Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

  • Total Credit Hours: 30
  • Degree Format: Traditional

About this field

The Masters in Exercise Physiology program is housed in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, in the School of Health Sciences. The program integrates an advanced scientific study of the biological, physiological, and rehabilitative medical sciences as they relate to physiological responses to exercise and other aspects of human health. This includes instruction in muscular and skeletal anatomy; molecular and cellular basis of skeletal muscle contraction; substrate utilization; systemic physiological responses to exercise; fatigue and exhaustion; muscle and body training; physiology of specific exercises and activities; physiology of injury; and the effects of disabilities and disease.

Our faculty specialize in the areas of Exercise Physiology with expertise in clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular physiology, clinical exercise testing and prescription, skeletal muscle performance and fatigue, sport nutrition, thermoregulatory and occupational physiology, physical activity monitoring, chronic disease management, and obesity and weight management.

The Valdosta State Difference

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at VSU will encounter a small student to teacher ratio, brand new facilities with state of the art electronic classrooms, and well supported teaching and research laboratories.  VSU also places a premium on quality teaching through hands on experience and individual faculty interaction.

What You'll Learn

Graduates of the Masters of Exercise Physiology program will develop and refine skills in:

  • the assessment of resting and exercise metabolism using indirect calorimetry
  • the assessment of Body composition via 
          o subcutaneous skinfold assessment 
          o Air displacement Plethysmography 
          o Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
  • blood collection and handling 
          o venipuncture 
          o capillary
  • sport performance testing 
          o VO2max 
          o Lactate Threshold 
          o Cycling Power Output
  • physical activity assessment 
          o Actical accelerometry
  • blood pressure assessment 
          o Resting and exercise measurement 
          o Ambulatory measurement

Exit Requirements

Each student must pass a comprehensive examination which covers the areas of theory, research, the clinical focus, and a select area of study.

Internships

Students may choose to complete either a thesis (6 semester credit hours) or an internship (6 semester credit hours).

The thesis option allows students to increase their knowledge of exercise physiology and become involved with graduate-level research in exercise physiology with a focus on preparation for further graduate study. The student, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, plans a tentative thesis topic for investigation. Students are encouraged to begin their independent thesis research early in their program of study and every effort is made to plan the thesis project around the needs and interests of the students.

The internship option is designed for students to obtain practical experience to enhance and/or refine their knowledge, skills, and abilities prior to entering the workplace. The internship site and supervisor must be approved by the university and requires a minimum of 200 hours of supervised experience. All coursework and graduation requirements must be completed prior to commencing the internship.

Careers

  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
  • Hospital Settings
  • 229.333.5959
  • 229.333.7300
  • Health Sciences and Business Administration Building
    2525 N. Patterson St.
    Valdosta, Georgia 31698