Exercise and Human Performance
Movement Matters
There’s never been a better time for exercise professionals in today’s world. Approaching human performance holistically by studying in a program that combines your areas of interest from the interrelated fields of exercise science, performance nutrition, business and psychology helps you set yourself apart in today's job market.
Gain expertise on how the body moves, functions and is fueled. Explore how to improve quality of life and performance for a variety of populations. Grow a deep understanding of both sports science and exercise science from our passionate and experienced faculty, surrounded by our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Go on from here to have a lasting impact through a degree that is uniquely designed to accommodate your interests and abilities. Let us empower you— so you can empower your community.
Student to faculty ratio
Program Highlights
Networking
Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.
Small Class Sizes
You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.
Nashville, TN
A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.
Our Faculty
Matthew Ruiz
Director of Exercise and Human Performance Program
Matthew Ruiz joined the Lipscomb faculty in 2015 as an associate professor of kinesiology. He was appointed Director of Graduate Studies in Exercise & Nutrition Science in 2017 and was promoted to the rank of Professor and tenured in 2019. He served as the Presidential Faculty Fellow during the 2019-2020 academic year.
Kent Johnson
Professor, Exercise Science Program Director
Dr. Kent Johnson has been at Lipscomb since 1984 in various capacities. In the past several years, Johnson has been interested in helping develop curriculum program standards for undergraduate exercise science programs and promoting exercise science as a profession. He currently working towards accreditation for the undergraduate Exercise Science Program at Lipscomb through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).
Laurel Littlefield
Associate Professor
Laurel worked as a faculty member at LCU prior to her time at Lipscomb, is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist. She enjoys teaching and working with students in developing research projects.
Zachary Forest Droll
Assistant Professor
Zach spent seven years working in strength and conditioning before working as a visiting faculty member at Grand Valley State University and eventually transitioning to an assistant professor position at Lipscomb University. Zach’s primary foci are anaerobic strength and conditioning, golf performance, sports performance, and nutrition.
Become an Exercise Professional
Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to find out about Lipscomb's Exercise and Human Performance master's program.