Exercise Physiology (MS)
Strength and Conditioning Leadership
The MS in Exercise Physiology program offers a specialized Strength and Conditioning concentration, developed in collaboration with the Athletic Department, that meets NSCA standards and includes hands-on internships with experienced professionals. By combining rigorous coursework with practical application, the program ensures that students are ready to take on leadership roles, paving the way for their future success.
Course Catalog
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (EXP MS)
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Health and Sport Sciences
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): EXP_MS, EXP_MS_CLN, EXP_MS_STR
Program Information
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 PhD degree in fields such as exercise physiology, physiology, biochemistry, while others continue to the MD. 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.
The MS in Exercise Physiology program prepares students to sit for examinations to qualify for certifications offered by private organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. These certifications are sometimes preferred or required for employment in specific settings (e.g., hospitals, college campuses) within the exercise physiology field. However, the program is not designed to prepare students for any professional licensure issued by any US state or other jurisdiction.
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 coursework to satisfy entrance into the certification process (which is under the control of the American College of Sports Medicine and requires both a written and practical exam).
Admission Requirements
Application requirements:
- Completed application submitted at https://apply.graduate.louisville.edu/apply/
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed. Only institutionally accredited bachelor’s degrees will be considered. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution to the UofL Graduate School directly. Transcripts issued to the student are considered unofficial.
- International transcripts must be evaluated per the grad school requirements: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international/evaluation
- Personal statement where candidates will explain their interest in the program and professional objectives.
- Current resume
- Three recommendations (can be academic or professional, personal recommendations not acceptable)
International Applicants:
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International applicants must submit additional application items, and meet additional admission requirements. Information on the international application and admission requirements can be found here: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international
Prerequisite requirements (program specific):
- Completion of all prerequisite courses from the following list with a grade ≥3.0 on a 4-point scale: Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics/Structural Kinesiology; Anatomy & Physiology (minimum of six (6) credit hours).
- Students must complete all prerequisite courses prior to beginning program.
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application (including all checklist items) to be holistically reviewed
- Interview (eligible candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with the selection committee where they will be provided with information about the program and will further discuss the content of their application)
- Unconditional admission requires a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for all undergraduate coursework taken. Cumulative undergraduate GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 2.74 will be considered for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
- Conferred Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required for unconditional admission. Applicants in their final year of their bachelors degree with final courses being completed before the graduate program start, can be reviewed for probationary admission pending a final transcript showing degree conferral by the end of the first semester.
Admission is competitive. Meeting the GPA minimum and all other admission requirements does not guarantee that prospective students will be accepted into the program.
(Priority) Application Deadlines: March 1
Program admission dates: May 1
Degree Requirements
MS Exercise Physiology, Concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EXP 501 | Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 503 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 600 | Exercise Biochemistry | 3 |
| EXP 601 | Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 603 | Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 605 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 606 | Practicum in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 607 | Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 611 | Advanced Cardiorespiratory Physiology with ECG | 3 |
| HSS 604 | Research Methods in HSS | 3 |
| Capstone Courses (select one) | 6 | |
EXP 620 | Exercise Physiology Internship | |
EXP 699 | Thesis | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 | |
Note: Students will chose either EXP 620 Exercise Physiology Internship (six (6) credit hours) or EXP 699 Thesis (six (6) credit hours).
MS Exercise Physiology, Concentration in Strength & Conditioning
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EXP 600 | Exercise Biochemistry | 3 |
| EXP 608 | Strength and Power Programming | 3 |
| EXP 609 | Speed and Conditioning Programming | 3 |
| EXP 610 | Periodization | 3 |
| HSS 501 | Advanced Applied Kinesiology | 3 |
| HSS 589 | Injury Prehab and Rehab | 3 |
| EXP 601 | Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXP 604 | Holistic Athlete Development | 3 |
| Capstone Course | ||
| EXP 620 | Exercise Physiology Internship | 6 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
Note: Students will take a total of six (6) credit hours of EXP 620 Internship.
Exercise Physiology (MS) In Depth
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
- sports consultants in areas of psychology and training, biomechanics, efficiency and metabolism, and nutrition
- electrophysiology technologists in hospital settings
Research Job Opportunities
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.
Department of Health & Sport Sciences
College of Education & Human Development
Room 105F - SAC E
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6645
FAQ: Exercise Physiology (MS)
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.
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