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 M.S. in Exercise Physiology program at UofL has provided an in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms that are impacted by exercise and physical activity. This knowledge has allowed me to better understand how and why training adaptations occur from various modes of exercise. The curriculum, critical thinking skills, and faculty have given me additional tools that I will use to improve the lives of others through exercise.
Nate Gilbert, Exercise Physiology student
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 program is designed to prepare students for strength and conditioning positions in College Athletics. 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 for tests given by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
CAAHEP Graduate Student Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Academic Year of Graduation | 2 Year Graduation Rate | 3 Year Graduation Rate | Student Satisfaction* | |
2023-=2024 | Total Graduates: 15 | Total Graduates: 17 | 100% | |
2022-2023 | Total Graduates: 7 | N/A | 100% | |
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
For information on program accreditation click here.
The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.
Address: 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
For details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Note: Meeting GRE score and GPA minimums does not guarantee a student will be accepted to the program.
Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies. For admission, candidates will need to:
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.
Please have transcripts sent to:
School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
If transcripts are sent electronically,
please have them sent to the following e-mail: gradadm@louisville.edu
This program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
Following review of materials listed above, eligible candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection committee where they will be provided with information about the program and will further discuss the content of their application. 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 supporting your application. Final fall admission deadline is May 1st.
If you have questions about applying to the program, please contact Lynne Ernst, Admission Counselor, at 502-852-7697.
If you have questions about Graduate Assistantships, please contact Dr. Kathryn Harman.
Learn more about our program faculty.
Department of Health & Sport Sciences
College of Education & Human Development
Room 105F - SAC E
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6645
Kathryn Harman
Liza Ledford
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.
Graduate Assistantships within the program
Contact: Mike Jett
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.
Once you are enrolled in the program, faculty advisors are assigned to each student. You will be notified in your admission letter, upon acceptance, of the identity of your faculty advisor.
Students must meet with their advisor at the end of each semester to plan the next semester and discuss any questions or concerns. However, students may meet with their advisor more often if necessary.
Students in the program are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA. If the GPA falls below a 3.0, then the student may be placed on academic probation.
