"An incredible learning environment. A great deal is expected from the students which in turn, helps develop a more knowledgeable, experienced, and mature exercise physiologist."
Erica Miller, Exercise Physiology Student
Students who complete the Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology are prepared to pursue a number of career options. Graduates from our program have continued their education by completing the Ph.D. in fields such as exercise physiology, physiology, biochemistry, and the M.D. Because many of our students seek to work in the fields of cardiac rehabilitation and corporate wellness, the curriculum is structured to satisfy the preliminary requirements for certification as "exercise technologist" or "exercise specialist" as set by the American College of Sports Medicine. The curriculum provides students the necessary knowledge base and course work to satisfy entrance into the certification process (which is under control of the American College of Sports Medicine and requires both a written and practical exam).
The goal of this program is to develop a quality exercise scientist who demonstrates excellence in knowledge, skills, and abilities in the research, theory and application of exercise physiology.
The Exercise Physiology program has developed a collaborative effort with the Athletic Department to offer a concentration in strength and conditioning.
The curriculum has been designed to meet the requirements of the National Strength and Conditioning Association for a program of recognition in strength and conditioning. The curriculum will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to participate in strength and conditioning internships supervised by strength and conditioning specialists in the Athletic Department.
The addition of the Strength and Conditioning concentration builds on the strengths of research and practical application of the Exercise Physiology program. The concentration will provide a unique experience for graduate students interested in strength and conditioning at a University participating at the Division I level. The concentration will produce qualified strength conditioning specialists and provide the opportunity for student-based research.
The following courses have been added to the MS in Exercise Physiology program to support the concentration in strength and conditioning.
The curriculum provides the necessary knowledge base and course work to satisfy entrance into the certification process (which is under control of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and requires both a written and practical exam).
The Exercise Physiology Clinical Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
I have gained amazing critical thinking skills and have made many connections in the field.
Elizabeth Ledford, Exercise Physiology Graduate
For details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.
The M.S. thesis option requires a minimum of 33 hours of course work, which includes six credits devoted to completion of the thesis. Students in this option are required to actively participate in all phases of research within the laboratory. The thesis program requires two full years of study including the summer between the first and second years. To complete the M.S. in Exercise Physiology, a minimum of 23 hours must be at the 600 level or above.
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 605 Human Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 501 Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 601 Lab Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Spring | |
|---|---|
| EXP 502 Principles of Exercise Testing & Prescription | 3 |
| EXP 600 Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| HSS 604 Research Methods | 3 |
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| EXP 699* Thesis | 6 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 603 Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 530 Nutrition and Athletic Performance | 3 |
| HSS 604 Research Methods | 3 |
| EXP 611 Principles of Electrocardiography | 3 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 501 Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 601 Lab Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 605 Human Physiology | 3 |
| Spring | |
|---|---|
| EXP 502 Principles of Exercise Testing & Prescription | 3 |
| EXP 600 Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| HSS 607 Neuromuscular Mechanics of Human Movement | 3 |
| HSS 604 Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| EXP 699* Thesis | 3-6 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 603 Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 604 Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 608 Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSS 530 Nutrition and Athletic Performance | 3 |
The M.S. non-thesis option emphasizes the use of exercise as a clinical intervention. This option is heavily slanted toward improved cardiovascular health and cardiovascular rehabilitation through the use of exercise. Students in this option must complete a minimum of 36 hours of course work. The non-thesis program requires two full years of study including the summer between the first and second years.
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 605 Human Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 501 Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 601 Lab Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Spring | |
|---|---|
| EXP 502 Principles of Exercise Testing & Prescription | 3 |
| EXP 600 Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| HSS 604 Research Methods | 3 |
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| EXP 620 Exercise Physiology Clinical Internship | 6 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 603 Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 530 Nutrition and Athletic Performance | 3 |
| HSS 604 Research Methods | 3 |
| EXP 611 Principles of Electrocardiography | 3 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 501 Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 601 Lab Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 605 Human Physiology | 3 |
| Spring | |
|---|---|
| EXP 502 Principles of Exercise Testing & Prescription | 3 |
| EXP 600 Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| ELFH 607 Neuromuscular Mechanics of Human Movement | 3 |
| HSS 604 Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| EXP 620 Exercise Physiology Clinical Internship | 3-6 |
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| EXP 603 Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 604* Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 608 Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| HSS 530 Nutrition and Athletic Performance | 3 |
Minimum Total Hours: 36
* EXP 604 may be replaced with any relevant elective that is 600 level or above.
Note: Meeting GRE score and GPA minimums do not guarantee a student will be accepted to the program.
I have enjoyed my time in the exercise physiology program. It has allowed me to participate in many resume building opportunities as well as prepared me to pursue a meaningful career post-graduation.
Jessica Gibb, Exercise Physiology Student
Applicants who have attended a college or university outside of the United States are also required to submit an evaluation of their transcript through either WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Please note that transcript evaluations can sometimes take several weeks.
Faculty may require interviews in addition to written credentials as part of the admission process.
Admission to the program is competitive and admission is not guaranteed to those who meet minimum requirements.
Please note that admission to this program is for fall only. For those considering early admissions and Graduate Assistantships, please submit a complete application by March 1st. Those interested in competing for a graduate assistantship must also include a 500 word statement covering the reasons for wanting an assistantship, qualifications, and a statement as to what you hope to gain from an assistantship, along with a resume or curriculum vita. Final fall admission deadline is May 1st.
Learn more about our program faculty.
Adrienne Bratcher
Department of Health & Sport Sciences
College of Education & Human Development
LL002 Crawford Gym
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-4031
Exercise physiologists work in health promotion, fitness development, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation, and sport and athletic programs. Hence, they are hired as:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for all fitness workers were expected to increase 29 percent from 2008-2018, www.bls.gov. While opportunities may vary for exercise physiologists, jobs will be created by the increasing population and the need for research in exercise science. In November 2011, PayScale.com reported that most exercise physiologists earned $26,703-$53,951 annually, including bonuses. Among the factors that PayScale.com cited as influencing pay were experience and the certification an individual holds.
In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid.
Other financial aid opportunities available include graduate assistantships and other employment opportunities. You may also check for other availabilities on campus.
Once you are admitted to the program, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours if your UofL advisor approves the request. Transfer requests are then submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.
