Program Overview
The study of human movement continues to advance, and demand is increasing for professionals who can harness this knowledge to innovate in healthcare and push athletes to greater heights.
The M.S. in Exercise Physiology requires a minimum of 30 credit hours that can be completed in as little as one year! The program consists of four curriculum areas, including Foundation Courses, Exercise Physiology Core Courses, either Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) or Human Performance (HP) Concentration Courses, and Capstone Experience Courses. Options for a six credit-hour capstone include a thesis, completion of an internship (300 hours) or a self-designed experience incorporating an internship, project and electives.
A Comprehensive Curriculum to Grow Your Knowledge
Students enrolled in the MS in Exercise Physiology program can choose from either a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) or Human Performance (HP).
Clinical Exercise Physiology
A concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology will allow you to pursue a career related to:
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Exercise is Medicine Clinics
- Cancer Care Teams
- Corporate Wellness
- Research Associate
Human Performance
Studying Human Performance will give you a leg-up in careers as a:
- Coach
- Sport Scientist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Tactical Athlete Coach
- Personal Trainer
Prepare for Certification
This intensive degree program prepares students to obtain certification from either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Put Your Career on a Winning Path
A Growing Field
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in exercise physiology will grow 13% by 2030.
Rising Salaries
Salaries for certified clinical exercise physiologists have increased 17% since 2015.
Increase Your Earning Potential
Individuals with a master’s degree and ACSM certification earn up to $7,500 more annually.
Leadership
Foundational Courses
Foundational Courses are not a prerequisite for admission. Students lacking the following six foundational courses, or the equivalent, prior to admission will be required to complete 14 credit hours of coursework in addition to the 33 credit hours of graduate coursework:
Human Anatomy (3 credit hours)
Human Anatomy Lab (1 credit hour)
Human Physiology (3 credit hours)
Human Physiology Lab (1 credit hour)
Exercise Physiology (3 credit hours)
Kinesiology (3 credit hours)
Application and Admission
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. The full list of requirements includes:
- 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
Both concentrations require a minimum of 30 credit hours and consist of four curriculum areas: Foundation Courses, Exercise Physiology Core Courses, Concentration Courses and Capstone Experience Courses.
Application Materials
- Official Transcript(s)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- No GRE Required
Cost & Aid
- Tuition is charged at the College of Arts and Sciences rate
- For information about the loan process, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248.
- A limited number of graduate assistantships provide a tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend. Students are expected to spend 20 hours per week working for the department.