Master of Science [M.S] [Exercise and Health Sciences] From University of Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science in Exercise and Health Sciences is a two-year graduate program designed for healthcare professionals, fitness specialists, and sport scientists seeking advanced credentials. The program combines rigorous coursework in exercise physiology, health promotion, biomechanics, and clinical practice. Tuition costs USD 36,581 annually (INR 34.87 Lakhs annually). International students from around 130 countries attend the university. Applications are processed on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on lab work and internship experience at one of nearly 200 hospitals and clinics across Boston.

This program distinguishes itself through direct access to real-world clinical sites and a faculty of active researchers. Graduates become exercise physiologists, wellness coordinators, corporate health directors, and allied health professionals. The ideal applicant has a strong life sciences background, genuine passion for population health, and commitment to evidence-based practice. The program suits mid-career professionals seeking a Master’s to advance into clinical leadership or research roles.

• 100% of students complete required clinical internships; 50% receive job offers from internship sites.
• Faculty are experienced clinicians and published researchers who actively mentor students in research projects.
• Boston’s healthcare ecosystem provides exceptional internship and permanent employment opportunities.

Also Check: University of Massachusetts Boston Admission

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Fees and Living Costs 2026

The total annual cost of attendance for the M.S. in Exercise and Health Sciences is USD 60,672 to USD 65,232 (INR 57.79 Lakhs to INR 62.18 Lakhs). This figure covers tuition, mandatory fees, health insurance, books, personal expenses, and on-campus living costs. A two-year degree totals approximately USD 121,344 to USD 130,464 (INR 1.16 Crore to INR 1.24 Crore).

Source: University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Admissions; USD to INR conversion rate 1 USD = INR 95.26 as of June 2026

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition covers full-time enrollment in core and elective courses, practicum labs, and seminar attendance.
• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and covers emergency and preventive care.
• Books and supplies include textbooks, laboratory manuals, and digital resources for all courses.
• Living costs reflect shared on-campus residence hall housing; off-campus apartments may cost more.

Cost of Living in Boston for Exercise and Health Sciences Students

Cost of Living Reality: Boston is the fourth-most expensive US city for students. On-campus housing is the most affordable option; most graduate students share apartments near the Columbia Point campus to save 20-30% on rent.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA Cities for Students

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Admission

UMass Boston admits graduate students with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in life sciences or a related discipline. Admission is competitive for assistantship positions, which require a GPA of 3.3 or higher and demonstrated research interest. The university accepts applications year-round for three intakes: Fall (August-September), Spring (January-February), and Summer (May-June).

• Fall intake attracts the largest applicant pool; early applications before April 1 strengthen candidacy.
• Spring and Summer intakes have lower competition and faster admission decisions.
• Assistantship awards (tuition waivers plus USD 8,000-12,000 stipends) are reserved for Fall intake applicants with strong GPA and research backgrounds.

Academic Eligibility

International applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field. Coursework must include at least one term each of Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and statistics or research methods. Applicants with missing prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and required to complete bridge courses before core Master’s coursework.

University of Massachusetts Boston is ranked 214th nationally by US News and 749th globally by QS World Rankings, indicating strong academic standing in North America and international recognition.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved standardized test. The program accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores. There is no ELP waiver for students holding a previous degree from an English-speaking country (this varies by program, but is common at UMass).

• TOEFL iBT 79 is achievable for most Indian students with 8-12 weeks of focused preparation; IELTS 6.5 is equivalent.
• Test scores must be submitted directly from the test provider to UMass Boston; screenshots are not accepted.
• A score of IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90+ strengthens competitive standing for assistantship consideration.

Tip for Indian Students: Exercise Science program admission is less research-intensive than PhD or research-focused Master’s programs. Strong GPA, clear statement of purpose, and solid ELP scores outweigh prior publications.

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Application

The application window opens in September each year and runs through the intake deadline. UMass Boston uses the Common Application and a separate graduate portal. Applicants receive admission decisions within 4-6 weeks of submitting a complete application. International students should apply by the priority deadline to allow time for visa processing before their intended start date.

Application Components Checklist

• Online application via Common App or UMass portal with USD 60 application fee (non-refundable).
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, submitted directly by the issuing university.
• Three letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or clinical supervisors.
• Statement of purpose (500-750 words) explaining research or career goals and motivation for the program.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score (if applicable).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume highlighting academic and professional experience.
• Proof of financial support (I-20 affidavit of support) for visa application after acceptance.

Application Tip: Submit by April 1 for Fall admission to maximize assistantship eligibility and avoid bottlenecks in May-June visa processing.

Check Out: USA Student Visa Requirements and Process

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Scholarships

UMass Boston offers limited merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships to international students in the Exercise and Health Sciences program. Merit scholarships for international continuing students range from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000 annually (INR 1.91 Lakhs to INR 9.53 Lakhs annually). Graduate teaching and research assistantships provide tuition waivers (approximately USD 36,581) plus monthly stipends of USD 600 to USD 1,000 (INR 57,000 to INR 95,000 monthly).

• Assistantship awards are highly competitive; priority given to Fall intake applicants with strong GPA and demonstrated research background.
• Most assistantships require 12-15 hours per week of teaching or research work during the academic term.
• Merit scholarships for continuing international students are automatic; no separate application required if GPA remains above 3.3.

After scholarship and assistantship awards, an Indian student’s annual out-of-pocket cost drops from INR 57.79 Lakhs to INR 12-24 Lakhs if they secure a full tuition-waiver assistantship. Even without an award, the program is affordable compared to private US universities charging USD 50,000-70,000 annually.

Scholarship Reality: Assistantship awards go to Fall applicants with strong academics and clear research intent; Spring and Summer intakes have almost no assistantship funding.

Read More: Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Salary

Graduates of the Master’s in Exercise and Health Sciences earn an average starting gross salary of USD 45,000 to USD 60,000 annually (INR 42.87 Lakhs to INR 57.16 Lakhs annually). After five years of experience, salaries typically increase to USD 65,000 to USD 85,000 (INR 61.92 Lakhs to INR 81.07 Lakhs). These figures reflect entry-level positions as exercise physiologists, clinical coordinators, and health promotion specialists in hospitals, universities, and corporate wellness programs.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook; UMass Boston Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024

• Salary data reflects gross income before federal, state, and local income taxes (approximately 25-35% of gross salary).
• Salaries are higher in major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, and San Francisco; rural areas pay 15-20% less.
• Certification as an ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (additional credential, not included in Master’s) increases earning potential by 10-15%.

The program’s 100% internship completion rate and 50% job-offer rate from internship sites demonstrate strong employer recognition. Most graduates secure full-time roles within 2-3 months of graduation, making the ROI on the Master’s degree highly favorable for Indian students seeking US-based careers.

ROI Reality: Two-year tuition of INR 1.16 Crore to INR 1.24 Crore is recouped within 2-3 years of full-time work; total return over a 30-year career exceeds USD 2 million.

USA Visa for Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences

International students from India are eligible for an F-1 Student Visa to pursue a Master’s degree at UMass Boston. After graduation, eligible graduates may extend their stay through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows up to three years of full-time work experience in the United States. From OPT, graduates can transition to an H-1B skilled-worker visa or permanent residency (green card) if sponsored by an employer.

• F-1 visa processing takes 4-6 weeks; apply for your visa immediately after receiving the I-20 from UMass Boston.
• OPT eligibility begins upon graduation and lasts 24 months for master’s graduates; healthcare-related fields like exercise physiology may qualify for an additional 24-month extension.
• H-1B visa requirements include employer sponsorship and a minimum salary of USD 60,000 (INR 57.16 Lakhs); most exercise physiology roles meet this threshold.
• Spouses and dependents of F-1 students may apply for F-2 dependent visas and are permitted to remain in the USA but not work.

Visa Reality: Exercise and Health Sciences graduates qualify for the full 24-month OPT post-graduation extension, giving a total of 6 years in the USA before H-1B sponsorship is required for continued employment.

Also Check: USA Post-Study Work Visa and OPT for International Graduates

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Science Exercise and Health Sciences Ranking 2026

While the Exercise and Health Sciences Master’s program at UMass Boston does not hold a dedicated subject ranking from QS, THE, or US News, the university itself is highly respected. UMass Boston is ranked 214th nationally by US News and 749th globally by QS World Rankings. The program’s faculty include published researchers with h-index scores above 15, indicating active scholarship and recognition in the field of exercise science and health promotion.

• UMass Boston improved 1 position in US News rankings from 2024 to 2025, indicating upward trajectory.
• The university’s strength lies in graduate education and research; US News separates national universities (research-focused) from liberal arts rankings.

Key Insight: Programme-specific ranking does not exist for Exercise and Health Sciences at this institution. Employer recognition is based on faculty expertise, placement outcomes (50% job offers from internship sites), and the university’s overall standing in Massachusetts’ top higher education ecosystem.