Exercise Physiology, M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology prepares graduates for a wide variety of career options, including clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, coaching, and health and wellness in a variety of populations and settings. Additionally, this degree will prepare students for careers in research, future doctoral studies, and prepare students to be competitive for additional training programs in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other related disciplines. The program includes two concentrations (Clinical Exercise Physiology and Human Performance) designed to prepare students for certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (Certified Exercise Physiologist and Clinical Exercise Physiologist) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and Certified Performance and Sport Scientist). 

Program Learning Goals:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and practice in healthy and special and diverse populations.

2. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through research and clinical practice.

3. Apply course concepts in a real-world setting.

4. Demonstrate written communication skills.

5. Demonstrate oral communication skills.

6. Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical behavior for an exercise or sport scientist.

Admission Requirements:

The graduate exercise physiology program is open to individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and who show high promise of success in graduate study.

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

• Personal Statement 

• Current Resume/Vitae

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• College Math/Statistics (at least 3 credits)

Program Requirements

The M.S. in Exercise Physiology program has two concentrations for students to choose from Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) and Human Performance (HP). Both concentrations require a minimum of 33 credit hours and consist of 4 curriculum areas: Foundation Courses, Exercise Physiology Core Courses, Concentration Courses, and Capstone Experience Courses.

Foundation Courses

6 courses (14 credit hours) The Foundation courses are the foundation or prerequisite courses and may be waived for those students with comparable undergraduate coursework:

Exercise Physiology Core Courses

All students will take 7 core courses (18 credit hours) including: 

Concentration Courses

Students will choose one concentration and 3 courses (9 credit hours) aligned with that concentration.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

Human Performance

Capstone Experience Courses

Students in either concentration will choose one of 3 options for the capstone experience courses: Thesis, Internship (300 hours), or Experience. All students must complete a minimum of 2 courses (6 credit hours) for their Capstone Experience.

Thesis:

Thesis students must complete a total of 6 hours, 3 to 6 hours in a semester distributed over several semesters if desired.

Internship:

Internship students must complete a total of 6 hours. A minimum of 150 hours is required per 3 credit internship course, repeatable for a maximum of 6 credit hours

Experience:

Students must choose 2 courses (6 credit hours) from the following options: