Applied Physiology of Exercise Program Overview
Our M.S. in Applied Physiology of Exercise program is designed to equip students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of strength and conditioning. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will gain a deep understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports nutrition, empowering them to optimize athletic performance and promote overall health and well-being. Graduates will be prepared to pursue rewarding careers as strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers or sports performance specialists.
National Recognition
Ashland University’s M.S. in Applied Physiology of Exercise is the only graduate program of its kind in Ohio and one of seven in the nation that have attained the Education Recognition Program status by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In the fall of 2019, the program was ranked by Intelligent.com as first overall in the Private Institution category and second in all categories. More recently, Applied Physiology of Exercise was ranked 21st in the United States by TheBestSchools.org and seventh by Online Masters in the category of online sports medicine programs.
EduMed.org has named Ashland University as one of the nation's best schools for online degrees and certificates in the healthcare field going into 2024. Just six percent of regionally accredited colleges and universities earned a ranking position.
We’ll Work Around Your Schedule
We understand the needs of working adults, which is why our master’s degree in Applied Physiology of Exercise can be completed online, with only one day of in-person meetings. You can also complete your degree in as few as three semesters (12 months).
Learning Experience
You will:
- Learn from passionate instructors with years of professional strength and conditioning experience.
- Be prepared to attain certification as an American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist or National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Curriculum
View the Academic Catalog for complete program requirements.
| Course | Credit Hours | Course | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | Potential Electives: (3-6 credits depending on capstone option) | |||
| NUHS 509: Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | APEX 598: Independent Study | (3) | |
| NUHS 510: Ethics & Professional Responsibility | 3 | APEX 670: Sport Medicine Principles for Sport Professionals | (3) | |
| NUHS 558: Research Foundations & Methods in Health Sciences | 3 | APEX 673 Analysis of Sport Instruction | (3) | |
| APEX 671: Scientific Basis of Sport | 3 | SMG 572: Sport Management | (3) | |
| APEX 675: Scientific Foundation of Nutrition in Sport | 3 | ED Master’s-level courses | (3) | |
| APEX 677: Physiological Basis for Exercise & Sport | 3 | Discipline-specific elective | (3) | |
| APEX 678: Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription | 3 | Capstone Experience: (Choose one) | ||
| APEX 679: Principles of Strength & Conditioning | 3 | NUHS 747: Internship or NUHS 778: Practicum | (3) | |
| Elective (if non thesis capstone is used) | 3 | NUHS 781: Thesis | (6) | |
| Total | 33 |
Graduate Outcomes
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graduates is a healthy one!
- Employment of exercise physiologists is expected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, with a median annual salary of $47,940.
- For coaches, employment is projected to increase by 20 percent; the median annual pay is $38,970.
- For fitness instructors, employment is projected to grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2031.The annual median pay is $40,700.
Internships and Career Opportunities
Internships can become full-time employment, leading to positions such as:
- Fitness directors
- Corporate health and wellness directors
- Strength and conditioning coaches
