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Exercise Physiology - M.S.

Become a leader in exercise physiology with Kent State's master's degree. Our rigorous program is designed to prepare you for a successful career in academia or research. With access to cutting-edge facilities and expert faculty, you'll gain the knowledge and experience needed to make an impact in the field.

Contact: John McDaniel, Jmcdani5@kent.edu

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Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology

Kent State University’s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology offers advanced education in exercise physiology studies. Graduates are equipped for specialized roles and research opportunities in various industries.

Program Information for Exercise Physiology - M.S.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology prepares graduates for a wide variety of career options, including exercise prescription and research, as well as future doctoral study. Representative faculty research includes the areas of body composition, metabolism/nutritional requirements, environment, clinical exercise physiology and the physiology of aging as it is influenced by physical activity and fitness.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Exercise Physiology - M.S.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in exercise science, or equivalent preparation, from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

Degree applicants are expected to have substantial preparation in the sciences, usually including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology.

1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe physiological responses to exercise for a variety of populations and conditions related to human performance.
  2. Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to assess, motivate and prescribe exercise or strength and conditioning as appropriate for an exercise physiologist.
  3. Utilize statistical methods to analyze and interpret data applicable to the exercise physiology field.

Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ATTR 53018ETHICAL LEADERSHIP FOR HEALTH CARE 3
EXPH 63050RESEARCH PROCESS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 3
EXPH 63051QUANTITATIVE AND RESEARCH METHODS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 3
EXPH 63091RESEARCH SEMINAR 1
EXPH 65081ENERGY METABOLISM AND BODY COMPOSITION 3
EXPH 65084CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPIRATORY DYNAMICS DURING EXERCISE 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:9
BSCI 50020
BIOLOGY OF AGING
BSCI 50431
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
EXPH 50612
EXERCISE LEADERSHIP FOR THE OLDER ADULT
EXPH 55065
EXERCISE TESTING
EXPH 55070
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
EXPH 55081
ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
EXPH 60610
PHYSIOLOGY OF AGING: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN BEHAVIOR
EXPH 63098
RESEARCH
EXPH 65080
PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF EXERCISE AND SPORT
EXPH 65086
NEUROBIOLOGY OF MOVEMENT AND EXERCISE
NUTR 63518
ADVANCED SPORTS NUTRITION
Addtional electives chosen in consultation with advisor
Culminating Requirement
Choose from the following:6
EXPH 63098
EXPH 65192
RESEARCH
and INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
EXPH 63199
THESIS I
EXPH 65192
INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:31

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Only in rare instances does a student fulfill the educational and research expectations within the minimum credit-hour requirement for this degree. Any deficiencies for a doctoral academic preparation must be corrected very early in the approved academic program.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Exercise Physiology - M.S.

Accreditation

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program

The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) Student Outcome Data

Based on COAES Guidelines we present Graduate Student Satisfaction rate below:

Student Outcome Data

Graduate Satisfaction

Year Total # Students Total # Students Who Passed Pass Rate
2021-2022 41 11 100%
2021-2022 36 10 87.5%

Table 1: Number of culminating experiences. The culminating experience may be met by an internship, mentorship or research project. 

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Exercise Physiology - M.S.

Graduates of Kent State University's Master of Science in Exercise Physiology can pursue advanced careers in the exercise physiology industry, including research, academic, and high-level professional roles.

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

9.3%

much faster than the average

64,700

number of jobs

$85,600

potential earnings

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

6.1%

faster than the average

138,300

number of jobs

$91,510

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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