Performance positions you for roles including the following, depending on background, licensure, certification and state requirements: 

  • Exercise Physiologist – Design and oversee exercise programs in clinical, rehabilitation and performance settings. Median salary: $58,160; projected 9% growth, 2024-2034. 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach – Design and implement performance training programs for competitive athletes; the Strength and Conditioning specialization aligns with the body of knowledge for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential. CSCS certification is administered independently by the NSCA and requires separate application, examination and eligibility requirements; this program does not guarantee certification or exam eligibility.  
  • Performance Coach – Work with athletes and high-performers on the physical, mental and recovery components of competitive performance, often in collegiate, professional or private-sector performance facilities. 
  • Sports Coach – Lead training, game preparation and athlete development at the youth, collegiate or club level, with graduate-level grounding in coaching science and ethics. 
  • Health and Wellness Coach – Guide individuals and organizations toward sustainable health behavior change across corporate, clinical and community settings. 
  • Wellness/Fitness Director – Oversee programming, staff and operations at gyms, wellness centers, corporate wellness programs and sports performance facilities.  

Salary and growth figures from BLS May 2024 data; projections cover 2024-2034. 

What will I learn? 

The MSHHP develops practical expertise across the science of human movement—how the body works under stress, how to measure it and how to improve performance, health outcomes and quality of life. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are integrated throughout, preparing graduates to make evidence-based decisions and lead with credibility.  

You’ll graduate with working knowledge in: 

  • Exercise testing, prescription and assessment across clinical and performance contexts 
  • Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and movement science 
  • Sport nutrition and its role in performance and recovery 
  • Behavioral psychology as it applies to performance, coaching and adherence 
  • Applied performance technologies and data-driven coaching methods 
  • Ethical and culturally informed health practice 

Health and Human Performance Courses 

Core Curriculum (21 credits) 

Here’s what you’ll cover in the core curriculum: 

  • Human Movement Science & Biomechanics (HHP600, HHP601) – How the body generates, transfers and absorbs force—applied to sport, training and injury prevention 
  • Fundamentals of Nutrition Science (HHP602) – Evidence-based nutritional principles for performance optimization and long-term health, including macronutrient science and practical application 
  • Exercise and Sport Psychology (HHP603) – The mental and behavioral dimensions of performance: motivation, focus, stress response and how coaches and clinicians can influence them 
  • Movement & Skill Acquisition (HHP604) – How humans learn and refine physical skills, and what that means for coaching methodology and program design 
  • Advanced Exercise Physiology (HHP605) – Graduate-level study of the cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems under acute and chronic exercise stress 
  • Research Methods & Capstone (HHP606) – How to design, conduct and critically evaluate health and performance research—culminating in an original capstone project 

Strength and Conditioning Specialization (15 credits) 

Aligned with NSCA CSCS certification standards: 

  • HHP610 – Sports Needs Analysis, Movement Screening & Assessment  
  • HHP611 – Scientific Foundations of Strength & Conditioning (NSCA CSCS Prep Course 1)  
  • HHP612 – Applied Strength & Conditioning Principles (NSCA CSCS Prep Course 2)  
  • HHP613 – Power and Speed for Sports Performance  
  • HHP614 – Practical Internship Experience 

Sports Coaching Education Specialization (15 credits) 

  • HHP620 – Foundations of Sport Coaching 
  • HHP621 – Psychology of Coaching 
  • HHP623 – Analysis of Sport Performance for Coaches 
  • HHP624 – Ethics and Diversity in Sport Coaching 
  • HHP625 – Contemporary Issues in Sports Coaching 

Why Choose Salem University? 

The MSHHP is built around one premise: graduate school shouldn’t require you to put your life on hold to finish it. Salem’s one-course-at-a-time format lets you go deep on a single subject before moving to the next—no juggling four classes while managing a job and everything else. Combined with multiple rolling start dates per year, you decide when you begin rather than waiting on a traditional academic calendar. 

It’s a focused, flexible path designed to help you strengthen your expertise and prepare for broader opportunities in health, fitness, coaching, and human performance. 

Admissions Requirements 

Salem University welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability status. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis with multiple start dates every year—apply when you’re ready. 

To be considered for the MSHHP, applicants need: 

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended 
  • No GRE or GMAT required 

Applicants receive a dedicated admissions advisor from the day they inquire through enrollment, available to walk through requirements, transcripts, transfer credit and financial aid. 

To apply, submit your application online or contact the Office of Admissions directly. Final acceptance is at Salem University’s discretion; some programs carry additional requirements.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

A Master’s in Health and Human Performance (MSHHP) is a graduate degree in the science of human movement, exercise physiology, performance training and applied health practice. It prepares graduates for advanced roles in coaching, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and wellness and fitness leadership. 

Yes. Salem’s MSHHP is delivered fully online, with one course at a time and multiple start dates per year so students can begin without waiting for a traditional semester. 

The 36-credit degree can be completed in as little as 12 months by successfully taking one course per month. Many comparable programs take 18 to 24 months. Your timeline depends on your pace and any transfer credit; an admissions advisor can help map a realistic plan. 

Graduates pursue roles including strength and conditioning coach, performance coach, exercise physiologist, wellness or fitness director, sports coach, and health and wellness coach. Specific eligibility depends on background, licensure, certification and state requirements. 

The Strength and Conditioning specialization is aligned with the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) body of knowledge. CSCS certification is administered independently by the NSCA and requires separate application, examination and eligibility requirements; the program does not guarantee certification or exam eligibility. 

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and official transcripts. The GRE is not required. Final admission decisions are at Salem University’s discretion. Talk with an admissions advisor for specifics on GPA, supporting documents and conditional admission. 

The Strength and Conditioning specialization focuses on the science of training competitive athletes, with coursework aligned to the NSCA CSCS body of knowledge. The Sports Coaching Education specialization focuses on coaching psychology, performance analysis, and ethics in sport — a better fit for students aiming at team coaching, athletic development or coaching leadership roles. 

Ready to get started? 

Request more information or start a live chat to connect with an admissions advisor who can answer your questions and walk you through next steps.