Program Overview

The Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology prepares graduates for a wide variety of career options, including exercise prescription and research, as well as future doctoral study. Representative faculty research includes the areas of body composition, metabolism/nutritional requirements, environment, clinical exercise physiology and the physiology 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.

The Exercise Physiology major includes the following optional concentration:

• The Athletic Training concentration 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's degree. 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Pass one of the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) or NSCA exams: Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP) or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
• Demonstrate understanding of the physiology of human movement across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human and health and disease.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease, risk factors and special exercise populations, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Graduates of the Athletic Training concentration will be able to:

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