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 technologists” 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.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville Graduate School.

The minimum requirement for admission is the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicant are required to submit all official transcripts as verification of coursework and degree(s). A variety of undergraduate majors are acceptable, including exercise science, biology, chemistry, physiology, and nursing.

A Formal Statment of Goals (Applicants are asked to explain in 500 words or less why they want to be admitted into the program and what they plan to do with a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology.

Each applicant is required to submit at least three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional capabilities and potential. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least one recommendation from a University faculty member who is familiar with the applicant's work as a student.

Each applicant is required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A suggested mimimum combined verbal and quantitative score of an 800. Other professional school entrance exams such as the MCAT may be considered upon permission from the program director. Please note that applicants who exceed the combined verbal and qyuantitative score of 800 are not guranteed admission into the program.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign students from countries in which English is not the native language. Students holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

A suggested minimum grade point average of a 2.75. Applicants who exceed this suggested minimum are not guaranteed admission into the program.

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 guranteed to those who meet minimum requirements.

Deadline for Admissions

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 February 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 June 1st.

Opportunities for Graduates

Many students have pursued careers in allied health fields such as nursing and physical therapy as well as in such fields as aviation physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and ergonomics.

Certification

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).