The University of Louisville offers a Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance with a Concentration in Exercise Science, and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology with both thesis or non-thesis options.

What is Exercise Physiology?

Physiology is a branch of science concerned with the function of a living organism and its parts. Exercise Physiology is a division of physiology that investigates the functioning of the body during activity and exercise.

An Exercise Physiologist, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Careers Bulletin, is a professional who studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity.

Exercise physiologists apply their knowledge and skills to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance, working with disease and rehabilitation as well as with high performance athletes.

Careers in Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiologists work in a variety of settings, including commercial, industrial, and clinical workplaces.

Exercise Science graduates find jobs in public health education, exercise science and teaching health and physical education. Exercise Physiology graduates find jobs allied health fields such as nursing and physical therapy as well as in such fields as aviation physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and ergonomics.

Exercise Science and Physiology Certifications

The Exercise Physiology program provides the knowledge and course work to prepare students for certification by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Program Affiliations

The program is affiliated with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) and Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).