Exercise Physiology - M.S. and Ph.D. Download to print

Graduates of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology are prepared for a wide variety of career options,  including exercise prescription and research, as well as doctoral study. Degree applicants are expected to have substantial preparation in the sciences, usually including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology. Representative faculty research includes the areas of body composition, metabolism/nutritional requirements, environment, clinical exercise physiology and the psychophysiology of aging as it is influenced by physical activity and fitness. Athletic training faculty also support the degree path with their areas of expertise in clinical and educational research in the field of athletic training.

An advanced-track master's concentration in Athletic Training is designed to serve the needs of post-certification (or certification pending) students who wish to further their knowledge and skills in the athletic training profession while pursuing a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. Athletic Training serves to provide post-certification athletic trainers a higher level of specialization in athletic training and prepares them for advanced study if they pursue a doctorate. This comprehensive program assures mastery of specified knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field of athletic training. Students have the opportunity to pursue advanced clinical and academic training while obtaining knowledge and skills relative to effective clinical instruction and supervision. Advanced research skills are also a critical component to this advanced track program. Opportunities to perform research independently and/or in conjunction with program faculty are widely available.

The Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology prepares students for a wide variety of career options, including exercise prescription and research, as well as doctoral study. The program develops the competencies needed for those who intend to teach exercise physiology, pursue research or apply exercise physiology in practice.
 

M.S.: Students in the masters program are encouraged to include research hours as part of their program.

Ph.D.: Prior to taking the candidacy examination, the student must demonstrate his or her ability to conduct independent research related to the field of exercise physiology. This may be in the form of a completed thesis, an independent study project, or an article published in an acceptable research journal. The acceptability of such evidence is to be determined by faculty advising students in exercise physiology.

Minimum requirements for entry into the M.S. program is a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale); either a minimum GRE score of the 50^th percentile or a MCAT score of the 50^th percentile; an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science or equivalent preparation; official transcript(s); goal statement and two letters of recommendation.

Minimum requirements for entry into the Ph.D. program is a recommended graduate 3.500 GPA (4.000 scale); either a minimum GRE score of the 50th percentile or a MCAT score of the 50th percentile; an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science or equivalent preparation; official transcript(s); goal statement, two letters of recommendation and interview.

For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

M.S.: The minimum credit-hour requirement for the masters is 34 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. However, only in rare instances does a student fulfill the educational and research expectations within this minimum-hour requirement. Any deficiencies in a doctoral student’s academic preparation must be corrected very early in the approved academic program. This degree has both thesis and non-thesis options.

Ph.D.: The minimum credit-hour requirement for the doctorate is 62 credit hours. However, only in rare instances does a student fulfill the educational and research expectations within this minimum-hour requirement. Any deficiencies in a doctoral student’s academic preparation must be corrected very early in the approved academic program.
 

Graduates of the M.S. program will be able to:

1. Pass one of the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) Certification Exams: either the Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) or Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the physiology of human movement across the lifespan.
3. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human and health and disease.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease, risk factors and special exercise populations according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Graduates of the M.S. program with the Athletic Training concentration will be able to:

1. Apply the principles of the research process in athletic training by engaging with faculty and clinical staff in graduate research initiatives.
2. Engage health care professionals and apply the knowledge gained, through their education in both the classroom and clinical settings.
3. Engage in program improvement as part of a continuous quality improvement initiative by evaluating the effectiveness of the program through multiple evaluation resources.

Graduates of the Ph.D. program will be able to:

1. Present their research data regionally and nationally at conferences.
2. Publish their research data in peer reviewed publications.
3. Teach classes associated with exercise physiology.
4. Go into the field and do community-based exercise programing.

M.S.:  Students in the masters program can chose to do a thesis. 

Ph.D.: The dissertation for the doctorate must show that the student has the competency to conduct research in a discriminating and original manner. The quality of the dissertation must be such that one or more articles acceptable for publication in a professional journal may be expected to be derived from it.       
 

Ph.D.: Students will be required to pass an oral and written candidacy exam after coursework is completed before beginning their dissertation.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs