Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness Master's Program

Mission.  This graduate program is designed to prepare students for advanced study in exercise physiology and future employment in adult fitness, corporate fitness and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Special attention is also given to knowledge and practical skills necessary for students preparing for American College Sports Medicine certifications (e.g., Personal Trainer, Health/Fitness Instructor, and Exercise Specialist). The Exercise Physiology program prepares graduates for interaction with both healthy populations and populations that are affected by chronic diseases (e.g., CVD, diabetes) and the functional changes that occur during exercise with these populations. They also work with patients in the areas of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Admissions standards. Full admission to this program is granted to students who have earned a 2.75 grade point average on a completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Get more details about how to apply

Provisional admission to this program is granted to students who have earned a 2.5-2.74 grade point average on a completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Those receiving provisional admission must meet with the Technical Education Program Committee to plan the necessary nine credits of coursework that needs to be completed at the graduate level with a grade of “B” or better before the student can be upgraded to full admission

Program meets the needs of the state and region.  The Ohio Career Information System (2004) indicate there is an increasing demand for program graduates with opportunities “expected to grow faster than average” for all occupations. According to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (n.d.) the “demand for exercise physiologists is expected to remain strong as public interest in healthful living and exercise continues. Opportunities in area of applied practice and research should be good for skilled physiologists with advanced degrees” (p.1). Lovrich (2004) concurs that the need for exercise physiologists is growing, even indicating a shortage of Exercise Physiologist. According to the Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Crosby, 2001), the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data on exercise physiologist, but indicates that according to industry resources graduates earn $20,000 to $45,000 per year.

In the past decade, the role of exercise physiologists has become increasingly important in providing healthcare to individuals receiving medical attention for cardiac abnormalities. To obtain employment, 48% of cardiac rehab faculties preferred to hire those with a master’s in exercise physiology (Roberts, 1999).

Placement objects of the graduates.  An Exercise Physiologist studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. They can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness or performance.

Traditionally, exercise physiologists worked and studied only with athletes to improve performance.

Today, however, exercise physiologists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life in the general population. For example, an exercise physiologist may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, a personal trainer, or direct an employee fitness program. In a CNN/Money article by Les Christie (2005), the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the job of fitness trainer as the fifth fastest growing job field through 2012, so there will be great demand for the service.