Exercise Physiology

Overview

A Master of Science in kinesiology with a specialization in exercise physiology is offered as an adult evening program designed in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for certification as a certified clinical exercise physiologist. The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for:

Careers as exercise specialists who direct:
- Cardiac preventive and rehabilitative programs
- Personal training in hospitals and corporate wellness programs
- High school, collegiate, private or professional athlete performance/strength and conditioning programs
Positions as instructors in academic health and exercise science programs
Further study in graduate programs or allied health programs in medicine or physical/occupational therapy

Program Format

The program can be completed through a mix of traditional daytime courses and online courses. Students are able to begin the program in the fall, spring or summer, and can complete all degree requirements in 12-22 months.

Accreditation

The exercise physiology program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.

The exercise physiology program was subsequently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the summer of 2014 and is one of only 5% of programs nationally and the only program in Illinois to have earned this accreditation and acclaim. The program reports annual outcome data and is held to the high standards of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). For example, over the last three academic years, the exercise physiology program reported a 95% retention rate and a graduate placement rate of 94%. The American College of Sports Medicine endorses the exercise physiology program as matching the goals of the Clinical Exercise Physiologists level of certification. This program is not designed for professional licensure.

For more information, please contact Dr. Erik Kirk, program director, at ekirk@siue.edu.

Why Exercise Physiology?

A rapidly growing field, exercise physiology uses exercise, nutrition and behavior retention in the treatment of healthy or unhealthy individuals. Exercise physiologists are responsible for:

Assessment, improvement and maintenance of health and fitness
Rehabilitation of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases/disabilities
Professional guidance of athletes and others interested in sports training

What can I do with a degree in exercise physiology?

Career opportunities for individuals graduating with a degree in exercise physiology are numerous.

Students who graduate with an MS in exercise physiology most commonly obtain employment in:

Cardiac rehabilitation
Strength and conditioning
Athlete performance coaching
Personal training
Wellness coaching
Fitness facility management
Medical or fitness sales

Career opportunities are not limited to the list above and our graduates have also obtained employment as research assistants or study coordinators at clinical or academic research facilities. Some alumni also own their own fitness, training or athlete performance businesses.

Many students also earn an MS in exercise physiology to prepare for future study in:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Chiropractic
Medicine
Physician assistant programs
PhD programs in basic science or exercise physiology

The demand for exercise physiologists is outstanding and is expected to remain very strong due to the increasing emphasis on prevention of illness and the use of exercise as a means of promoting good health.

Faculty

View current Department of Applied Health faculty.