The masters degree in Exercise Physiology is a two year program of study (typically one year for UVa undergraduates who complete the Bs.Ed in Kinesiology) . There are currently three options for study in Exercise Physiology at the Master’s degree level:
1. A Master’s degree specialization which prepares students for advanced graduate study in Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity Intervention, Exercise Science and potential academic/research careers;
2. A Master’s degree specialization which prepares students for clinically - oriented careers in fitness/exercise and health promotion, physical activity intervention, cardiac rehabilitation, or strength training and conditioning
3. A Master’s degree specialization which allows students to combine options 1 and 2.
Program Life
Exercise scientists study the effects of exercise/physical activity on health, disease, and sport performance. They focus on the prescription of exercise and promotion of physical activity for healthy individuals, athletes, and/or clinical populations. The field of exercise physiology thus overlaps considerably with public health, epidemiology, nutrition, medicine, and athletics.
Our students take courses in metabolism, physiology, epidemiology, and disease prevention. They learn to critique research as well as conduct it. They learn to administer exercise tests, read electrocardiograms, and counsel patients about lifestyle. They gain the knowledge and skills to work with healthy adults, athletes, clinical populations, and children.
Career opportunities exist in health and fitness centers, sports programs, hospitals and other clinical settings, academic institutions, research laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, and public health agencies.
Students who graduate from this area of study will have:
A thorough knowledge of exercise and physiology with an emphasis on metabolism and cardio-respiratory function,
An ability to provide competent leadership for exercise classes involving health and high risk patients,
A thorough knowledge of, and practical experience, in procedures for exercise testing,
An ability to analyze and interpret basic data obtained during exercise tests, and
A working knowledge of research design, research methods, and basic statistics.
This course of study can lead to employment in community, corporate, and university exercise programs, or cardiac rehabilitation, advanced study and research in the field of applied exercise physiology.
Affiliated Centers
General Clinic Research Center
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Consistent with Curry School admissions criteria
The M.Ed in Exercise Physiology is open to:
·Students who have already obtained an undergraduate degree and have received a successful score on the GRE. The program is typically completed in 4 semesters.
·UVA students currently in the Bs.Ed. in Kinesiology program who choose to focus their course work and practical experience in Exercise Physiology can complete the master’s degree in one additional year. These students must be in good academic standing and also receive a successful score on the GRE. Students should declare their interest in the master’s in Exercise Physiology by the end of their third year, since this determines the electives they take, and allows them to begin graduate course work in their 4th year at UVA.
Application Due Date
All application materials are due no later than February 15. Accepted students begin the program in August. (fall semester)
Degree Requirements
To complete the M.Ed. in Exercise Physiology, students must complete a minimum of 36 credits (beyond their undergraduate degree). UVA students who complete the Bs.Ed. in Kinesiology with more than 120 hours can count approved graduate credits toward the M.Ed. degree. Required courses and suggested electives are described below in "course of study."
In addition to the 36 credits, students must also either complete a master’s thesis under the direction of Arthur Weltman or John Sirard OR pass a comprehensive examination. Students who are not doing a thesis are expected to participate in additional practicum experiences beyond the EDHS 7431/7432 series.
Funding Opportunities
Teaching LPA classes, graduate teaching assistantships, employment opportunities related to exercise/physical activity at local hospitals, health clubs, UVa intramurals, and research assistantships from externally funded grants.
Typical Length of Study
Varies
Semester of Entry:
UVA students completing the 4 + 1 (undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, M.Ed in Exercise Physiology) have ongoing admission to the masters program. Typically they begin taking graduate level courses in the fall semester of their fourth year, as approved by Arthur Weltman. Graduate students entering from other institutions begin the master’s program in August (fall semester) of the year they apply.
Full or Part Time:
Full Time. The MEd program can be completed on a part time basis with the permission of the Exercise Physiology Faculty
Course Overview
Typical Master’s Curriculum
Fall 1----Required Courses
BME 6103 (3) Physiology l
EDLF 7310 (3) Educational Stats l
EDHS 7420 (3) Advanced Ex Phys
EDHS 7431 (3) Ex Principles Health/Fitness (practicum)
EDHS 8500 (1) Seminar in Exercise Physiology
= 13 credits
Spring 1---Required Courses
BME 6104 (3) Physiology ll
EDLF 8300 (3) Stats ll
EDHS 7430 (3) Exercise Physiology Lab
EDHS 7432 (3) Exercise Testing, Evaluation, and Prescription (practicum)
= 12 credits
Summer—Required Course
EDHS 5500 (3) Pediatric Exercise Physiology
= 3 credits
In the second year, there’s room for electives, additional practicums or thesis, and independent studies.
Fall 2—Required Courses
EDHS 8430 (3) Exercise Intervention in Health and Disease
EDHS 8500 (1) Seminar in Exercise Physiology
8-12 credits of electives, choose from the list below
Suggested Electives: (not all inclusive)
EDHS 7433 (3) Lifestyle Intervention in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (practicum)
GNUR 6010 (3) Pathophysiology
EDHS 7410 (3) Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries
EDHS 8980 (3) Practicum-Strength and Conditioning; Athletic Nutrition; Cancer Center
EDHS 8999 (3) Master’s thesis credits
EDLF 8310 (3) Stats lll
Spring 2—Required Courses
EDHS 5500 (3) Physical Activity and Public Health
EDHS 8420 (3) Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise
EDHS 8500 (1) Comps review seminar required for all non-thesis students
6-9 credits of electives, choose from the list below
Suggested Electives: (not all inclusive)
EDHS 5440 (3) Athletic Injuries
EDHS 5441 (1) Athletic Injuries Lab
EDHS 5630 (3) Nutrition (will be fall course beginning fall 2012)
EDHS 7434 (3) Principles of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (practicum)
EDHS 8980 (3) Practicum/Independent Study—Strength and Conditioning; Athletic Nutrition; Cancer Center
EDHS 8999 (3) Master’s thesis
EDLF 8350(3) Stats IV
Sample Jobs After Graduation
Worksite/community based wellness and health promotion, hospital based fitness and cardiac rehabilitation programs, clinical research, personal training, strength and conditioning, physical activity/health promotion in local or county health departments, university fitness programs.
The M.Ed in Exercise Physiology can also lead to admission to a Ph.D, MD, PA, or RD program.
Contacts
