Academics
The Exercise Science graduate program offers a master's degree with thesis and non-thesis options. An eleven-credit graduate certificate is also available. Students who wish to pursue doctoral level studies that include Exercise Physiology may apply to the WSU Interdisciplinary PhD program.
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Degree requirements
Programs for the Master of Science degree consist of a minimum of 34 semester hours of graduate credit.
- For students choosing the thesis option, a minimum of 30 credits of graded course work must be included in the program in addition to the thesis and examination (four credits).
- For students in a non-thesis option, a minimum of 27 credits of graded course work, a five-credit internship, and a project/independent study, and/or examination are required.
-
Undergraduate
preparation
Core curriculum
- The core curriculum provides each student with advanced course work in exercise physiology with primary emphasis in muscle physiology and exercise bioenergetics (Ex Sci 565), cardiopulmonary exercise physiology (Ex Sci 567), and exercise immunology (Ex Sci 563).
- These courses have foundations in the study of the cellular mechanisms that regulate physiological responses to exercise. Each course also provides applicable knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern cellular responses, as elucidated by the current literature in the field of exercise biology.
- The research methods and statistics courses assure
that students receive preparatory study in research
design and analysis for future projects or thesis
work.
Specialization
Graduate students specialize in either clinical or experimental physiology.
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Clinical exercise physiology provides graduate education in exercise prescription and delivery of preventive and rehabilitative exercise programs for different groups, particularly those with a specific disease or at high risk of developing a medical condition. Coursework in clinical exercise physiology prepares students for testing and certification in clinical physiology by the American College of Sports Medicine, the premier certifying body for clinical, health, and fitness standards.
Clinical exercise physiology is a rapidly evolving field of increasing importance to the delivery of health care. Physical activity plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and the rehabilitation of people with various physical disabilities. Clinical exercise physiologists work as a part of the health care team to improve individual health and functioning by using exercise to evaluate functional capacity; assisting physicians in diagnostic testing; prescribing exercise; and instructing, supervising, and monitoring exercise programs in clinical settings.
Experimental Exercise Physiology
Experimental exercise physiology provides graduate education in scientific and research techniques (basic or applied) that prepare students to study the biological mechanisms underlying the body's response to exercise.
Graduates with an emphasis in experimental exercise physiology may choose to apply to doctoral programs in related academic fields such as physiology or neuroscience, or may choose careers in academic or corporate research.
At a glance
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Experimental Exercise Physiology (thesis only)
Contact us
Deb Haberman
E-mail: habermad@wsu.edu
Telephone: 509.358.7811
