About This Program

Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Graduate Recruiter and Admissions Coordinator
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383
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Program Contact

Undergraduate Academic Prerequisites/Proficiencies

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The MEd/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. Students may follow two tracks within this program; both tracks in this program require the completion of 36 credits.

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 ACSM clinical exercise physiologist certification. All students within the CEP track are required to complete 600 hrs 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 6 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

Admissions Requirements

Complete the application form. No application fee.

Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section. 

Graduate Admissions Essay

Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your 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. 

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. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume

Letters of Recommendation

This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended

  • An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
  • 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
  • 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

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, 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 staff in 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.

To submit materials:

After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application. 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

The Masters candidate will be eligible for the M.S. Degree (thesis required), or M.Ed

Each student must complete a minimum of 36 Semester Hours (SH).

Human Performance Track & Clinical Exercise Physiology Track

Program Requirements (9)
All Students Must Complete

AEXS 603 Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology - 3 credits
AEXS 604 Neuromuscular Physiology - 3 credits
AEXS 620 Genetics for Exercise Science - 3 credits

Research Requirements (7-12 Semester Hours)

*Thesis Option (M.S., M.Ed. or M.P.E)
RSCH 610 Found. Meth of Rsch- 3 credits
RSCH 612 Thesis Prop. Design - 2 credits
RSCH 620 Statistics - 3 credits
RSCH 635 Thesis - 4 credits

**Independent Study (M.Ed. or M.P.E.)
RSCH 610 Found. Meth & Rsch - 3 credits
HPER 626 Ind. Study Prop. Design - 2 credits
AEXS 692 Independent Study - 2 credits

Selectives (15 for Thesis Option, 20 for Independent Study Option)
AEXS 540 Sports Nutrition - 3 credits
AEXS 602 Exercise Biochemistry - 3 credits
AEXS 606 Environmental Physiology - 3 credits
AEXS 613 Exercise & Special Populations - 3 credits
AEXS 670 Strength & Conditioning - 3 credits
AEXS 671 Strength and Conditioning application - 1 credit
AEXS 672 Medical Physiology - 3 credits
AEXS 675 GXT/ECG - 3 credits
AEXS 678 Sports Psychology - 3 credits
AEXS 680 Advanced Strength & Conditioning - 3 credits
AEXS 695 Internship in Clin Ex Phys I - 1 credit
AEXS 696 Internship in Clin Ex Phys II - 1 credit
AEXS 697 Internship in Clin Ex Phys III - 1 credit
AEXS 698 Internship in Clin Ex Phys IV - 1-3 credits
SMRT 679 Personnel and HR Management - 3 credits
PHTH 550 Clinical Pharmacology - 3 credits

Students seeking the Clinical Exercise Physiology track are recommended to take AEXS 613, AEXS 672, AEXS 675, AEXS 695, AEXS 696, AEXS 697, and PHTH 550)

Students seeking the Human Performance track are recommended to take AEXS 540, AEXS 602, AEXS 606 and 6 credits from AEXS 670, AEXS 671, AEXS 672, AEXS 675, AEXS 678, and AEXS 680

APPLY ONLINE

The priority application deadline for applying for the fall semester is July 15.

All required supporting materials are due August 1.

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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 six 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).