M.S. in Applied Exercise Physiology and Human Performance

Contact Us

Gracemarie Ainsworth
Academic Operations Manager
gainsworth1@plymouth.edu

Ryanne Carmichael
Program Coordinator, Exercise & Sport Physiology
Professor
rcarmichael@plymouth.edu

Pushing the limits of human performance.

Whether you’re interested in learning how to maximize athletic performance or in understanding how exercise can be used as medicine in clinical populations, our MS program provides you with the strong scientific background and applied experiences you will need.

Our comprehensive curriculum comprises courses designed to enhance your knowledge across a broad range of exercise science topics including strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, and exercise psychology. The coursework is complemented by extensive laboratory and applied experiences including research and practicum work.

The MS in Applied Exercise Physiology and Human Performance is offered to current students in the form of a 3+2 program. For non-PSU students and PSU alumni, a 2-year program is available. In each program, students can elect the thesis or non-thesis option.

The thesis option will give students the opportunity to develop a research project driven by their own interests in exercise and sport physiology. Thesis students will work closely with a faculty supervisor and will be guided through the thesis process through work in the Graduate Seminar and Graduate Thesis classes.

Students who elect the non-thesis option will complete practicum and internship experiences, which will give them the hands on skills they will need to be successful across a variety of fields in exercise science. Experiences may include work in strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, or general health and wellness. Non-thesis students will work closely with a faculty supervisor and will be guided through the practicum and internship process through work in the Graduate Seminar, Advanced Practicum, and Graduate Internship classes.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically interpret current literature in exercise physiology.
• Explain the acute and chronic effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on metabolism and the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems.
• Demonstrate competency of the pathophysiology of various chronic diseases and explain the preventative and therapeutic effects of exercise.
• Design, manage, implement assessment and exercise prescriptions for athletic, healthy, and special populations through evidence-based practice.
• Create interventions to modify health behaviors utilizing theoretical frameworks.
• Explain biochemical components of exercise to help better assist exercise prescription and nutritional strategies for both athletes and recreationally active adults.
• Synthesize and disseminate scientific findings from thesis and practicum experiences.
• Apply theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical experiences in clinical and/or applied settings.

Careers in Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

• Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Specialist
• Fitness Director
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
• Researcher

Graduates of the MS in Applied Exercise Physiology program will be qualified to challenge the following certification exams:

• ACSM’s Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSP-EP)
• ACSM’s Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
• NSCA’s Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• NSCA’s Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)