BLOOMINGTON, IN — Indiana University Bloomington is offering a new master's of science degree program designed for students who want to manage fitness centers. The fitness management degree program combines exercise science, management and health promotion courses.
“Most people who are running fitness facilities have either an exercise physiology background or business experience, but rarely both,” said Michelle Miller, a lecturer in the department of kinesiology in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, which houses the fitness management program. “To bring the industry forward, managers need to understand the science of fitness as well as how to operate an organization.”
The one-year master's of science degree requires core courses from the departments of kinesiology, applied health science and recreation and park administration. In addition to course work, fitness management students can apply their skills by working in the Briscoe Fitness/Wellness Living Learning Community, a residential hall. Fitness management students instruct fitness and wellness classes for the residents and help coordinate the dorm's on-site fitness facility.