Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
Beginning in the fall of 2024, you can pursue your master's degree in exercise physiology at UW-Eau Claire.
Join the Growing Field
The master of science in exercise physiology program will be offered at UW-Eau Claire beginning in the fall of 2024.
Designed to provide foundational knowledge and clinical experiences, the exercise physiology graduate program will prepare you for work in a variety of preventative health programs. This can include medically-based fitness programs, cardiac rehabilitation and other clinically related areas — such as aging, diabetes management, cancer, and neurology — as well as rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities.
Currently, the kinesiology department holds affiliation agreements with many hospitals and clinics in the Eau Claire area and regionally in western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota and even select hospitals and clinics around the U.S for those students interested in looking outside the region for their capstone experience.
In addition to preparing you for application to advanced professional degree programs, this degree will enable you to fill the growing demand for exercise physiologists!
Program Details
Our program's strong collaborations with organizations such as Mayo Clinic, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and area hospitals will give you the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and gain invaluable experience outside the classroom. Your clinical experience may even take you out of state!
The exercise physiology program will be a part of ongoing initiatives at UW-Eau Claire to increase interdisciplinary collaboration among health science focused departments in areas such as curriculum development, research, and service while working to provide advising and clinical learning experiences for students in these select departments.
At UW-Eau Claire, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate on one-of-a-kind research projects, including through the Mayo Clinic Health System. Mayo Clinic Health System sites, Marshfield Clinic, and other outpatient rehabilitation clinics will serve as placement sites for you to gain experience working with a wide range of clientele.
The department has a variety of faculty-led outreach programs for you to get involved with, including the Community Fitness Program, Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire Area (P.R.I.D.E.), P.R.I.D.E.4Adults, Parkinson’s Exercise Program, and Cancer Recovery and Fitness. Participating in these programs allows you to work alongside your peers and faculty while developing important clinical skills.
Blugold Stories
While earning a graduate degree in exercise physiology at UWEC, you'll have access to our expert faculty, a variety of fitness equipment and spaces, and opportunities to work with — and mentor — undergraduate students.
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Where can the master of science in exercise physiology program lead me after graduation?
A major strength of this program is its broad-based foundation in the science and application of exercise physiology principles to a wide range of clinical populations.
Beyond the traditional avenues, the training received through this degree will be especially relevant for those who seek positions in clinical, university or industry-based research laboratories, or want to use this degree as a preparatory option for application to advanced professional degree programs (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, medical school, etc.). The rigor of this program will also prepare students to enter research-based doctoral degree programs.
The core curriculum of this program will provide you with a breadth of foundational knowledge through courses such as advanced exercise physiology, laboratory procedures, clinical exercise physiology, and adapted physical activity; as well as theoretical knowledge regarding research methods and application of statistical procedures. Also, students will complete one of three capstone experiences (either a thesis, scholarly research paper, or internship) based on their professional goals.
Here are a few courses in Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at UW-Eau Claire.
KINS 708
Advanced Exercise Physiology
The purpose of this course is to enable the exercise/rehabilitation professional to gain an advanced and detailed understanding of the responses of physiological systems to acute exercise and how the repeated application of exercise results in adaptations within physiological systems (i.e. training adaptation). Emphasis will be placed on the metabolic/bioenergetic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and pulmonary responses to acute and chronic exercise (in normal and other environmental conditions), the interaction of these system responses, and to dispel any myths that might relate to exercise training. The student will also be provided opportunities to engage in critical analyses of the current literature regarding these topics.
KINS 512
Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
The course will examine psychological aspects which affect peak performance in sport, along with exploring the effect that sport and physical activity have on individuals.
KINS 650
Applied Nutrition in Kinesiology
The purpose of this course is to gain insight into nutritional issues related to various populations. Students will assess dietary, physical, and performance standards related to these populations and develop alternative plans for healthy lifestyles.
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