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.

Strength and Conditioning Concentration

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.

• HSS 530 Nutrition and Athletic Performance
• EXP 607 Neuromuscular Mechanics of Human Movement
• EXP 608 Advanced Strength and Conditioning

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).

Related Links and Resources

• Interested in visiting campus? Find out how!
• Department of Health & Sport Sciences
• Health & Sport Sciences Degree Programs
• UofL Course Catalog ∞
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Strength and Conditioning Association

I have gained amazing critical thinking skills and have made many connections in the field.

Elizabeth Ledford
Exercise Physiology Student

For details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Thesis Option

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.

First Year

Second Year

* EXP 699 may only be taken for up to 6 credit hours total during the duration of the program.

Non-thesis Option

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.

First Year

Second Year

* 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 Schilero
Exercise Physiology Student

Admission Requirements

• Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.
• The minimum requirement for admission is the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants 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 Statement 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.
• For GRE scores prior to August 1, 2011, a minimum combined (verbal and quantitative) score of an 800 is required for unconditional admission. For GRE scores taken August 1, 2011 and after, please refer to the concordance table from ETS (Educational Testing Services) [PDF] for revised score equivalencies. 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 quantitative score of 800 are not guaranteed admission into the program. Need help preparing for the GRE? Sign up for a GRE Information Session.
• 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 guaranteed 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 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.

Contact

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 Physiology Faculty

• Ann Swank
• Adrienne Bratcher
• Kathy Carter
• David Michael Jett
• Jessica Schilero
• Daniela Terson de Paleville
• Saori Hanaki-Martin

Opportunities for Graduates

Exercise physiologists work in health promotion, fitness development, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation, and sport and athletic programs. Hence, they are hired as:

• sports and wellness program instructors and directors
• strength coaches for college, university and professional sports programs
• teachers at institutions of higher learning (i.e., if they have a PhD)
• researchers in companies that make physiological equipment for testing and evaluation
• managers and exercise leaders in corporate wellness programs
• instructors in health and fitness clubs
• supervisors of specialized health, fitness, wellness, or lifestyle programs in correctional services, police, fire, and emergency response organizations
• fitness instructors in YMCAs, spa and resort centers
• exercise specialists in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs
• fitness directors and managers in the military (such as the air force and army)
• exercise technologists in cardiology suites
• fitness instructors and supervisors at the state, regional, and national levels in sports and athletic programs including
• sports consultants in areas of psychology and training, biomechanics, efficiency and metabolism, and nutrition
• electrophysiology technologists in hospital settings

Research Job Opportunities

• http://www.nsca-lift.org/
• http://www.acsm.org/
• http://www.apta.org/
• http://www.nursingworld.org/

Career Outlook

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.

Financial Aid

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.

I have some credit hours from another program/university. Can the credit be transferred?

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.