Exercise Physiology (PhD) | Springfield College

Exercise Physiology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy
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
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete in 4 years
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Paying for Your Education
Interested in the Master's Program? 

Learn more about our MS in Exercise Physiology

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Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
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Clinical Exercise Physiology & Exercise Physiology (PhD) Virtual Information Session
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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Clinical Exercise Physiology & Exercise Physiology (PhD) Virtual Information Session
Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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Springfield College PhD in Exercise Physiology students working with a patient

The PhD in Exercise Physiology at Springfield College gives students a comprehensive understanding of Exercise Physiology and prepares them to teach a broad range of Exercise Science-related college-level courses. In addition to a common core, students have the flexibility to focus in either Sports Physiology or Clinical Exercise Physiology depending upon their professional interests.

In addition to required courses in the specialization, you’ll take courses in pedagogical content knowledge and issues in higher education, which prepare you for entry to a higher education teaching career. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of the field, as well as how to navigate being a professional in higher education.

Students will engage in professional activities including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at both regional and national conferences prior to graduation. Dissertations are developed in collaboration with knowledgeable faculty and with the goal to yielding publishable results.

What job can I get with a PhD in Exercise Physiology?

A PhD in Exercise Physiology from Springfield College paves the way for an array of influential careers in academia, research, and applied health sciences. Graduates often become research scientists, leading studies that explore the physiological responses to exercise, and developing new ways to enhance physical performance and health. Another promising path is working as a university professor, where they educate the next generation of students and conduct cutting-edge research on human performance and physical health.

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


Exercise Physiologist
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.



Professor / Researcher
$84,380
Median Salary
8%
Job Projected Growth
111,400+
Job Projected Openings

Postsecondary teachers, often referred to as professors or faculty, specialize in a variety of subjects and fields. At colleges and universities, professors are organized into departments by degree field, such as history, science, or business. A professor may teach one or more courses within that department. For example, a mathematics professor may teach calculus, statistics, and a graduate seminar on a topic related to polynomials.

Postsecondary teachers’ duties vary, often based on the size of their employing institution. In large colleges or universities, they may teach courses, conduct research or experiments, publish original research, apply for grants to fund their research, or supervise graduate teaching assistants. In small colleges and universities or in community colleges, they may spend most of their time teaching courses and working with students.


Michelle Stehman, PhD’23

“Being a part of Springfield College’s exercise physiology PhD program has allowed me to develop a strong foundation for building my professional career through education and experience. Just during my first semester alone I was given the opportunity to teach through a doctoral fellowship, support to explore research, and encouraged to participate in service. Every faculty member I have encountered here at Springfield College has been nothing short of supportive and have played a role in helping me transform from a graduate student to a young professional. I cannot wait to step out into the real world soon with full confidence that I can continue to educate those in spirit, mind, and body just like I was from being a part of Springfield College.”

Michelle Stehman
Clinical Assistant Professor Kinesiology University of New Hampshire College of Health and Human Services

Greg Spicer, PhD’21

“Members of the Springfield College faculty welcomed and supported me while helping me reach my full potential as a graduate student.”

Greg Spicer
Northeast Medical Science Liaison, Medical Affairs, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals

Jackie (Rickson) Day, PhD’20

“I have been lucky enough to have a massive support team in the exercise physiology program, and now, I hope to use what I’ve learned from the faculty here to lead, provide impact, and guidance to others.”

Jackie Day

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: 
  6. GRE: This program requires the GRE, The Springfield College GRE code is 3763. You will be able to input your scores on your application, but please make sure your official scores are submitted.

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:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Priority Deadline: February 16

Applications received after January 15 will not be considered for fellowships, but may be considered for entry to the program depending upon available space in the program.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Priority Deadline: February 16
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.

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.
Springfield College faculty and visiting Chinese instructors pose before the college sign
International Influence

During summer 2018, faculty members from the Springfield College School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership conducted intensive instruction to mid-level Chinese educators interested in sports performance and sports medicine. Visiting the campus from several different cities across China, these educators attended the Springfield College International Summer Program, which focuses on fitness, management, and leadership.