Exercise Physiology (MS)
The Exercise Physiology MS prepares graduate students in the latest science of performance testing, exercise prescription, and research techniques for a wide range of populations. Students and faculty conduct research within the Holbrook Exercise Physiology Center and present and publish routinely on topics in exercise, physical activity, and sport. Current exercise physiologists require skills in health behavior change, particularly in patient-populations with or at risk for chronic disease.
The program is 12-months and cohort based. Students complete a research manuscript, internship, or alternative plan paper as their capstone project. This capstone is initiated in the Research Methods and Statistics course and completed within the Evidence-Based Practice course. These experiences prepare students for Ph.D. programs and careers in strength and condition, coaching, worksite wellness, hospital-based exercise prescription, and many more.
Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Major / Total Credits
30 / 30
Program
Requirements
Common Core
Assess physiological and activity-related risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including compliance with ACSM physical activity guidelines and sedentary time. Critique models for examining metabolic responses to exercise at different domains of exercise intensity. Apply various prescription models for enhancing aerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Examine the role of cytokines for augmenting or attenuating oxidative stress. Conceptualize how exercise or thermoregulation alters peripheral and central vascular control and pressure-volume regulation of the heart.
Prerequisites:
none
A study of laboratory experiences, for advanced exercise physiology students, including various anaerobic, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, lactate threshold, and spirometry assessments.
Prerequisites:
none
An in-depth study of the nutritional needs of athletes and other active individuals, including discussion of current research in the area.
Prerequisites:
none
Investigation of advanced concepts in exercise physiology, specifically focusing on neuromuscular physiology, the body's adaptation to resistance training, periodization for strength and power, and application of resistance training concepts to special populations.
Prerequisites:
none
Study of advanced biomechanical principles related to physical activity, exercise, and sport performance applications, as well as theory and research foundations for understanding motor skill acquisition and factors that influence the learning of motor skills.
Prerequisites:
none
Identification and assessment of physical activity and fitness in health, lifespan, and various chronic diseases.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines the theory and research of the psychology of exercise and behavior change, as well as how to integrate these theories into practice. Students will have opportunities to integrate learning into their personal lives.
Prerequisites:
none
Research/Methods Course(s)
This course provides an introduction to both research methodology and statistical concepts in the discipline of human performance. This course focuses on the development of research design and choice of appropriate statistics to address a research question.
Prerequisites:
none
Restricted Electives
Choose a minimum of 3 credits.
Emphasis is placed on the biomedical aspects of aging and chronic disease. The course is designed for students majoring in biology, gerontology programs, or other health related programs.
Prerequisites:
none
This course is a functional study of the heart and circulatory systems.
Prerequisites:
none
This course provides the basis for understanding hormones and the mechanisms of their actions in both the normal and pathological states. Sample topics to be included are diabetes, osteoporosis, hormones of reproduction, and current social and medical issues related to the course.
Prerequisites:
none
A lecture course that examines mechanisms of drug action, physiological responses and adverse reactions from sensitivities or allergies through overdose. Prereq: BIOL 105, 106, 230, and one year of general chemistry
Prerequisites:
none
Fundamental principles of humoral and cell mediated immunity and the application of these principles. Current experimental work in the different areas of immunology will be discussed. Lab included.
Prerequisites:
none
The course examines the foundations of emotional health and explores methods for promoting and maintaining emotional health. Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host, and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.
Prerequisites:
none
Reviews the contextual issues and health policies in the workplace. Efficacy of best practices in worksite wellness strategies, employee engagement, program design and implementation, and program assessment are explored.
Prerequisites:
none
To introduce interested students, professionals, and coaching licensure candidates to the psychological literature and latest techniques associated with coaching in an athletic setting.
Prerequisites:
none
A seminar/discussion format course dealing with current issues within the multidisciplinary profession of sports medicine. A course directed toward disciplines dealing with all dimensions of the physically active individual.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines the institution of sport from a sociological perspective. The intent of the course is to identify and discuss ways in which societal values affect the character of spot and vise versa, and better understand the positive and negative consequences of the way sport if organized in our society.
Prerequisites:
none
Opportunity for in-depth studies when specific human performance course is not available to accommodate the student. Consultation with the faculty member is an important part of developing such topics that meet the individual study arrangement.
Prerequisites:
none
An arranged readings course of selected professional literature relating to physical education, human performance, exercise science, and sport studies. The student in consultation with a professor determines the specific body of scholarly literature that will be emphasized during the course.
Prerequisites:
none
Capstone Course
Consult with advisor.
In this course, students will develop and present evidence-based solutions to community-driven questions. Students will integrate academic research into real-world project development.
Prerequisites:
none
Degree Plan
First Year
An in-depth study of the nutritional needs of athletes and other active individuals, including discussion of current research in the area.
Prerequisites:
none
This course provides an introduction to both research methodology and statistical concepts in the discipline of human performance. This course focuses on the development of research design and choice of appropriate statistics to address a research question.
Prerequisites:
none
Second Year
Assess physiological and activity-related risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including compliance with ACSM physical activity guidelines and sedentary time. Critique models for examining metabolic responses to exercise at different domains of exercise intensity. Apply various prescription models for enhancing aerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Examine the role of cytokines for augmenting or attenuating oxidative stress. Conceptualize how exercise or thermoregulation alters peripheral and central vascular control and pressure-volume regulation of the heart.
Prerequisites:
none
A study of laboratory experiences, for advanced exercise physiology students, including various anaerobic, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, lactate threshold, and spirometry assessments.
Prerequisites:
none
Identification and assessment of physical activity and fitness in health, lifespan, and various chronic diseases.
Prerequisites:
none
Investigation of advanced concepts in exercise physiology, specifically focusing on neuromuscular physiology, the body's adaptation to resistance training, periodization for strength and power, and application of resistance training concepts to special populations.
Prerequisites:
none
Study of advanced biomechanical principles related to physical activity, exercise, and sport performance applications, as well as theory and research foundations for understanding motor skill acquisition and factors that influence the learning of motor skills.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines the theory and research of the psychology of exercise and behavior change, as well as how to integrate these theories into practice. Students will have opportunities to integrate learning into their personal lives.
Prerequisites:
none
In this course, students will develop and present evidence-based solutions to community-driven questions. Students will integrate academic research into real-world project development.
Prerequisites:
none