About This Program
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. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
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
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
* 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.
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.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Pass one of the exams from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA):
- Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP) or
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
- Demonstrate understanding of the physiology of human movement across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human and health and disease.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease, risk factors and special exercise populations, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
Graduates of the Athletic Training optional concentration will be able to:
- Apply the principles of the research process in athletic training by engaging with faculty and clinical staff in graduate research initiatives.
- Engage health care professionals and apply the knowledge gained, through their education in both the classroom and clinical settings.
- Engage in program improvement as part of a continuous quality improvement initiative by evaluating the effectiveness of the program through multiple evaluation resources.
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.
Athletic training faculty also support the degree path with their areas of expertise in clinical and educational research in the field of athletic training.
The Exercise Physiology major includes the following optional concentration:
- The Athletic Training concentration is designed to serve the needs of post-certification (or certification-pending) students who wish to further their knowledge and skills in the athletic training profession while pursuing a master's degree. Students have the opportunity to pursue advanced clinical and academic training while obtaining knowledge and skills relative to effective clinical instruction and supervision. Advanced research skills are also a critical component to this advanced track program. Opportunities to perform research independently and/or in conjunction with program faculty are widely available.
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.
