Clinical Exercise Physiology | Springfield College

Clinical Exercise Physiology

MASTER OF SCIENCE
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and Events
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 Lab
  • Use state-of-the-art equipment including a metabolic cart, a BodPod, a biochemistry lab, and the ability to assess electromyography activity
  • The program has an excellent reputation in the field - the network for internships and jobs is extensive
  • Class sizes are small so you will not be lost in the crowd of students and will get the attention you need to succeed
  • Prepares students to be entry-level practitioners in the clinical exercise physiology field, but also equips students to do clinically focused research, giving students more options upon graduation, including getting jobs in the field or going on to achieve more advanced degrees
  • Program curriculum
  • Learning outcomes
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full or part time
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Interested in the PhD Program? 

Learn more about our PhD in Exercise Physiology

Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Register

Clinical Exercise Physiology & Exercise Physiology (PhD) Virtual Information Session
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Clinical Exercise Physiology & Exercise Physiology (PhD) Virtual Information Session
Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Exercise physiology students working in lab on patient

In the MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Springfield College, students complete a variety of physiology courses aimed at preparing them to be entry-level clinical exercise physiologists. They also take courses in the research sequence, which prepare them to critically analyze the current literature and get the experience of designing research studies in their area of interest. Upon successful completion of the major, they can seek employment as practitioners in the field of clinical exercise physiology, pursue careers in clinically focused research, or continue their education in a related allied health field or relevant doctorate. 

Students who complete the Clinical Exercise Physiology program will have the option of completing either a thesis or independent study, and will be encouraged to take the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP®) certification. This is the most widely recognized clinical certification of exercise physiologists within the United States.

What job can I get with a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology?

At Springfield College, our Clinical Exercise Physiology program isn't just about exercise—it's about precision human performance engineering.

 

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Exercise Physiologist
$54,860
Median Salary
10%
Job Projected Growth
2,200+
Job Projected Openings

Exercise physiologists work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to help clients improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems.

Some physiologists work closely with primary care physicians, who may prescribe exercise regimens for their patients and refer them to exercise physiologists. The physiologists then work with these patients to develop individualized treatment plans that will help the patients meet their health and fitness goals.

Clinical exercise physiologists work with a range of client populations in a variety of settings. For example, they may design exercise programs or promote wellness strategies in schools, taking into account the students’ ages, development, and other factors.    


Exercise Physiology at Springfield College

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 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

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

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:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

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

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.