Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MS)
College of Arts and Sciences
Rising healthcare costs related to physical inactivity have triggered increases in the number of healthcare professionals and research in exercise science. The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP) program is suited to provide a program of study to enhance knowledge and understanding within exercise science to
- prepare students to contribute to this escalating need to combat exercise-related disease and illness,
- understand and participate in research related to exercise science, and
- recognize the importance of evidence-based practice.
The 12- to 15-month program is ideal for students looking to move on to professional school (DPT, PA, MD, etc.), prepare for clinical certifications such as certified exercise physiologist or cardiac rehabilitation, or whose interests are more focused on research with plans to work in a research lab or continue on to a PhD program. The 35-36 credit hour program includes the option to complete a comprehensive examination or thesis project as a final component of the curriculum.
Degree Requirements
Students accepted into the MSEP program must complete all curricular requirements with a C or better and must choose to complete either a comprehensive examination or a thesis. Students who receive below a C in any course must meet with the program director and faculty member in whose course the grade was received to determine continuing course of action before beginning the subsequent semester.
Thesis or Comprehensive Examination Option
Students will have the option to complete a thesis or to participate in a comprehensive examination as part of their graduation requirements. Only students who have received approval from a faculty member and the program director will be able to complete a thesis project. Applications for thesis will be due in the fall. Students who will be completing a thesis will be expected to enroll in credit during the Summer 2 session. Thesis students must complete at least 5 credit hours of research and thesis coursework to complete the thesis (KIN-620 Independent Research and KIN-660 Master's Thesis). All other students will be required to complete a written and oral comprehensive examination. The examination may be completed during the Spring semester if the student has brought in enough transfer credit to allow for one less course during the Spring semester. Otherwise, the student will also be expected to enroll in the comprehensive examination during the Summer 2 session.
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physiology Core | ||
| KIN-608 | Exercise Biochemistry | 3 |
| KIN-615 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KIN-625 | Advanced Physiology | 5 |
| Research Core | ||
| KIN-600 | Research Methods | 3 |
| KIN-602 | Statistics for Exercise Science | 3 |
| KIN-610 | Seminar in Exercise Science | 2 |
| Kinesiology Electives | ||
| KIN-409/509 | Pharmacology in Exercise Science | 3 |
| KIN-410/510 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| KIN-412/512 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| KIN-460/560 | Special Topics in Exercise Science 1 | 3 |
| Thesis or Comprehensive Exam | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| Independent Research and Master's Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 35-36 | |
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May be taken more than once if different topics
Admission Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may apply to the MSEP program. In addition, the following is required to be considered for admissions:
- Prerequisite coursework:
- Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits, SAU students with only BIOL-205 Essentials-Human Anatomy & Physiology meet this requirement.)
- Recommended: Physics (4 credits) and Exercise Physiology1 (4 credits)
- Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school attended
- GRE or MCAT scores (waived for SAU graduates)
- Overall GPA of 3.0
- Two completed recommendation forms (at least one must be from a college professor)
- Personal statement explaining reason(s) for wanting to pursue graduate education
- A minimum TOEFL score of 79 or 6.5 on the IELTS is required for any international students whose native language or undergraduate experience is not English. Results should be sent directly from ETS to the University. The institutional code is 6617.
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Students who have not completed Exercise Physiology prior to enrollment will be required to include it into their plan of study during the MSEP program and prior to Advanced Exercise Physiology.
Transfer Credits
Students transferring from other programs may transfer up to 18 credits hours from their elective courses completed during their undergraduate program. Graduate courses completed at another accredited college or university will be considered on a course by course basis.