Exercise Physiology
Boost your career and prepare for corporate, clinical, and fitness roles. Thesis and non-thesis options available.
Exercise Physiology, M.S.
The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Science at MTSU, prepares students for career opportunities in corporate, community, and private fitness sectors, as well as clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and doctoral programs. Thesis and non-thesis tracks are available for students.
This four-semester degree offers advanced coursework that prepares candidates for certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology. This degree also prepares candidates to enter terminal Exercise Physiology degree programs. Career opportunities include employment in clinical exercise physiology and corporate, community, or private fitness sectors. The Exercise Physiology Lab contains state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate both student and faculty research, including a DEXA, metabolic carts, an EKG system, land and underwater treadmills, leg and arm ergometers, a hydrostatic weighing tank, bioelectrical impedance, a lactate and cholesterol analyzer, isokinetic dynamometry, and a telemetry EMG system. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 semester hours including an internship. The thesis option includes 30-33 hours of coursework. The degree prerequisite is two semesters of human anatomy and physiology.
News Briefs
Kenny Bennett receives Distinguished Alumni Award
ย้ถนำฐา๔ is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Kenny Bennett, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning his M.S. in Exercise Physiology in Human Performance in 2016, Kenny has made significant strides in the field as the founder of Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, where he applies his expertise to train professional and collegiate athletes during their off seasons. His impact extends to his successful role as a High School Strength and Conditioning coach, where he has led his teams to five district titles in Clarksville, TN, and as a Performance Specialist for Puma Hoops' "The Basketball Tournament" over the past three years. In 2023, his achievements were further recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Health and Human Performance Department.
Kenny attributes his success to the robust education he received at MTSU, which emphasized essential testing and programming techniques, the application of research, and prepared students for key certification exams (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CES, etc.). The program's comprehensive approach and exposure to a broad spectrum of exercise science topics have not only prepared him for a fruitful career but also positioned him as a leader in promoting fitness and athletic excellence. Kenny Bennett's story exemplifies the profound impact of MTSU's Exercise Physiology program on its graduates, enabling them to excel and contribute significantly to the health and fitness industry.
Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program
ย้ถนำฐา๔ is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2022, Jorden became a member of the Harvard Sports Medicine team, serving as an athletic trainer for the universityโs varsity Division l Wrestling and Womenโs Volleyball programs. Within her role, she provides encompassing healthcare to Harvardโs student-athletes on a daily basis treating both acute and chronic conditions ranging from joint dislocations and concussions to biomechanical insufficiencies and post-operative rehabilitation.ย Jorden works collaboratively alongside orthopedic surgeons, registered dieticians, and mental health providers to ensure she is providing the most wholesome and evidence-based care to her student-athletes.
Jorden attributes her achievements and ability to attenuate growth in her career field to the education she received at MTSU. Her time spent within the program gave her the tools to combine her Athletic Training background with essential concepts of Exercise Physiology, resulting in her love for research and evidence based clinical practice. She continues to promote this dual approach at Harvard as she assists in a monthly journal club bringing new topics and research discussions to the athletic training staff. The education she received within the Exercise Science program was not limited to her two years spent at MTSU, as Jordenโs story is an example of the continued possibilities awarded to a graduate of the program as they progressively navigate their future enabling them to make a positive impact on athletic healthcare.
News Briefs
Kenny Bennett receives Distinguished Alumni Award
ย้ถนำฐา๔ is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Kenny Bennett, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning his M.S. in Exercise Physiology in Human Performance in 2016, Kenny has made significant strides in the field as the founder of Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, where he applies his expertise to train professional and collegiate athletes during their off seasons. His impact extends to his successful role as a High School Strength and Conditioning coach, where he has led his teams to five district titles in Clarksville, TN, and as a Performance Specialist for Puma Hoops' "The Basketball Tournament" over the past three years. In 2023, his achievements were further recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Health and Human Performance Department.
Kenny attributes his success to the robust education he received at MTSU, which emphasized essential testing and programming techniques, the application of research, and prepared students for key certification exams (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CES, etc.). The program's comprehensive approach and exposure to a broad spectrum of exercise science topics have not only prepared him for a fruitful career but also positioned him as a leader in promoting fitness and athletic excellence. Kenny Bennett's story exemplifies the profound impact of MTSU's Exercise Physiology program on its graduates, enabling them to excel and contribute significantly to the health and fitness industry.
Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program
ย้ถนำฐา๔ is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Jorden Gaccione, a distinguished graduate of our Exercise Physiology Master's Program in the College of Health and Human Performance. Since earning her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2022, Jorden became a member of the Harvard Sports Medicine team, serving as an athletic trainer for the universityโs varsity Division l Wrestling and Womenโs Volleyball programs. Within her role, she provides encompassing healthcare to Harvardโs student-athletes on a daily basis treating both acute and chronic conditions ranging from joint dislocations and concussions to biomechanical insufficiencies and post-operative rehabilitation.ย Jorden works collaboratively alongside orthopedic surgeons, registered dieticians, and mental health providers to ensure she is providing the most wholesome and evidence-based care to her student-athletes.
Jorden attributes her achievements and ability to attenuate growth in her career field to the education she received at MTSU. Her time spent within the program gave her the tools to combine her Athletic Training background with essential concepts of Exercise Physiology, resulting in her love for research and evidence based clinical practice. She continues to promote this dual approach at Harvard as she assists in a monthly journal club bringing new topics and research discussions to the athletic training staff. The education she received within the Exercise Science program was not limited to her two years spent at MTSU, as Jordenโs story is an example of the continued possibilities awarded to a graduate of the program as they progressively navigate their future enabling them to make a positive impact on athletic healthcare.
Related Media
Exercise Physiology, M.S.
Graduates gain expertise to advance in positions in fitness and wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, and research. The degree also helps prepare candidates to gain certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and to enter a doctoral degree program in Exercise Physiology. Graduates can also continue their education in other health care professions. Potential occupations include, but are not limited to:
- Bariatric exercise specialist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Diabetes educator
- Educator/professor
- Employee fitness director
- Exercise physiologist
- Fitness center/gym owner or manager
- Health coach
- Occupational therapist
- Oncology exercise rehabilitation specialist
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist
- Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
- Researcher
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Wellness coach
Employers of MTSU Exercise Physiology M.S. alumni include
- Acuff & Associates, Inc.
- Bowling Green University
- Brooklyn Nets
- Cross-fit Rampage
- Cumberland University
- DaVita Renal Dialysis
- Journeys In Community Living
- ย้ถนำฐา๔
- National Federation of the Blind
- North Carolina State University
- OnLife Health
- Orthotics Manufacturing Co., Chicago, Ill.
- Physiotherapy Associates
- Southern Tennessee Medical Center
- Steadman Orthopedic Group
- Tennessee State Governorโs Foundation for Health and Wellness
- Tri-Fit Athletics
- University of California-Santa Clara
- University of Tennessee-Martin
- U.S. Army
- Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute
- Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute Fitness Center
- Well Fit Medicine and Nutrition
- Williamson Medical Center/Cardiac Rehabilitation
- YMCA
MTSUโs Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our guides.
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