Exercise Physiology is the study of the causative relationship between human movement, physical function, and disease state. It is comprised of two distinct sub-disciplines, fitness physiology and health physiology.
Fitness Physiology is the study of the effects of exercise stress on human physical function or the application of exercise stress in order to produce specific fitness adaptations and improve performance.
Health Physiology is the study of the effects of chemical, physical, and biological influences (to include exercise and physical activity) on human disease states or their application to humans specifically to control or restore the absence of pathology.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
MSU offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology (BSEP). This program focuses on physiology and biological principles pertinent to physical activity, daily life, work, play, and sport. Areas of emphasis supported by faculty include: applied physiology, sports medicine, pre-physical therapy, and pre-physician assistant. Career preparation supported by the curriculum: College coaching (strength and conditioning), athletic training, work-site health promotion, allied-health careers, physical therapy, physician assistant, and continued academic work (masters, PhD).
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
This program focuses on physiological and biological principles pertinent to physical activity, daily life, work, play, and sport. Students have the option of choosing one of two degree plans:
- Option 1- 30 semester hours of selected coursework including six credit hours of Thesis
- Option 2- Non-thesis
Areas of emphasis supported by faculty include: applied physiology and sports medicine.
Career preparation supported by the curriculum: college coaching (strength and conditioning), athletic training, work-site health promotion, allied-health careers, continued academic work (PhD).
Program requirements:
Students seeking admission to the program must meet or exceed the College of Health Sciences and Human Services and Midwestern State University requirements (see current graduate bulletin under "admission requirements"): Appropriate bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, completion of the GRE general test, and a minimum of 24 hours of undergraduate coursework in Exercise Physiology or closely related field.
The Cycling Performance minor and specifically the laboratory experience in testing/training will give students an opportunity to test what they have learned.
Students involved in the academic program will experience a new and exciting minor with tremendous opportunities for "hands-on" learning.
Sophisticated tests such as VO2 max, blood lactate analysis, heart rate response and peak power output, provide valuable information for the members of the cycling team as well as research data for analysis in the academic field of Exercise Physiology.