If you want to combine hands-on experience with advanced research skills in exercise physiology, Marian University’s ESS graduate program is designed for you. Whether you're pursuing a career in coaching, rehabilitation, or as an exercise physiologist, this program equips you with the practical knowledge and scientific foundation needed for success.
Take the next step toward a rewarding career in exercise and sports science with Marian University’s ESS program.
If you’re looking to become a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Exercise Physiology is designed for you. Like the Master of Science track, this program teaches you to assess, plan, and implement fitness programs that enhance cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. You'll work with a diverse population of adults, from those in rehabilitation to competitive athletes in need of specialized training.
This degree prepares you to take and pass the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification exam, ensuring you're ready for a successful career in the field.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) pathway puts you on track to sit for the certification offered by the ACSM and makes you admissible to Ph.D. programs in any related field.
The M.S. in CEP teaches you to assess, plan, and implement fitness programs intended to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility for a range of adults between those in need of rehabilitation to competitive athletes needing training. The M.S. is a thesis-based program and can be used as a standalone research-based degree or can be used to qualify to sit for the CEP certification exam.
The M.S. in Physiology of Exercise is a science-based curriculum that combines classroom instruction with research to prepare you with the theory and skillset to be a practicing scientist or physiologist or to work directly with athletes. This degree provides you with similar options to the M.S. in CEP but goes beyond preparing you for CEP certification; it provides a stronger emphasis on research. It is common for students pursuing this degree to continue to a Ph.D. program.
The demand for exercise physiologists is growing, and many higher-paying positions in medical clinics and hospitals prefer applicants with advanced coursework, training, and certification. With only a bachelor's degree, you’ll likely start in an entry-level position, while a master's degree can qualify you for supervisory roles. Earning a master's in exercise and sports sciences can also be a direct path toward eventually earning a Ph.D.
If you want to enhance your competitiveness for doctoral programs—such as Ph.D., Physician Assistant (PA), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Medical Doctor (MD), or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs—this master's program is an excellent fit. DPT jobs are projected to grow by 18% over the next 10 years, and applications for orthopedic residency positions increased by 63% between 2008 and 2018. A master's degree, combined with substantive research experience, significantly strengthens your qualifications for specialization in these fields.
Understand the biochemistry and physiology of the acute responses to exercise;
Understand the biochemistry and physiology of the adaptations that result from chronic exposure to exercise;
Understand the ways that both the acute responses and chronic adaptations can be components of the practice of modern medicine;
Apply this understanding to the assessment of common exercise programs;
Analyze the relationships between different organ systems in the setting of acute responses to exercise and the setting of adaptations that result from chronic exposure to exercise;
Evaluate the biomedical and scientific validity of modern publications in the field of exercise physiology;
Evaluate the biomedical and scientific validity of common nutritional and exercise prescriptions;
Design an independent research project;
Conduct an independent project;
Create enough new research data that it can support the production of a publication-quality research article;
Write and defend a thesis.
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Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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