Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

Purpose
The Master of Science degree program in Exercise Physiology is designed to prepare students to access key positions in the health, fitness, athletics, rehabilitation and research fields and to empower them with the knowledge and hands-on experiences to make a successful transition into post-graduate work. Students experience professional growth in research and scientific writing and oral communication. They are encouraged to think critically and reflectively in order to promote entrepreneurial creativity as it relates to the complexity of life's health and fitness issues and concerns.

Program Description
The program consists of classroom and laboratory courses designed to develop exercise physiologists as critical thinkers, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Students will be prepared to assist in the ongoing development of programs in health and wellness, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, hospital-based clinical research and fitness programs that evaluate athletes and human performance activities. The program also prepares the students for advanced graduate work. The full-time Exercise Physiology graduate program is a 32-credit concentrated one-year academic degree. Students begin the program in the fall semester and are scheduled to complete the degree at the end of the summer session.

Admission Requirements
Students must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A major or a concentration in exercise physiology is preferred. A student is expected to have undergraduate course work in the science areas including kinesiology and exercise physiology. When these courses are lacking, it is expected that students will make up the deficiencies. A student may be admitted to the program contingent upon successful completion of undergraduate deficiencies. Although not a prerequisite, it is strongly recommended that applicants have some academic background in statistics, research methods, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.7 in undergraduate coursework. Upon receipt of all application materials (including the non-refundable U.S. $50 fee), qualified applicants may request an interview with faculty of the Exercise Physiology Department. A completed statement of intent, which describes career goals, previous experience, and research interests must be sent to the Exercise Physiology Admissions Office. Two letters of recommendation should describe the candidate's potential for a successful completion of the Exercise Physiology program. The recommendation may include information about interpersonal skills, communication skills, knowledge of the profession and other personal attributes. Official transcripts of baccalaureate and graduate coursework must be mailed from each institution attended directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.

Degree Requirements
Students enrolled on a full-time basis must complete all courses in sequence. Part-time students must consult with the chair of the department to identify the appropriate course(s) per semester. Following completion of the academic component of the program (24 credits), the student chooses either the internship track or the thesis track (8 credits each). Internship experiences will be arranged through the program's clinical coordinator at places of interest throughout the United States.

Credit towards the degree will be given for courses with a grade of "C" or better; students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during both semesters. If approved by The College of St. Scholastica, a maximum of six graduate semester credits may be transferred from an accredited graduate program. Once enrolled in the program, students must receive prior approval from the chair of the department for the course(s) to be taken at another university with the expectation of transfer. Evidence of progress means registration in a minimum of one course per semester during the academic year. The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology graduate program must be completed within seven years. Credits more than seven years old as of the date of graduation will not count toward the degree.

Course Descriptions 

EXP 6521: Functional Anatomy
3 credits
This course examines the functional relationships between origin, insertion and actions of muscles of the upper and lower extremities. Emphasis is on the related nerves, vascular and lymphatic components, particularly as they relate to the dysfunction of a joint or limb. Special attention is given to the cadaver dissection experiences, both from a dissection technique as well as a means of enhancing the student's understanding of the three-dimensional approach to ascertaining anatomical relationships.

EXP 6522: Biochemistry, Nutrition and Exercise
3 credits
This course studies the biochemistry of humans in relation to nutrition and exercise. It emphasizes the basic elements of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, the role of nutrition in providing energy, building/repairing tissues and regulating metabolic processes during sports and the degree to which nutrition may enhance fitness. A section on molecular biology is included, which aids understanding of regulation at the level of DNA. Emphasis is also placed on the clarification of the most prevalent ergogenic aids (based on reputable research) and how they are thought to increase anaerobic and aerobic power (fitness) and athletic performance.

EXP 6531: Applied Exercise Physiology
3 credits
This course discusses the body's adaptation to acute and chronic exercise, including hormonal responses, under standard and nonstandard environmental conditions. Age and gender differences are also studied. Laboratory sessions are used to collect data to physiologically profile the human response to selected stressors.

EXP 6535: Cardiovascular Physiology
3 credits
This course presents an in-depth study of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Emphasis is placed on the integrative aspects of cardiovascular control and regulation in humans. Topics include circulatory responses to upright posture (orthostatic intolerance), central and peripheral circulatory adjustments to dynamic exercise, limitations to oxygen consumption during maximum exercise and signals that govern the cardiovascular response at rest and during exercise.

EXP 6536: Clinical Exercise Physiology
3 credits
This course examines the issues related to clinical exercise physiology with a focus on the most common chronic diseases/conditions for which exercise has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit in terms of rehabilitation and risk factor modification.

EXP 6538: Exercise Testing and Electrocardiography
3 credits
This course presents the steps in performing a graded exercise test (using different test protocols), the contraindications for a test and the procedures for and advantages of using oxygen analyzers in assessing cardiorespiratory function. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of knowing how to read resting and exercise electrocardiograms and the legal responsibilities in knowing when to stop an exercise test.

EXP 6540: Psychophysiology of Health and Exercise
3 credits
This course examines the psychophysiological factors thought to be involved in the development and maintenance of health and fitness. Attention is focused on what is stress, how nerves and glands get involved and for what purpose, effects of stress on the mind/body complex and the biobehavioral interventions used to elicit relaxation at rest and during exercise. Special emphasis is also placed on critical thinking, the role of religion in health, fitness, and the management of stress.

EXP 6542: Strength Training, Conditioning, and Physiological Assessment
This course examines the underlying theories behind (and techniques for) assessing, developing, and enhancing the function and capacity of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Specific emphasis placed on application to the continuum of populations and practical considerations for present-day society.

EXP 6555: Internship
8 credits
This course consists of a semester internship in an off-campus setting, including but not limited to cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, adult fitness and training, corporate fitness or a clinical research institution. The student is enrolled in EXP 6555 during the summer semester. While off-campus, the student is supervised by an exercise physiologist or a practicing clinician. All internship activities are monitored by the clinical coordinator in the Department of Exercise Physiology.

EXP 6888: Thesis
8 credits
The student designs and fulfills all the responsibilities required for the completion of a thesis, which requires a two-step process. During the spring semester, the student writes and submits a research proposal to an advisor and/or the chair of the department of Exercise Physiology and, if accepted, writes the first three chapters of the thesis (introduction, review of related literature, and research design). If possible, the student also collects and analyzes the data during the latter part of spring semester. During the summer semester, the student writes the final thesis chapters (e.g., results, discussion, and conclusions).

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology at The College of St. Scholastica, the graduate will be able to: 

1. Describe exercise physiology and the roles exercise physiologists play in health care, fitness, and athletics.
2. Evaluate scientific articles and analyze their potential application in exercise physiology.
3. Critically examine and analyze the practical and scientific aspects of functional anatomy, particularly as it relates to dysfunctional lifestyles.
4. Administer and interpret graded exercise tests, describe the contraindications for a test and the procedures for and advantages of using oxygen analyzers in assessing cardiorespiratory function.
5. Assess the benefits of cardiorespiratory training and adaptations resulting from exercise, and the contribution of central and peripheral factors to oxygen uptake at rest and during exercise.
6. Analyze and explain cardiovascular control and regulation in upright and inverted postures.
7. Discuss limitations to maximum oxygen uptake.
8. Compare and contrast health, fitness, and exercise related research articles; the methods, designs, statistics, and implications for critical thinking.
9. Apply the exercise physiology body of knowledge in the care of postmyocardial infarction patients.
10. Demonstrate proficiency at administering electrocardiograms (ECGs) and interpret tracings at rest and during exercise.
11. Discuss the mind-body connection and the role that emotional health and stress management play in maintaining an individual's health and well being.
12. Explain the physiological basis and the practical application of exercise in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases that have a strong behavioral component such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
13. Describe the benefits of, and principles for, implementing a strength and flexibility training program for a wide assortment of individuals including athletes, various patient populations and the public at large.
14. Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills.

The Exercise Physiology academic program consists of the following graduate courses:
EXP 6521: Functional Anatomy 3 cr.
EXP 6522: Biochemistry, Nutrition and Exercise 3 cr.
EXP 6531: Applied Exercise Physiology 3 cr.
EXP 6535: Cardiovascular Physiology 3 cr.
EXP 6536: Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 cr.
EXP 6538: Exercise Testing and Electrocardiography3 cr.
EXP 6542: Strength Training, Conditioning, and Physiological Assessement 3 cr.
EXP 6540: Psychophysiology of Health and Exercise 3 cr.
EXP 6555: Internship 8 cr.
EXP 6888: Thesis 8 cr.