Graduate Academic Programs

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Science in Kinesiology Degree (MSK), Exercise Physiology Major

Description of Program

Exercise physiology is broadly based on basic sciences: human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology. The primary goal of this field is to understand how the various cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems respond to challenges posed by exercise and physical training. Exercise physiology focuses on optimal performance such as that attained by elite and highly trained athletes. Unlike many fields, exercise physiology has remained integrative, examining how the failure or enhancement of one physiological system can influence another. The field also considers how the environment imposes limits on the body during exercise through such means as heat, cold, humidity, and altitude.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 35 credit hours is required for the exercise physiology program. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Complete the following list of requirements:


Public Health Foundations Requirement (0 credits)
All new Master's degree students should complete the Public Health Foundations online course prior to registering for their first semester courses. Complete details and registration information for this course can be found at the following Website: https://iu.instructure.com/enroll/MNG3L6.

Exercise Physiology Program Required Courses (20 credits)
Complete each of the following courses:

  • SPH-K 542 Neuromuscular Control of Movement (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 634 Respiratory Physiology of Exercise (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 635 Cardiovascular Physiology of Exercise (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 636 Cardio-Pulmonary Assessment Lab (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 638 Biochemical Adaptations to Exercise (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 639 Laboratory Techniques for Exercise Biochemistry (2 cr.)
  • SPH-K 694 Seminar in Human Performance (3 cr.)

Remaining Electives (15 cr.)
Complete electives to reach the required minimum 35 graduate-level credits. Electives must be selected with advisor approval
The following courses are recommended as electives:

  • BIOL-T 567 Cell Physiology (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 530 Mechanical Analysis of Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 533 Advanced Theories in High-Level Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 599 Masters Thesis (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 633 Factors Affecting Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 652 Clinical Exercise Physiology (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 693 Independent Study and Research (3 cr.)
  • SPH-Q 501 Introduction to Statistics in Public Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-Q 502 Intermediate Statistics in Public Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-X 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, & Recreation (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels can assist in a wide variety of ongoing research experiments in the exercise physiology laboratories.

Careers
  • Careers for M.S.: Preparation toward Ph.D. programs; research-related positions at research laboratories.
  • Careers for Ph.D.: Graduates are qualified for research and teaching positions at universities, sports organizations, and medical centers.

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