Exercise Physiology | Springfield College

Exercise Physiology

MASTER OF SCIENCE
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 36-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Learn in our Human Performance and Strength and Conditioning labs
  • Use state-of-the-art equipment including a metabolic cart, a BodPod, a biochemistry lab, and the ability to assess electromyography activity
  • Investigate your own research ideas with guidance from a collaborative network of teachers and scholars and hone your research skills and experience in faculty-led research programs
  • Work closely with and be mentored by nationally recognized scholars and educators who are invested in supporting you as a whole person towards your professional goals
  • Course requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (Fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full- or part-time
  • Complete in 2 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Interested in the PhD Program? 

Learn more about our PhD in Exercise Physiology

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Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
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Exercise physiology students working in lab on patient

The MS in Exercise Physiology at Springfield College has a prestigious reputation both nationally and internationally. Students take a variety of physiology courses aimed at giving them a broad grasp of the field of exercise physiology. They also take classes in the research sequence which prepare them to critically analyze the current literature and design research studies to add to the body of literature with the goal of publication in the field of exercise physiology. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to seek employment in the field or to continue their education in a related allied health field or a relevant doctorate. 

Clinical Exercise Physiology Track: The Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) track prepares students to be competent entry-level clinical exercise physiologists. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to further their education, either in a related allied health profession or to conduct clinically focused research. Students take courses that cover varied aspects of the field of clinical exercise physiology. Embedded in the curriculum are the job task analysis items required to prepare students for American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) clinical exercise physiologist certification. All students within the CEP track are required to complete 600 hours of clinical internships spread primarily between cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic, and musculoskeletal areas. Students have the option of either completing a thesis or an independent study, both of which focus on clinically relevant topics. 

Clinical exercise physiology is studied by students with varied undergraduate backgrounds, including biological sciences, exercise science, physical education, and nursing. Our track is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Professionals and is one of a small number of clinical exercise physiology programs accredited in the United States.

Human Performance Track: The Human Performance track prepares students for careers focusing on human performance in non-clinical settings. This track is of interest to those who want to pursue careers in the area of sports physiology where a strong science base is required. In this track, you’ll examine the physiological responses of various bodily systems to acute and chronic exercise. This includes the study of neuromuscular function, cardiovascular physiology, hormonal and biochemical changes associated with exercise, as well as thermoregulatory responses. Students are given the flexibility to choose at least six credits from a menu of graduate courses that relates to their specific interest. Options include sports nutrition and courses in the area of strength and conditioning.

Due to the comprehensive and academically rigorous nature of the program, Human Performance students are well prepared to enter competitive doctoral programs in related fields. Preparation for doctoral training is a particular focus of this program. We strive to have student research presented at regional and national scientific meetings. Our goal is to provide students in the Human Performance program with opportunities that will ensure a resume robust with professional experience upon graduation.

Our Students actively learning in the field

Chris Mette discusses his time learning at Springfield College, interacting with realistic labs such as metabolic testing, biochemical analysis and how it engages their training and develop their skills.

Samuel A.E. Headley - Springfield College
Professor Headley Recognized as Leader in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Professor of Exercise Science Samuel A.E. Headley has been accepted as a Fellow in the inaugural cohort of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), a recognition of his outstanding service to the field of clinical exercise physiology. Headley is one of the founders of CEPA and previously served as its president. He is a well-known scholar in the field with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, 30 peer-reviewed abstracts, and six books or book chapters in exercise physiology.

Accreditation

The Clinical Exercise Physiology track of the Exercise Physiology program is the only program in Massachusetts accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as well as being one of only fourteen CAAHEP-accredited programs in the United States.

Beginning in August 2027, All ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP candidates must have a bachelor's degree (or higher) in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology from a regionally accredited college or university that is also programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Christopher Mette

"We had all the hands on experience that we could get, and I knew I was getting a good education here."
MS in Exercise Physiology
Class of 2024
Springfield College - Chris Mette

Xiangyu Zheng, G'21

“As an international student who was looking for a career change, I can make a good case for those who are considering grad school or where they should go. This program made all the tough decisions worthwhile. It paved the way for my future, it was a cradle for those budding dreams, and most importantly, it gave me a second chance that allowed me to choose my life. This program will always remind me of how I started and keep me on the right path.” 

Xiangyu Zheng G'21

How to Apply

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: August 15

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

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Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.