MSc. Exercise Physiology

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Science at MTSU, prepares students for career opportunities in corporate, community, and private fitness sectors, as well as clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and doctoral programs. Thesis and non-thesis tracks are available for students. This four-semester degree offers advanced coursework that prepares candidates for certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology. This degree also prepares candidates to enter terminal Exercise Physiology degree programs. Career opportunities include employment in clinical exercise physiology and corporate, community, or private fitness sectors. The Exercise Physiology Lab contains state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate both student and faculty research, including a DEXA, metabolic carts, an EKG system, land and underwater treadmills, leg and arm ergometers, a hydrostatic weighing tank, bioelectrical impedance, a lactate and cholesterol analyzer, isokinetic dynamometry, and a telemetry EMG system. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 semester hours including an internship. The thesis option includes 30-33 hours of coursework. The degree prerequisite is two semesters of human anatomy and physiology.

Career Path

Graduates can also continue their education in other health care professions. Potential occupations include, but are not limited to: Bariatric exercise specialist, Cardiac rehabilitation specialist, Diabetes educator, Educator/professor, Employee fitness director, Exercise physiologist, Fitness center/gym owner or manager, Health coach, Occupational therapist, Oncology exercise rehabilitation specialist, Personal trainer, Physical therapist, Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist, Researcher, Strength and conditioning specialist.