Best Exercise Physiology Graduate Programs
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Exercise physiology is the study of exercise and its effect on the human body. At the graduate level, master's and doctoral degrees are available. Here you will find information on exercise physiology graduate programs at Virginia Commonwealth University, the University at Buffalo, and Eastern Michigan All were nationally ranked by U.S. news & World Report for 2017.
Virginia Commonwealth University
| School Highlight: Doctoral program in Rehabilitation and Movement Science features a collaborative, interdisciplinary structure utilizing faculty with expertise in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. |
Virginia Commonwealth University was listed 164th out of all universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report in 2017 making it one of the best exercise physiology graduate programs. This school has several exercise physiology programs available. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the school also offers a Master of Science in Health and Movement Sciences. Students can continue their education experience through a doctorate's program related to exercise physiology. Regardless of the degree level, students may expect to take courses in medical terminology, physics, cell biology, health psychology, stress management, and adapted physical activity.
University at Buffalo
| School Highlight: One of the few programs that combine exercise and nutrition sciences in their curriculum. |
Exercise physiology graduate programs rankings puts the University at Buffalo ranked at #99 national universities U.S. News & World Report for 2017 making it one of the top exercise physiology graduate programs available. The school has master's and doctoral degree programs in exercise science. Advanced coursework at the graduate level for this program includes classes on health promotion, health wellness, cardiopulmonary responses to exercise, neuromuscular responses to exercise, and exercise nutrition. The masters degree in exercise physiology program has a thesis option or an exam option. A dissertation is required in the doctoral degree program.
Eastern Michigan University
Through the School of Health Promotion in the College of Health and Human Services, Eastern Michigan University offers masters programs for exercise physiology. Students can choose between an internship track and a thesis track, and they can also choose to pursue a specialization in applied performance physiology, which consists entirely of online coursework. In total, students must complete thirty three hours of coursework, which can include classes in topics such as exercise epidemiology, sports supplements, and electrocardiography.
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Top Exercise Physiology Graduate Programs
Here are some more schools with strong academic offerings in exercise physiology masters programs at the graduate level:
| School Name | Location | Distinction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | Integrative Exercise Physiology is adjusted to fit students who are looking for professions in both research institutions and practices | |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | The Center for Exercise Science offers laboratories in several areas, including clinical research, motor behavior, applied neuromechanics, and sports medicine. | |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | Ranked #27 on U.S. News & World Report's 2017 list of top public schools. | |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | The graduate exercise physiology program offers tracks in both clinical and applied exercise physiology and strength and conditioning/fitness. | |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | Graduates have earned positions among top ranking universities such as Harvard School of Medicine and John Hopkins School of Medicine | |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | $546/credit hour/33 hours required | Graduates will study the acute responses and chronic adaptations to a variety of exercise conditions. |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | 'The redesigned curriculum in Exercise Science provides students with foundational content in exercise physiology, research methods and statistics.' |
What does a Exercise Physiology Job look like?
The job of exercise physiologists is to develop fitness programs for their patients in an effort to help them recover or get better form thing such as cardiovascular problems, chronic diseases, and body composition. To do their job well, exercise physiologists need to have specific skills such as the following:
- Ability to speak clearly
- Ability to understand verbal material
- Ability to comprehend written material
- Ability to listen well especially to patients.
All these skills can be acquired through one of the many graduate exercise physiology programs listed here.
Exercise physiology graduate schools can expect graduates to earn about $49,170 a year as of 2019 with a high projected industry growth of 11% between 2019 and 2029 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At both the master's and doctoral levels, programs in exercise physiology in closely related fields provide broad, science-based training related to human fitness. A masters in exercise physiology schools can be found among well regarded 4-year universities around the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Exercise Physiology graduate program right for me?
If you want to further your education, earn more money, and have more skills and opportunities to help people then yes, it is for you.
How Do I Decide on a School?
Many schools have good graduate programs. It is wise to read the specific of each school to see if one specializes in a particular area you may be most interested in. Geographic area and costs of tuition may also be factors to consider.
Will I Get a Good Job Can I get with a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology?
Jobs as an Exercise Physiologist pay close to $50,000 annually and have high growth rate so the industry will provide you with good opportunities and should continue to accel in the coming years.
