A group of exercise science students take measurements in a lab. A group of exercise science students take measurements in a lab. Student on treadmill being monitored by athletic trainer

Exercise Physiology
MS

Master's in exercise physiology

Take your passion for health and fitness to the next level with a master’s degree in exercise physiology! This program equips you with the expertise to transform lives—whether it’s boosting athletic performance, designing personalized fitness plans or supporting individuals with chronic conditions. Graduate with research experience ready for a rewarding career in the field of health and wellness.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours

Why choose a master's in exercise physiology from CMU?

As a graduate student at CMU, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professors in state-of-the-art clinics and cutting-edge laboratories. Through research and hands-on experience in the lab, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the human body.

Subject areas in this graduate program include: 

  • Diagnostic testing and exercise programming for clinical populations.
  • Strength and conditioning, along with sport performance for athletes.
  • Cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular physiology.
  • Physiological responses to exercise, movement and training.
  • Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Endocrine and metabolic responses to exercise.

You'll have the choice of two capstone research experiences: a thesis or directed research. Our exercise science faculty have extensive research experience and will serve as mentors as you lead your own projects. Current exercise science research areas include: cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular and cellular physiologies, environmental physiology, sports performance, diabetes and obesity.

Your studies in biomechanics, performance optimization and rehabilitation techniques will prepare you for success in a variety of health and wellness fields. Many graduates of the exercise physiology program use the degree as a stepping stone into post-graduate work. Others go on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Highlights of the M.S. in Exercise Physiology

  • Explore career paths: Our curriculum offers you the chance to pursue several subject areas and prepare for different career paths.
  • Earn while you learn: Apply for graduate teaching in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, clinical exercise and health fitness classes with a graduate assistantship.
  • Test your skills: Gain hands-on experience in advanced research facilities, like the Motion Analysis Center (MAC) and Sports Medicine Research Laboratory.

Careers in exercise physiology

Our exercise physiology graduate program prepare you for several professional avenues. These include athletic coaching, corporate wellness and physical education. Graduates go on to pursue work as fitness facility directors, physical activity directors, sport and recreation camps managers, strength and conditioning mentors and more.

Career Projected Salary
Health Educator $62,860
Health & Wellness Coach $70,087
Fitness/Wellness Manager $110,680
Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor $46,480
Exercise Physiologist/Specialist $54,860
Rehabilitation Physicians $223,410
Exercise/Fitness Trainer $45,380
Sports Medicine Physician $223,410
A physiology student sits in a chair in front of a computer as another student walks in the foreground wearing tracking devices.

Explore advanced topics in exercise science

Advance your field and give your résumé a boost with hands-on exercise science research. Your graduate program will culminate in either a thesis or a directed research project on advanced topics.

Explore areas of research

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