The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and PennWest University are proud to announce the return of the Pursuit of Excellence Award. This program provides two dedicated professionals with full scholarships for a completely online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion.
This year, NASM is splitting the award into two distinct opportunities. One full scholarship will be awarded exclusively to a member of the NASM community who holds an active credential. A second will be awarded to an active or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of their current certification status.
“Learning is the foundation of our industry, and we believe in creating accessible pathways for professionals to continuously grow,” said Mehul Patel, CEO at NASM. “By partnering with PennWest University, we are giving our community and our armed forces the ability to stack their credentials and build successful, sustainable careers.”
This scholarship program is designed to help professionals stack their credentials and expand their earning potential. Building on current certifications with a specialized degree is a powerful way to stand out in the fitness industry. This 100% online program is structured for actively working individuals to earn a master’s degree without having to pause their current careers.
The Pursuit of Excellence Award covers all 36 credits required for the PennWest program. Recipients will have the opportunity to choose from highly applicable tracks such as Wellness and Fitness, Sport Performance Training, Sports Psychology, Tactical Strength and Conditioning, and Nutrition.
Applications are open now through October 30for the December 2026 enrollment period. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a demonstrated commitment to building a primary career in the health and fitness space.
To read more about the inspiring careers of professionals who have leveraged advanced education to reach the highest levels of their fields, explore the Penn West Virtual Hall of Excellence: https://prodweb2.cis.pennwest.edu/exercisescience/index.html
How to Apply
There are two separate applications for the Pursuit of Excellence Award. Please review the eligibility for each and apply using the appropriate link below:
- NASM Community Application (Requires an active NASM credential)
- Military Application (Requires active or retired U.S. Armed Forces status)
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a global leader in evidence-based learning and certifications for fitness and wellness professionals. Building on over 35 years of expertise, NASM programs create a roadmap for fitness and wellness professionals to help their clients achieve better physical and mental performance in athletics and everyday life. NASM provides an industry-first training system with the Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) model, creating robust courses and content based solely on science-backed research. Learn more at www.nasm.org.
About PennWest
PennWest University is a public, multi-campus institution that connects students with purposeful education, putting their ambitions within reach. With campuses in California (CalU), Clarion, Edinboro and Global Online, PennWest combines academic quality, real-world relevance and flexible learning opportunities to support student success. Learn more at pennwest.edu.
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