Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

College of Education and Human Performance

Dr. Sherri Theaker, Interim Dean

Program Advisor: Dr. Jason Metz, Program Director jason.metz@westliberty.edu.

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP) is designed for students who are interested in careers in Exercise Physiology or related fields in which this certification and title are applicable. This is a 36-hour program that spans over two years. Upon graduating, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities based on the competencies set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to serve as an allied healthcare provider to various patient populations and settings. Courses will exercise testing and prescription within various populations ranging from those with clinical conditions to elite athletes. Students will also perform research within the field of exercise physiology, develop leadership and communication skills, and be able to collaborate with other health professions.

Program Goals:

1. To prepare graduates with a full understanding and appreciation for the field of  exercise physiology and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the  profession. 

2. To provide a solid foundation for research opportunities and strategies in  education and the profession to assist the advancement of Exercise Physiology. 

3. To demonstrate the ability to educate a wide range of people in a variety of  settings and work collaboratively with other professionals while successfully  delivering quality services to patients and clients of various populations. 

4. To provide the graduate the ability to develop a body of knowledge and seek  additional information independently and efficiently in all domains of exercise  physiology. 

5. To prepare competent entry-level Applied Exercise Physiologists in the cognitive  (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MSEP program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Evaluate a potential exercise participant’s medical history, needs, goals, and risk factors.

2. Develop exercise prescriptions for a variety of people in a variety of settings using evidence-based practice and review with and instruct a participant on safe and effective use of the prescription.

3. Implement an exercise program, collect feedback, reassess, and update the program according to the participant’s progress and feedback.

4. Exhibit leadership within the exercise physiology realm by educating participants on fitness and disease prevention and management using effective communication and motivational techniques and by consulting with health professionals and making appropriate referrals

5. Advocate for the profession of exercise physiology in various settings and display professionalism, work ethic, and mentorship qualities.


Admission Requirements

Graduates of Other Institutions (External)

  • B.S. or B.A. in similar science or healthcare-related field, including the following courses:
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science
    • Kinesiology or Biomechanics
    • Nutrition
    • General Psychology
    • Personal Health/Wellness
    • Statistics

West Liberty University Graduates (Internal)

  • B.S. in Exercise Physiology
  • B.S. in similar science or healthcare-related field, including courses in Biology; Chemistry Physics; Psychology; and Anatomy and Physiology

Degree Requirements

Fall I

EP 510Advanced Exercise Physiology I

3

EP 511Research Methods

3

EP 512Principles of Strength & Conditioning

3

Spring I

EP 520Advanced Exercise Physiology II

3

EP 521 Scientific Writing

3

EP 565Advanced Injury Prevention

3

Fall II

EP 550Advanced Biomechanics

3

EP 551Pathophysiology & Pharmacology

3

EP 580Exercise Physiology Thesis I

3

Spring II

EP 560Clinical Testing & Program Design

3

EP 581Exercise Physiology Thesis II

3

EP 522Legal & Professional Standards

3