Health and wellness are more than just a hobby or activity—they’re a mindset. They’re also a growing career field, as more and more people seek the advice of experts and professionals to discover the best ways to solve health and wellness challenges in today’s world.

About Salem’s Health and Human Performance Master’s Degree

The Master of Science in Health and Human Performance (MSHHP) provides a comprehensive curriculum that challenges students to delve into key areas of health, human performance, and exercise sciences. It aims to equip students with evidence-based strategies for problem-solving in health, fitness, and wellness, preparing them for success in technical careers or further studies in related fields. 

The program aligns with the university’s mission by offering a scientific curriculum that helps learners acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for thriving in the health and exercise science sector, catering not only to allied health and wellness industries but also to various occupations and settings within this field.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Health and Human Performance?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for health and human performance professionals is positive. Jobs in community and social services are expected to grow faster than average. From 2022 to 2032, there will be around 281,600 job openings each year for these roles. The typical yearly salary for this group was $49,380 in May 2022, higher than the overall median wage of $46,310.

A master’s degree in health and human performance can help expand your career opportunities to include advanced and senior-level positions in areas like:

What Will I Learn in Salem’s MS in Health and Human Performance Degree?

The program curriculum focuses on the importance of preventative wellness, exercise prescription and assessment, and functional movement and quality of life issues. Modern scientific evidence-based approaches will be utilized for information search, problem-solving, and scholarly discourse. The MSHHP program embraces qualitative and quantitative methods that support decision-making, leadership, and analysis. The program specializations are aligned with industry-recognized certification credentials, and every MSHHP student is required to take a capstone course in research methodology.

The online health degree specializations include:

  • Strength and Conditioning — Aligned with the standards for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential, this specialization focuses on strength, conditioning, and performance for athletes.
  • Sports Coaching Education — This specialization emphasizes the psychology of coaching and performance analysis, equipping students with the skills to effectively lead athletes while addressing ethical considerations and contemporary issues in the coaching profession.

Throughout your coursework, you’ll learn how to:

  • Form knowledge in exercise sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, movement science, biomechanics, exercise testing, sports science, and nutrition.
  • Review scientific methods in health and performance to enhance the fitness role for better results.
  • Explain health applications for practical use, focusing on ethical practices and standards to solve problems.
  • Assess various performance technologies for effective coaching to improve client outcomes and health promotion.
  • Combine evidence-based practices and cultural approaches to boost health, using a master’s degree for specialists.

Dean & Faculty

  • Dr. Cameron Halfacre
  • Dr. Tiffany Halfacre
  • Dr. Ryan Barnhart

What Health and Human Performance Classes Will I Take?

The master’s degree in Health and Human Performance requires 21 credits of core coursework that includes:

  • HHP600 Human Movement Science
  • HHP601 Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise
  • HHP602 Fundamentals of Nutrition Science
  • HHP603 Exercise and Sport Psychology
  • HHP604 Movement & Skill Acquisition
  • HHP605 Advanced Exercise Physiology
  • HHP606 Research Methods in Health and Human Performance/Capstone

Additionally, you’ll take 15 credits in your chosen specialization for a total of 36 credits.

For Strength and Conditioning, you’ll take:

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

For Sport Coaching Education, you’ll take:

  • 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

For Fitness and Wellness, you’ll take:

  • HHP615 – Preparation for Health and Fitness Professionals (NSCA CPT Prep Course 1)
  • HHP616 – Functional Assessment and Exercise Prescription (NSCA Prep Course 2)
  • HHP617 – Fitness & Wellness Business Marketing Strategies
  • HHP618 – Current Topics in Fitness & Wellness
  • HHP619 – Corporate Wellness & Fitness

How Long Will It Take to Get My Health and Human Performance Master’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their master’s degree in health and human performance in approximately 12 months. However, we recognize that every student is different and has different circumstances. Please get in touch with one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Our high-quality curriculum aims to provide opportunities for professional growth and development, develop skills for conducting research, integrate theory and practice, and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. We do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is at the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admission requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or start a live chat with us today!