Improve Health Outcomes with Confidence
The Human Performance Certificate online program at University of the Cumberlands is designed to help professionals strengthen their expertise in fitness, exercise, and sport science. This 12-credit-hour graduate program focuses on real-world application through coursework in exercise physiology, exercise testing, applied nutrition, and strength and conditioning. Students gain the knowledge to conduct performance assessments and prescribe evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes. If you want to advance your career by earning a human performance certification, this online program provides the skills to lead in this dynamic field.
The Human Performance Certificate is offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to build practical, career-focused skills while balancing your current responsibilities. The curriculum includes foundational courses in applied nutrition and exercise physiology, alongside hands-on learning in exercise testing, prescription, and strength and conditioning. Whether your goal is to coach athletes, train clients, or promote wellness in your community, this program can help you prepare to be effective in your role.
Programs & Requirements
Human Performance Certificate
The Human Performance Certificate Program at the University of the Cumberlands is a 12-credit-hour graduate-level online certificate designed to prepare students to master essential methodologies and applications in areas of fitness, exercise, and sport. If you want to learn human performance fundamentals such as physical and performance assessment, prescribing activity and behaviors to enhance physical fitness, overall health, and performance to achieve desired outcomes with various populations, take advantage of the flexibility of earning your Human Performance Certificate online. This is the program for you.
Course Requirements
A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to be admitted to the certificate in non-profit management program.
Take the Next Step
Program Mission
The mission of the Human Performance Certificate at Cumberlands is to prepare professionals to improve health, fitness, and performance through evidence-based strategies in exercise science.
Human Performance Careers & Outcomes
*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exercise Physiologist : $58,160
Exercise Physiologist : $58,160
Develops fitness programs in clinical or rehabilitative settings.
Personal Trainer: $46,180
Personal Trainer: $46,180
Creates customized fitness plans to achieve specific goals.
Wellness Coordinator: $51,270
Wellness Coordinator: $51,270
Manages health and fitness programs in the workplace or community.
Physical Education: $70,340
Physical Education: $70,340
Instruct classes that focus on fitness, movement, and healthy habits.
Health Educator: $63,000
Health Educator: $63,000
Create and deliver health programs in individual or group settings.
Physical Therapist: $100,440
Physical Therapist: $100,440
Treat injuries and movement issues through guided rehabilitation plans.
Common Questions
A Human Performance graduate program focuses on the scientific study of movement, exercise, physical performance, and health optimization. The program prepares students to apply evidence-based strategies to improve physical function, fitness, and overall performance across clinical, athletic, occupational, and community settings.
This program is designed for fitness professionals, healthcare practitioners, coaches, educators, wellness coordinators, and individuals working in health or performance-related fields who want advanced training. It is also well suited for professionals seeking career advancement or preparation for further graduate study in exercise science, physical therapy, public health, or health promotion.
A Human Performance graduate program can support careers such as exercise physiologist, personal trainer, wellness coordinator, physical education professional, health educator, and fitness or health program manager. Graduates often work in healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, corporate wellness programs, schools, community organizations, and performance-focused environments.
Coursework typically includes exercise physiology, human movement science, fitness assessment, performance optimization, health and wellness promotion, and applied exercise programming. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, evidence-based practice, and real-world performance outcomes.
Most Human Performance graduate programs or certificates can be completed in six to twelve months, depending on course load and program structure. Programs are often designed with flexibility to accommodate working professionals.
A Human Performance graduate program is worth it for professionals seeking specialized expertise, career advancement, or expanded responsibilities in fitness, wellness, and performance-related fields. The program provides practical skills and academic credibility that align with growing demand for preventive health, rehabilitation support, and performance optimization.
Yes. A Human Performance graduate program can serve as preparation for advanced degrees in exercise science, physical therapy, public health, health promotion, or related health sciences, depending on institutional policies and student goals.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Health Sciences
Julia Chaney
Dr. Elizabeth Christopher
Dr. Elizabeth Christopher
Contact Information
Heather Killian
Request Information
Learn more about all that Cumberlands has to offer.