Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Physiology

Put Your Career on a Winning Path

As the science behind human motion and performance continues to advance, demand is increasing for those who can harness the growing body of knowledge and innovation to improve people’s lives or help athletes compete at a higher level. John Carroll University’s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program addresses this demand by preparing students to attain certification and competitively enter careers in the fields of healthcare and sport/human performance.

Choose from Two Concentrations

Students enrolled in the MS in Exercise Physiology program can choose from either a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) or Human Performance (HP).

Prepare for Certification

This intensive, two-year degree program prepares students to obtain certification from either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

A Comprehensive Curriculum to Grow Your Knowledge

Program courses include:

Advanced Exercise Physiology
Advanced Biomechanics
Current Topics in Exercise Physiology
Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
Research Methods and Data Analysis

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
This program has no set submission deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis upon completion. Admission decisions will be made based on space in the program.
No GRE Required
Foundational Courses are not a prerequisite for admission. Students lacking the following 6 foundational courses, or the equivalent, prior to admission will be required to complete 14 credit hours of coursework in addition to the 33 credit hours of graduate coursework:
- Human Anatomy (3 credit hours)
- Human Anatomy Lab (1 credit hour)
- Human Physiology (3 credit hours)
- Human Physiology Lab (1 credit hour)
- Exercise Physiology (3 credit hours)
- Kinesiology (3 credit hours)

Free Application
Official Transcript(s)
2 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
No GRE Required

Tuition is charged at the College of Arts and Sciences rate
Degree-seeking students eligible for federal student loans. For information about the loan process, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248.
A limited number of graduate assistantships provide a tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend. Students are expected to spend 20 hours per week working for the department.

A Growing Field

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in exercise physiology will grow 13% by 2030.

Rising Salaries

Salaries for certified clinical exercise physiologists have increased 17% since 2015.

Increase Your Earning Potential

Individuals with a master’s degree and ACSM certification earn up to $7,500 more annually.

A Program to Prepare You for an Exercise Physiology Career

The MS in Exercise Physiology is a two-year program requiring a minimum of 33 total credit hours and consists of 4 curriculum areas, including Foundation Courses, Exercise Physiology Core Courses, either CEP or HP Concentration Courses, and Capstone Experience Courses. Options for a 6 credit-hour capstone include a thesis, completion of an internship (300 hours), or a self-designed experience incorporation an internship, project, and electives.

“JCU’s MS in Exercise Physiology program does not approach graduate study as a one size fits all, but rather approaches each students program of study to help set them apart from their peers and further their career in a growing market.”

Dr. Jackie Zera, Program Director, and Associate Professor

Located in Cleveland, John Carroll University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university that welcomes students of all backgrounds.

Students in both concentrations emerge from the program with critical job-specific skills, from being able to run a cardiac stress test, to interpreting an EKG, to analyzing and utilizing data to guide strength and conditioning programming for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Through completion of a optional internship, students gain invaluable experience working in a healthcare or related setting. Opportunities may also be available to work with collegiate or professional sports teams.

Through faculty, internship opportunities, and study alongside students from Northeast Ohio and beyond, you can build your network and connect to potential opportunities for employment and professional development.

Curriculum Highlights

ESC 5410 Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription

Provides training on advanced assessment of fitness and health-related measures that can be implemented across various clinical, public health, health-fitness, worksite, or other settings.

ESC 5510 Chronic Disease Management

Focuses on applying evidence-based behavioral strategies to interactions with health-fitness participants and patient populations to enhance engagement, adherence, and sustainability of lifestyle behaviors related to health.

ESC 5520 Advanced Strength and Conditioning

Imparts advanced strength and conditioning strategies. Course also incorporates in-depth discussions on periodization strategies for team and individual sports, development of annual training plans, and related topics.

Move Toward Your Career Goals

Nationally Ranked
Prepare for a Variety of Exercise Physiology Careers

BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES MIDWEST RANKINGS

#2 U.S. News and World Report

BEST COLLEGE VALUE

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP)

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Exercise is Medicine Clinics
Cancer Care Teams
Corporate Wellness
Research Associate

Human Performance (HP)

Coach
Sport Scientist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Tactical Athlete Coach
Personal Trainer

Your Inspired Future with the JCU Graduate School