Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Physiology
Prepare for careers in clinical and performance health with West Liberty’s hands-on, evidence-based MS in Exercise Physiology.
At A
Glance
A rigorous, professionally aligned graduate program that prepares students for clinical and non-clinical careers in exercise physiology and allied health fields.
Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Total Credits: 36–38 credit hours
Format: On-campus
Time to Completion: Approximately two years
Focus Areas: Clinical and non-clinical exercise physiology preparation
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Advance your expertise in exercise
science and human performance
Designed for students seeking advanced preparation in exercise physiology and allied health professions, this graduate program emphasizes clinical competence, research literacy, and professional collaboration within a supportive, student-focused learning environment.
Who This
Program is For
This program is designed for students and professionals seeking advanced education in exercise physiology and related health and performance fields.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Aspire to work in clinical exercise physiology, rehabilitation, or healthcare settings
- Want to advance careers in strength and conditioning, coaching, or fitness leadership
- Plan to pursue professional certifications through ACSM or related organizations
- Are preparing for advanced study or research in exercise science or allied health fields
- Value hands-on learning, research experience, and close faculty mentorship
A background in exercise physiology or a related field is recommended for admission.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in exercise testing, prescription, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration—preparing them to serve diverse populations across healthcare, wellness, and performance environments.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Cancer Exercise Specialist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Health Coach or Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Fitness Entrepreneur or Performance Consultant
Employment Outlook
- Projected employment growth: Exercise physiologist roles are projected to grow faster than average through the next decade
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Annual Wage
- Median annual wage for exercise physiologists: Approximately $54,000–$60,000 nationally
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why Earn Your MS
in Exercise Physiology at WLU?
West Liberty University offers a supportive, hands-on graduate experience rooted in experiential learning, personalized faculty mentorship, and professional preparation aligned with national standards.
Program highlights include:
- CAAHEP-accredited program aligned with ACSM competencies
- Strong emphasis on clinical exercise testing and prescription
- Research opportunities with faculty mentorship
- Preparation for careers in both clinical and non-clinical settings
- Small class sizes and individualized student support
- Affordable graduate education with strong return on investment
Tuition, Cost
& Value
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Designed to be an affordable graduate option within the region
Compatible with employer tuition assistance programs
No additional residency or hidden program fees
Strong career preparation aligned with national certification standards
Program
Format
The MS in Exercise Physiology is delivered in an on-campus format that emphasizes experiential learning, laboratory work, and direct faculty engagement—ideal for students seeking immersive professional preparation.
Program delivery highlights include:
- On-campus coursework and laboratory experiences
- Integrated research and applied learning components
- Structured sequencing designed for two-year completion
- Faculty-led instruction with small class sizes
- Opportunities for collaboration with other health professions
What
You’ll Learn
Graduates gain advanced competencies in exercise science, clinical assessment, research, and professional communication to support evidence-based practice across settings.
Clinical Exercise Science
- Exercise testing and prescription for diverse populations
- Application of exercise interventions in clinical settings
- Risk stratification and patient monitoring
Research & Analytical Skills
- Research design and data interpretation
- Application of scientific literature to practice
- Evidence-based decision-making
Professional & Leadership Skills
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare environments
- Ethical and professional standards of practice
- Effective communication with clients, patients, and teams
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum is designed to build advanced foundational knowledge while emphasizing applied learning and professional readiness through research and clinical experiences.
- Comprehensive core coursework in exercise physiology
- Emphasis on clinical and performance-based applications
- Integrated research component
- Structured course sequencing for timely completion
- Total Credits: 36–38 credit hours
Graduate Program
Concentrations
At this time, the MS in Exercise Physiology does not offer formal concentrations. The curriculum is intentionally designed to support both clinical and non-clinical career pathways through a unified program structure.
Admissions
Requirements
Applicants are evaluated holistically based on academic preparation and readiness for graduate-level study in exercise physiology.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Submission of official transcripts through the application system
- Recommended completion of prerequisite coursework
- No GRE or GMAT required
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Take the next step toward a meaningful career in exercise physiology. West Liberty University’s MS program equips you with the advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional confidence to make an impact in health, wellness, and performance-focused careers.