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Masters In Exercise Science Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field * Pilates Instructor (PMA or studio-certified) * Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant * Occupational Therapist * Athletic ...

Fitness Director

Cumming, GA · On-site

$53K - $145K/yr

Degree in exercise science/kinesiology or related field (preferred). Benefits & Perks: * Complimentary club membership + guest privileges * Discounts on training, spa services, programs, and apparel

Degree in exercise science/kinesiology or related field (preferred). Benefits & Perks: * Complimentary club membership + guest privileges * Discounts on training, spa services, programs, and apparel

Degree in exercise science/kinesiology or related field (preferred). Benefits & Perks: * Complimentary club membership + guest privileges * Discounts on training, spa services, programs, and apparel

Coach

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field - Preferred * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills * Must be physically capable of demonstrating all exercises and ...

Degree in exercise science/kinesiology or related field (preferred). Benefits & Perks: * Complimentary club membership + guest privileges * Discounts on training, spa services, programs, and apparel

College degree in Exercise Science or related field * Additional Pilates Certifications Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable ...

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Masters In Exercise Science information

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$5

$25

$55

How much do masters in exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for masters in exercise science in Atlanta, GA is $25.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What to do with a master's degree in exercise science?

A master's degree in exercise science prepares individuals for careers as exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or rehabilitation specialists. Graduates can work in hospitals, sports teams, fitness centers, or research settings, often requiring certifications like ACSM or NSCA and knowledge of exercise testing, program design, and health assessment.

What is a Masters in Exercise Science?

A Masters in Exercise Science is a graduate-level degree that focuses on the scientific study of human movement, physical activity, and how exercise impacts health and performance. The program typically covers topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas like sports performance, rehabilitation, fitness management, and research. Some programs also offer specializations in areas like strength and conditioning or clinical exercise physiology. Earning this degree can also be a stepping stone for further study or professional certifications.

Is getting a master's in exercise science worth it?

A master's in exercise science prepares individuals for careers such as exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, and rehabilitation specialists, often requiring certification and practical experience. It can improve job prospects, earning potential, and expertise in health and fitness environments, making it a valuable credential for those seeking advanced roles in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a Master's in Exercise Science, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Master's in Exercise Science, you need advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and program design, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, fitness assessment technologies, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA are commonly required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and motivational skills help build client trust and facilitate effective coaching or research collaboration. These skills are crucial for delivering evidence-based results, advancing careers in academia, healthcare, or fitness, and ensuring client or patient success.

Which MA is most in demand?

For a Masters in Exercise Science, careers such as fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and rehabilitation specialists are in high demand. These roles often require certifications like ACSM or NSCA and involve working in gyms, sports teams, or healthcare settings. Demand is driven by increased health awareness and the focus on physical activity and injury prevention.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available for professionals with a master's degree in exercise science?

A master's degree in exercise science opens doors to a variety of advanced roles, such as clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, or wellness program director. Many professionals use this degree to move into leadership positions, research roles, or specialized fields like cardiac rehabilitation or sports performance. With experience, some pursue certifications or doctoral studies to become educators or researchers in academia. Networking and ongoing professional development are key to advancing within this dynamic and evolving field.

What is the difference between Masters In Exercise Science vs Certified Personal Trainer?

AspectMasters In Exercise ScienceCertified Personal Trainer
CredentialsGraduate degree (Master's)Certification (e.g., NASM, ACE)
Work EnvironmentResearch, clinical, or academic settingsGyms, fitness centers, private clients
Industry UsageHealth, sports performance, rehabilitationPersonal fitness training, client coaching

While a Masters In Exercise Science provides advanced knowledge for roles in health, research, or rehabilitation, a Certified Personal Trainer focuses on designing and implementing fitness programs for clients. The degree offers broader career options, whereas certification is more targeted toward personal training services.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science?

The highest paying jobs in exercise science typically include sports medicine physicians, exercise physiologists working in clinical settings, and performance directors in professional sports organizations. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialized skills in injury management, rehabilitation, or athletic performance optimization.
What are popular job titles related to Masters In Exercise Science jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Masters In Exercise Science jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Masters In Exercise Science jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Masters In Exercise Science jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Masters In Exercise Science jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Masters In Exercise Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Masters In Exercise Science job openings in Atlanta, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,709 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Group Exercise Coordinator

Group Exercise Coordinator

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Norcross, GA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


YMCA Of Metro Atlanta rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

563rd of 707 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
Nature and Scope:
Under the direction of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Coordinator will assist in the development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of group exercise programs to include, but not limited to, land group exercise, water group exercise, and/or wellness coaching. The Group Exercise Coordinator must perform program responsibilities in accordance with the policies, organizational competencies, mission, and values established by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. The Group Exercise Coordinator will have a key leadership role in YMCA of the USA initiatives to "strengthen the foundations of community" through healthy living. This position will play a key role in promotion of THE COACH APPROACH® and any other core wellness programs endorsed by or developed by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, e.g., Weight Loss for Life.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school or GED degree required.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred in exercise science, physical education, exercise psychology, behavioral science, or a health-related field.
  • Current national group exercise/personal training certification preferred from one of the national organizations, which are recognized by Y of the USA, e.g., ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or NETA.
  • Must obtain/maintain full access to Y-Exchange (yexchange.org) and to YISE (yise.ymcaatlanta.com).
  • Must complete all YMCA/ACE online certifications and supplemental courses required by Y-USA within 30 days of hire date if teaching group exercise in addition to coordinator responsibilities.
  • Must complete all YMCA/AEA online certification courses including the AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) Certification within 60 days of hire date if teaching water group exercise classes in addition to coordinator responsibilities.
  • Must complete the online YMCA/AEA online certification courses including the AEA Arthritis Foundation Program Leader (AFPL) Certification within 60 days of hire date if teaching Aqua Arthritis programs in addition to coordinator responsibilities.
  • Must maintain certifications by uploading continuing education credits via Y-Exchange (yexchange.org) prior to date of expiration.
  • Must possess current CPR/AED certification and renew it biannually if coordinator role is responsible for group fitness classes or water group fitness classes.
  • Must possess current CPRO/AED certification and renew it annually if coordinator role is responsible for coordinating wellness coaches and wellness floor activities.
  • Must have specialty-area certifications (for example: group cycling, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, etc.), sanctioned by Y-USA/ACE or YMCA of Metro Atlanta if teaching land exercise in addition to coordinator responsibilities.
  • Must possess knowledge of group exercise programming for land and/or water exercise classes, active-older-adult programming, and youth fitness programming.
  • Must complete the Coach Approach Wellness Coach training within 30 days of hire date.
  • Must obtain a Coach Approach Orientation within 30 days of hire date.
  • Must be knowledgeable about fitness-related issues, including, but not limited to, aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of land and/or water exercise benefits, injury-prevention, active older adult and youth programming, and THE COACH APPROACH®.
  • Must possess a high degree of human relations skills, must be able to facilitate staff interaction and socialization, and should be considered a team player by members, co-workers, and management staff. This includes the ability to establish, collaborate, and maintain positive relationships with YMCA members, volunteers, schools, and the general public.
  • Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities.
  • Must have knowledge of computer hardware and software (including Y-SPIRIT, Microsoft Word, and Excel).
  • Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and to manage information for peers, staff, and volunteers.
  • Must possess the ability to handle multiple tasks, to work independently, to problem-solve, and to utilize effective time-management skills.
  • Must possess the ability to oversee program administration.
  • Pass a criminal background and drug-screening check.

Responsibilities:
  • Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibility.
  • Stay updated on current issues regarding group fitness/wellness programs.
  • Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that group exercise classes (land/water) and wellness programs run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
  • Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR/AED or CPRO/AED and any other required certifications and/or training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA.
  • Maintain all wellness certifications by meeting continuing education requirements. YMCA Health & Well-Being certifications require 10 CECs every two (2) years from YMCA/ACE continuing education courses or other courses provided by/approved by national organizations, which are recognized by Y of the USA, e.g., ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NASM, NSCA, etc. per yexchange.org.
  • Must maintain YMCA/AEA certifications by uploading continuing education credits in accordance with YMCA/AEA guidelines prior to date of expiration if teaching water group exercise classes in addition to coordinator responsibilities.
  • Must ensure that land and/or water group exercise instructors maintain current certifications if coordinator oversees land/water group exercise instructors.
  • Must ensure that wellness coaches maintain currents certifications if coordinator oversees wellness coaches or wellness floor staff members.
  • Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
  • Secure his/her own music and select music that is suitable for a family setting.
  • Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
  • Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
  • Responsible for maintaining and reporting incident/accident paperwork.

  • Must ensure that group exercise instructors/land exercise instructors log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59 p.m. of the night that the class is taught if teaching land/water group exercise classes if coordinator oversees land or water group exercise instructors. Classes may be logged via the GroupEx PRO App or GroupEx PRO website.
  • Must ensure that group exercise instructors/land exercise instructors log in to GroupEx PRO a minimum of two times/week to check for facility updates, subbing opportunities, and other important information if coordinator oversees land or water group exercise instructors.
  • Must know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
  • Adhere to strength training and nutrition guidelines in alignment with

Y-USA/ACE and ACSM guidelines.
  • Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, and dispensing or endorsing any and all commercial health products, especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and/or pain relievers.

Perform other duties as assigned.
Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Employment Requirement:
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Location:
Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA

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