A group of exercise science students take measurements in a lab. A group of exercise science students take measurements in a lab. Student on treadmill being monitored by athletic trainer

Exercise Physiology
MS

Master's in exercise physiology

Take your passion for health and fitness to the next level with a master’s degree in exercise physiology! This program equips you with the expertise to transform lives—whether it’s boosting athletic performance, designing personalized fitness plans or supporting individuals with chronic conditions. Graduate with research experience ready for a rewarding career in the field of health and wellness.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

Why choose a master's in exercise physiology from CMU?

As a graduate student at CMU, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professors in state-of-the-art clinics and cutting-edge laboratories. Through research and hands-on experience in the lab, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the human body.

Subject areas in this graduate program include: 

  • Diagnostic testing and exercise programming for clinical populations.
  • Strength and conditioning, along with sport performance for athletes.
  • Cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular physiology.
  • Physiological responses to exercise, movement and training.
  • Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Endocrine and metabolic responses to exercise.

You'll have the choice of two capstone research experiences: a thesis or directed research. Our exercise science faculty have extensive research experience and will serve as mentors as you lead your own projects. Current exercise science research areas include: cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular and cellular physiologies, environmental physiology, sports performance, diabetes and obesity.

Your studies in biomechanics, performance optimization and rehabilitation techniques will prepare you for success in a variety of health and wellness fields. Many graduates of the exercise physiology program use the degree as a stepping stone into post-graduate work. Others go on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of the M.S. in Exercise Physiology

  • Explore career paths: Our curriculum offers you the chance to pursue several subject areas and prepare for different career paths.
  • Earn while you learn: Apply for graduate teaching in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, clinical exercise and health fitness classes with a graduate assistantship.
  • Test your skills: Gain hands-on experience in advanced research facilities, like the Motion Analysis Center (MAC) and Sports Medicine Research Laboratory.

Accelerated master's in exercise physiology

Take the fast track to what’s next when you earn two degrees in five years with an accelerated master's in exercise physiology. You could earn up to half of your master's degree before finishing your bachelor's degree by counting 15 credits toward both degrees.

By double-counting all 15 credits, domestic students save up to $4,155 and international students save up to $1,560.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.2 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated master's in exercise physiology. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 15 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • HSC 547, HSC 553, HSC 551, HSC 550, HSC 503, HSC 505, HSC 632, HSC 633, HSC 634, HSC 635, HSC 637, HSC 638
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    After earning your bachelor's degree, you'll take at least 15 credits to complete the M.S. in Exercise Physiology. If you don't complete the 15 double-counted credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take the remaining courses as graduate credits to complete the 30 credits required for the M.S. in Exercise Physiology.

    The M.S. in Exercise Physiology requires 30 credits. You may double-count 15 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 15 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 15 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 15 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the M.S. in Exercise Physiology.

    Careers in exercise physiology

    Our exercise physiology graduate program prepare you for several professional avenues. These include athletic coaching, corporate wellness and physical education. Graduates go on to pursue work as fitness facility directors, physical activity directors, sport and recreation camps managers, strength and conditioning mentors and more.

    Career Projected Salary
    Health Educator $63,000
    Health & Wellness Coach $63,000
    Fitness/Wellness Manager $110,680
    Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor $46,180
    Exercise Physiologist/Specialist $58,160
    Rehabilitation Physicians $239,200
    Exercise/Fitness Trainer $46,180
    Sports Medicine Physician $239,200
    A physiology student sits in a chair in front of a computer as another student walks in the foreground wearing tracking devices.

    Explore advanced topics in exercise science

    Advance your field and give your résumé a boost with hands-on exercise science research. Your graduate program will culminate in either a thesis or a directed research project on advanced topics.

    Explore areas of research

    Request Information about CMU

    Loading...

    By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.

    Privacy Policy