M.S. Concentration
in Exercise Physiology

The master's degree concentration in exercise physiology is designed to prepare students for doctoral study in exercise physiology and/or to provide a foundational preparation for students with career interests in coaching, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate fitness, wellness, or medicine.

Students who pursue the concentration in exercise physiology have opportunities to participate in research exploring the relationship between exercise and the various physiological systems, and the interaction of exercise with such factors as diet and disease across the lifespan. All students receive some exposure to research design and practice through required coursework which may be supplemented by a research practicum experience. Some students choose a coursework option, electing additional coursework and written comprehensive exams in lieu of other capstone research or internship options. Students who choose either the thesis or research project options conduct more extensive individual research projects under supervision of an individual faculty member.

Individuals who wish to focus on practical implementation of their physiology coursework may elect an internship capstone option. Examples of internship sites include local hospitals and corporations that have ongoing cardiac rehabilitation or corporate fitness/wellness programs. Upon graduation, internship students are prepared for advanced graduate study and/or careers in areas such as coaching, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate fitness, or wellness.

Course Work

The requirements for the M.S. degree in kinesiology include a minimum of 30 credits in specified areas of study. A typical program plan for master's degree students in exercise physiology includes some of the following courses. The exact program of study is specified in an individual program plan approved by the student's advisor.

1. Required course - 3 credits

2. Exercise physiology concentration - minimum of 9 credits

3. Breadth requirement - minimum of 6 credits of KIN graduate-level courses outside of the student's concentration for students who did not complete an undergraduate degree in kinesiology

4. Elective courses - additional credits in courses related to exercise physiology.

Capstone Experiences

Master's degree students in the Department of Kinesiology choose one of four capstone experiences in consultation with their advisors and guidance committees. Each of the four options includes a certifying examination.

Expectations

Expectations of KIN master's degree students are individualized because of the different concentrations offered within the department and the students' various educational goals. Commonalities in expectations of master's degree students include: (a) professional growth and involvement; (b) demonstrated ability to teach within the context of the student's chosen field; and (c) knowledge and skill as a consumer of research. Students who intend to pursue doctoral study or research careers are also expected to develop ability to plan, conduct, and disseminate research. Departmental expectations related to that goal are described in Expectations of M.S. Students, and related learning experiences are described in Professional Development Opportunities. These expectations are individualized for students during advising and guidance committee meetings.

Internships

Students at the master's degree level interested in pursuing the internship option are responsible for locating and obtaining an internship position corresponding to his or her long term professional and career goals. The Department will facilitate this process by providing students with resources on potential sites and by aiding in contacting internship site supervisors in their field of interest. Recent student internship placement sites have included Apple Computer, General Motors, Medsport, the Michigan Heart Association, Ingham Regional Medical Center, St. Lawrence Hospital, Sparrow Hospital, Beaumont Health Center, Lansing Community College, MSU Student Health Services (Olin Health Center), the Strength and Conditioning program of the MSU Athletic Department, and the MSU "Healthy U" Worksite Wellness Program.

Related Web Sites

Admissions

Contact Information

Contact the following faculty member about the concentration in exercise physiology. Click on the name for the faculty member's bio. Click on an email address to send a message.