Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Programs is the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions.
Applied Exercise Physiology (M.S.)
Exercise physiology is a growing field with a unique study of the human body and how physical activity can improve health and wellness for people of all ages and all stages of fitness.
- Degrees & Offerings
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- M.S.
- Department
- College
- Program Contact
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Exercise Science Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor of Exercise Science
Program Details
- Program Length - Program includes 36 credit hours. Most students complete in two years.
- Program Delivery - Taught 100% in-person at the Bloomsburg campus.
- Flexible Start Dates - Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
- Labs and Facilities - Bloomsburg's campus includes an Exercise Physiology Lab, Resistance Training Lab, and Body Composition Lab.
- 100% Employment Rate - Graduates are employed at Geisinger Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Sensor Medics Corporation, Air Products Corporation, U.S. Naval Academy, & Cincinnati Sports Research Center.
- Coursework - Students complete graduate-level courses in exercise science with clinical and research internships that encompass the full spectrum of health, including cardiac rehabilitation and physiological assessment training for optimal performance.
- Graduate Assistantships - Available within the department and across the university.
- Who Should Apply - Great fit for students majoring in exercise science, biology, or health sciences as an undergraduate.
- Preparation for Doctoral Programs - Can also serve as excellent preparation for advanced study, with recent graduates pursuing doctoral degrees at University of Connecticut, Florida State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University-Doctor of Physical Therapy, Syracuse University, Virginia Tech University, and Thomas Jefferson Medical School.
Courses and Curriculum
*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
Non-thesis option — A minimum of 39 semester hours and a 3.0 QPA is required to graduate.
The following course sequence is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as formal academic advisement. Course selections and sequence may vary depending on course availability and counsel from your academic adviser. You should consult an academic adviser before developing an actual academic plan.
EXERSCI.500 Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques
EXERSCI.510 Research Methods in Exercise Science
EXERSCI.511 ECG Interpretation and Exercise Testing
EXERSCI.513 Current Issues in Exercise Science
EXERSCI.551 Mechanics of Human Movement
EXERSCI.553 Exercise in Chronic Disease Management
EXERSCI.454 | EXERSCI.554 Seminar: Exercise Specialist and Health Fitness Instructor
EXERSCI.556 Muscular Adaptations to Exercise
EXERSCI.560 Exercise Nutrition and Metabolism
EXERSCI.575 Exercise Physiology I EXERSCI.576 Exercise Physiology II
EXERSCI.577 Exercise Program Administration
EXERSCI.595 Practicum in Exercise Science
Thesis option — A minimum of 39 semester hours and a 3.0 QPA is required to graduate.
The following course sequence is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as formal academic advisement. Course selections and sequence may vary depending on course availability and counsel from your academic adviser. You should consult an academic adviser before developing an actual academic plan.
EXERSCI.500 Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques
EXERSCI.510 Research Methods in Exercise Science
EXERSCI.511 ECG Interpretation and Exercise Testing
EXERSCI.551 Mechanics of Human Movement
EXERSCI.553 Exercise in Chronic Disease Management
EXERSCI.454 | EXERSCI.554 Seminar Exercise Specialists and Health Fitness Instructor
EXERSCI.556 Muscular Adaptations to Exercise
EXERSCI.560 Exercise Nutrition and Metabolism
EXERSCI.575 Exercise Physiology I EXERSCI.576 Exercise Physiology II
EXERSCI.577 Exercise Program Administration
EXERSCI.599 Master's Thesis
- Online application and application fee.
- Official Transcripts from any colleges attended.
- A bachelor's degree in the biological or allied health sciences or a related field is recommended. Undergraduate prerequisites include Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Exercise Physiology.
- Undergraduate deficiencies may be addressed while working toward the master's degree (without credit earned toward the degree).
- Additionally, applicants must have an undergraduate QPA of at least 3.0 to be fully accepted into the Graduate Program. Students with a QPA of 2.7 – 2.99 will be considered for provisional acceptance. Graduate Record Exam scores may be requested.
In 2022-23, the M.S. program reported the following outcome data:
- Overall retention rate: 100%
- National certification exam pass rate: 100%
- Culminating experience (internship and / or thesis) pass rate: 100%
- Graduate placement rate: 100%
» 100% secured full-time employment in a related field
» Recent graduates have earned full assistantships for doctoral study at:
- University of Connecticut
- Florida State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- Slippery Rock University-Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Syracuse University
- Virginia Tech University
- Thomas Jefferson Medical School.
- Q: When can I start?
A. Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. - Q: How is the program delivered?
A. Taught 100% in-person at the Bloomsburg campus. - Q: How long will it take to complete the degree?
A. Program includes 36 credit hours. Most students complete in two years. - Q: Do I need a degree in exercise science in order to apply?
A. No - It's a great fit for students majoring in exercise science, biology, or health sciences as an undergraduate. - Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
A. No - the GRE is not required for admission.
The Husky Difference
100%
Employment Rate for Graduates
Recent graduates have accepted positions at: Geisinger Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Sensor Medics Corporation, Air Products Corporation, U.S. Naval Academy, & Cincinnati Sports Research Center
ERP distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength, and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-CPT® and CSCS® certifications.
Careers
This two-year curriculum prepares students for careers in areas such as Cardiac Rehabilitation, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Corporate Fitness and Wellness, Health and Fitness Promotion, and Strength and Conditioning, as well as Teaching and Research in Higher Education. Graduates also pursue advanced degrees in a variety of Allied Health fields including Chiropractic Medicine, Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, and Occupational Therapy, as well as Doctoral Degrees in all areas of Exercise Science.
Potential Job Opportunities
- Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabiliation
- Personal Trainer
- Physical Therapist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Corporate Wellness
- Athletic Trainer
- Exercise Specialist
- Health and Fitness Instructor
Continue to Explore
Applying to Graduate Programs
Apply
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Application Process
Review the step-by-step application process for graduate school at Commonwealth University. (Note that Physician Assistant has a specific application through CASPA which can be located on the program webpage)
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Apply Now
Begin your application online. ( Note: This link applies to most graduate programs, but if applying to Physician Assistant, please access the CASPA link on the program webpage).
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Contact Us
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Grad Assistantships
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Tuition and Fees
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Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid team is your guide to navigating the aid process for your graduate degree at BU.
Program Contacts
Exercise Science Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor of Exercise Science
Professor of Exercise Science