Department of Exercise Physiology
Improve health, wellness, and human performance through science-based education, hands-on laboratory experiences, and clinical practice. West Liberty University’s Exercise Physiology programs prepare students for careers in healthcare, fitness, rehabilitation, performance training, and research.
Advance human performance
and improve lives
Exercise Physiology combines the study of human movement, exercise science, health assessment, and performance optimization. Through immersive laboratory experiences, research opportunities, internships, and faculty mentorship, students develop the skills needed to pursue rewarding careers and advanced study in healthcare, fitness, rehabilitation, and sport performance.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
Degree
Pathways
West Liberty University’s Exercise Physiology department offers educational pathways that prepare students for both immediate career opportunities and advanced professional roles. Students progress from foundational scientific knowledge to applied assessment, testing, exercise prescription, research, and leadership experiences
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology provides a comprehensive foundation in human movement science, exercise testing, fitness assessment, research methods, and practical application. Students participate in classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, research projects, and professional internships.
Ideal if you want to:
- Work in health, fitness, or wellness professions
- Prepare for graduate or professional school
- Study exercise science and human performance
- Gain hands-on laboratory and internship experience
- Help individuals improve health and physical performance
The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology is a 36-credit graduate program designed for students pursuing advanced careers in clinical and non-clinical exercise physiology. Students develop expertise in exercise testing, exercise prescription, research, leadership, and interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration.
Ideal if you want to:
- Become a clinical exercise physiologist
- Work in cardiac, pulmonary, or cancer rehabilitation
- Lead health and wellness initiatives
- Conduct exercise physiology research
- Advance your credentials in healthcare and performance settings
State-of-the-art
learning environments
Students gain practical experience using professional-grade equipment and technology that mirrors real-world healthcare, fitness, and performance environments.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory
- Metabolic cart systems
- Treadmills and cycle ergometers
- Rowing ergometers
- Electrocardiography (ECG) equipment
- Free weights and strength training equipment
- Squat racks and benches
- Heart rate monitoring systems
- Bioelectrical impedance analyzers
- Skinfold assessment tools
- Flexibility assessment equipment
- Student research workspaces
Students graduate with confidence using the tools and technologies utilized by healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and human performance specialists.
Careers in
Exercise Physiology
Career Paths
Exercise Physiology graduates at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Cancer Exercise Specialist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Corporate Fitness Specialist
- Health Coach
- Fitness Director
- Personal Trainer
- Wellness Coordinator
- Human Performance Specialist
- Exercise Science Research Assistant
- Graduate and Professional School Pathways ,
Exercise Physiology professionals improve quality of life by helping individuals enhance performance, prevent disease, recover from illness, and achieve lifelong wellness goals.
Mission, Vision
& Values
Exercise Physiology at West Liberty University is dedicated to preparing knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate professionals who use scientific principles to improve human health, wellness, and performance. Through experiential learning, research, and community engagement, students develop the skills needed to serve diverse populations and advance the profession.
Core Values:
Scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice · Student-centered learning · Professional integrity and ethics · Leadership and collaboration · Community engagement and service · Lifelong learning · Health promotion and disease prevention · Excellence in research and practice
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and the practical application of exercise science to real-world challenges.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates demonstrate competence in:
- Exercise testing and evaluation
- Exercise prescription and program design
- Health and fitness assessment
- Human performance analysis
- Research methods and data interpretation
- Leadership and professional communication
- Clinical and non-clinical exercise interventions
- Ethical and professional practice
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Evidence-based decision making
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Faculty mentoring and advising
- Internship placements
- Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory access
- Community health and wellness initiatives
- Exercise is Medicine® on Campus participation
- Professional conference and networking opportunities
- Career and graduate school preparation
- Interprofessional collaboration experiences
- Alumni networking opportunities
- Student research presentations
- Hands-on laboratory training
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Name: Dr. Jason Metz
Title: Program Director, Exercise Physiology
Email: jason.metz@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.