Exercise Physiology (MS)

Summary

The Exercise Physiology MS prepares graduate students in the latest science of performance testing, exercise prescription, and research techniques for a wide range of populations. Students and faculty conduct research within the Holbrook Exercise Physiology Center and present and publish routinely on topics in exercise, physical activity, and sport. Current exercise physiologists require skills in health behavior change, particularly in patient-populations with or at risk for chronic disease. 

The program is 12-months and cohort based. Students complete a research manuscript, internship, or alternative plan paper as their capstone project. This capstone is initiated in the Research Methods and Statistics course and completed within the Evidence-Based Practice course. These experiences prepare students for Ph.D. programs and careers in strength and condition, coaching, worksite wellness, hospital-based exercise prescription, and many more. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

30

Total Credits

30

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Health Science

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

Assess physiological and activity-related risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including compliance with ACSM physical activity guidelines and sedentary time. Critique models for examining metabolic responses to exercise at different domains of exercise intensity. Apply various prescription models for enhancing aerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Examine the role of cytokines for augmenting or attenuating oxidative stress. Conceptualize how exercise or thermoregulation alters peripheral and central vascular control and pressure-volume regulation of the heart.

Prerequisites: none

A study of laboratory experiences, for advanced exercise physiology students, including various anaerobic, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, lactate threshold, and spirometry assessments.

Prerequisites: none

An in-depth study of the nutritional needs of athletes and other active individuals, including discussion of current research in the area.

Prerequisites: none

Investigation of advanced concepts in exercise physiology, specifically focusing on neuromuscular physiology, the body's adaptation to resistance training, periodization for strength and power, and application of resistance training concepts to special populations.

Prerequisites: none

Study of advanced biomechanical principles related to physical activity, exercise, and sport performance applications, as well as theory and research foundations for understanding motor skill acquisition and factors that influence the learning of motor skills.

Prerequisites: none

Identification and assessment of physical activity and fitness in health, lifespan, and various chronic diseases.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the theory and research of the psychology of exercise and behavior change, as well as how to integrate these theories into practice. Students will have opportunities to integrate learning into their personal lives.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

This course provides an introduction to both research methodology and statistical concepts in the discipline of human performance. This course focuses on the development of research design and choice of appropriate statistics to address a research question.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Choose a minimum of 3 credits.

Emphasis is placed on the biomedical aspects of aging and chronic disease. The course is designed for students majoring in biology, gerontology programs, or other health related programs.

Prerequisites: none

This course is a functional study of the heart and circulatory systems.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides the basis for understanding hormones and the mechanisms of their actions in both the normal and pathological states. Sample topics to be included are diabetes, osteoporosis, hormones of reproduction, and current social and medical issues related to the course.

Prerequisites: none

A lecture course that examines mechanisms of drug action, physiological responses and adverse reactions from sensitivities or allergies through overdose. Prereq: BIOL 105, 106, 230, and one year of general chemistry

Prerequisites: none

Fundamental principles of humoral and cell mediated immunity and the application of these principles. Current experimental work in the different areas of immunology will be discussed. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

The course examines the foundations of emotional health and explores methods for promoting and maintaining emotional health. Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites: none

Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host, and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.

Prerequisites: none

Reviews the contextual issues and health policies in the workplace. Efficacy of best practices in worksite wellness strategies, employee engagement, program design and implementation, and program assessment are explored.

Prerequisites: none

To introduce interested students, professionals, and coaching licensure candidates to the psychological literature and latest techniques associated with coaching in an athletic setting.

Prerequisites: none

A seminar/discussion format course dealing with current issues within the multidisciplinary profession of sports medicine. A course directed toward disciplines dealing with all dimensions of the physically active individual.

Prerequisites: none

Examines the institution of sport from a sociological perspective. The intent of the course is to identify and discuss ways in which societal values affect the character of spot and vise versa, and better understand the positive and negative consequences of the way sport if organized in our society.

Prerequisites: none

Opportunity for in-depth studies when specific human performance course is not available to accommodate the student. Consultation with the faculty member is an important part of developing such topics that meet the individual study arrangement.

Prerequisites: none

An arranged readings course of selected professional literature relating to physical education, human performance, exercise science, and sport studies. The student in consultation with a professor determines the specific body of scholarly literature that will be emphasized during the course.

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

Consult with advisor.

In this course, students will develop and present evidence-based solutions to community-driven questions. Students will integrate academic research into real-world project development.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Summer - 7 Credits

An in-depth study of the nutritional needs of athletes and other active individuals, including discussion of current research in the area.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides an introduction to both research methodology and statistical concepts in the discipline of human performance. This course focuses on the development of research design and choice of appropriate statistics to address a research question.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 11 Credits

Assess physiological and activity-related risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including compliance with ACSM physical activity guidelines and sedentary time. Critique models for examining metabolic responses to exercise at different domains of exercise intensity. Apply various prescription models for enhancing aerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Examine the role of cytokines for augmenting or attenuating oxidative stress. Conceptualize how exercise or thermoregulation alters peripheral and central vascular control and pressure-volume regulation of the heart.

Prerequisites: none

A study of laboratory experiences, for advanced exercise physiology students, including various anaerobic, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, lactate threshold, and spirometry assessments.

Prerequisites: none

Identification and assessment of physical activity and fitness in health, lifespan, and various chronic diseases.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 12 Credits

Investigation of advanced concepts in exercise physiology, specifically focusing on neuromuscular physiology, the body's adaptation to resistance training, periodization for strength and power, and application of resistance training concepts to special populations.

Prerequisites: none

Study of advanced biomechanical principles related to physical activity, exercise, and sport performance applications, as well as theory and research foundations for understanding motor skill acquisition and factors that influence the learning of motor skills.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the theory and research of the psychology of exercise and behavior change, as well as how to integrate these theories into practice. Students will have opportunities to integrate learning into their personal lives.

Prerequisites: none

In this course, students will develop and present evidence-based solutions to community-driven questions. Students will integrate academic research into real-world project development.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Admissions Standards

The program follows a cohort design with either a summer or fall start. Summer start will take two courses online in the summer and then take the fall and spring courses in person. Summer start will have a May graduation. Fall start will take the fall and spring courses in person and then take the summer online courses. Fall start will have an August graduation. Review of applications will begin November 1. We will continue to review applications and accept students until the cohort is full. 

Admission Requirements

  1. BS Degree: Candidates should have a major in exercise science, exercise & sport science, kinesiology, athletic training, physiology, or a closely related field. The BS degree needs to be completed by the start of the graduate program.
  2. Pre-requisites: Core pre-requisite coursework includes statistics, physiology of exercise, and a course in nutrition. We welcome students from science-based majors who may not have the prerequisite courses. Contact the exercise physiology program coordinator to discuss your course background and admissions recommendation.
  3. GPA: Our program does not have a specified minimum GPA, however, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is typically necessary to compete for a spot.
  4. GRE: We do not require the GRE.
  5. References: In the application, you will be asked to provide contact information for 2 references. The referee will receive a link to complete a short reference form. If your referee would prefer to submit a letter, they can email it to gradapp@mnsu.edu with your name and Exercise Physiology in the subject. These references should be a mix of academic, professional, or research-based references.
  6. Personal Statement: You will be asked to respond to two prompts. The first asks why the M.S. Exercise Physiology program is the next logical step for you (400-word maximum). The second reflects on a time you have had to solve a problem (250-word maximum). Full prompts are in the application.
  7. Resume: You will submit a resume or curriculum vitae. International Students: Review the international graduate admissions policies to determine if you need to submit TOEFL scores or official transcripts with U.S. equivalences (if you earned your undergraduate degree outside the United States)

Progression and Completion Standards

The program follows the Scholastic Standards and Policies set forth by the College of Graduate Studies and Research. See https://grad.mnsu.edu/graduate-college-policy/scholastic-standards/ for more information.