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What is Exercise Physiology?

An exercise physiology degree is a field of study within kinesiology that focuses on the effect of exercise on the human body and how individuals adapt to physical exercise over time.   Students studying exercise physiology will be exposed to the scientific and practical aspects of exercise. The degree utilizes a cross section of scientific disciplines to impart the knowledge necessary to work in a variety of fields involving exercise, nutrition, fitness, and health.

Exercise physiologists can assist a wide variety of individuals reach their best physical selves.  Examples of work performed by an exercise physiologist include:

  • Rehabilitating a person suffering from chronic pain
  • Helping athletes perform at their peak levels
  • Improving overall health through targeted exercise programs
  • Establishing a plan to help an individual lose weight
  • Assisting an individual to be more flexible and resilient through age

Individuals pursuing a degree in exercise physiology will need to obtain a bachelor's degree or graduate degrees.  Students that go on to earn a graduate degree will choose between a master's degree in physiology or a doctorate degree in exercise physiology.  Both academic pathways will provide additional career opportunities for graduate's to consider.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$50,310

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

26.33%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

6,880

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Exercise Physiology Degree

The University of California in Berkeley has a program that focuses on exercise physiology wherein students can develop and apply the principles of exercise physiology in a real-world setting. Throughout the program, students will be taught the importance of environment, nutrition, and the impacts of exercise on health and performance. The program lasts up to three semesters or 180 days and can be accessed online. To pass the course, students must also pass the exam with at least a 70% score.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Individuals who seek exercise and nutritional intervention can participate in the exercise physiology program offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology. The program concentrates on the improvement of the well-being, health, and performance of the individuals while maintaining hydration and safety during exercise. Students enrolled in the program can participate in various research projects relating to the development of wearable health assessment, hydration status, and the effects of heat stress on neuromotor performance. 

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Department of Human and Health Physiological Science of Skidmore College has developed various minor and major courses including human anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise testing, public health, and many more. Students enrolled in the program will study the physiological change in exercise that occurs as a result of stress. Through it, students are also allowed to participate in laboratory experiments including the examination of the human body during exercise. 

Acceptance Rate

30.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Students who are looking for a program related to exercise physiology can enroll in the bachelor’s degree in exercise science developed by the University of California in Irvine. The program highlights the unique physiological traits of both human and non-human species. It also concentrates on chemistry, physics, and biology to understand the physical inactivity and activity that impact the health of every living species. The program can be completed for up to four years. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Florida has a college of health and human performance that offers an exercise physiology program that focuses on the effects of physical activities on the physiological systems of animals and humans. The program has a mission to train students to have knowledge in cardiac risk identification, health maintenance, and more. It also puts a strong emphasis on the laboratory skills of the students to fully create and implement various rehabilitation and fitness programs. Students will also experience both laboratory and lecture throughout the course. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The exercise physiology programs at the University of Miami are recognized for providing excellent education and training for students. It offers a master’s, doctorate, and bachelor’s degree for students who wish to start or to further their studies and career in the field. The mission of the programs is to provide working knowledge to the students in order to obtain a career in the professional exercise physiology industry. Upon completion of the program, students will learn how to demonstrate the physiological bases for a test, interpret data, and explain the results.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of California in Davis, together with its college of biological sciences, has developed a course in exercise physiology dedicated for individuals who wish to become experts or knowledgeable in the field. It is an undergraduate program that focuses on studying the responses of the body from physical activities. Students will also learn the functions of biomechanical, behavioral, and physiological perspectives on physical levels. In addition, the program is also designed to develop critical thinking skills and to foster the intellectual curiosity of students. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The college of human sciences at the Florida State University offers a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology. Students who are interested in the impacts of exercise and nutrition on the body can enroll in the program to further their skills and knowledge about the field. The curriculum also emphasizes on metabolism, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology of humans. Florida State is also recognized as the first institution that offered b0th nutrition and exercise physiology in one program. 

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

George Washington University is one of the best universities that offer a program in exercise science wherein students will be prepared to become skilled in basic nutritional and exercise science. The program concentrates on general exercise, physical therapy, the introduction of medicine and nursing, and exercise physiology to incorporate other areas of study into their major. Students will participate in organizations and clubs while also gaining experience by hands-on learning from a large faculty together with a supportive community of students. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

From the college of sport and human dynamics, Syracuse University offers unique programs in exercise science including a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science. Students enrolled in the programs will gain an understanding of the mechanical and physiological aspects of health-related behavior and physical activity. Its courses include the analysis of human motion, nutrition in health, motor development across the lifespan, and many more. Students will also experience internship and field placements that can be completed in 270 hours.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Individuals who are interested to become exercise physiologists and have a doctorate level knowledge can participate in the Ph.D. program offered by the University of Pittsburgh. Students will work closely and be mentored by expert faculty to develop their research experiences and plans of study. Some of its courses include the prevention of chronic disease, body weight regulation, physical activity, and the like. The program will last up to 3 years for full-time students. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Minnesota in Twin Cities has a school of kinesiology that provides opportunities for students to study the impact of physical activities on human lives through its exercise science and wellness program. Throughout the course, students will become knowledgeable about athletic training, clinical exercise, wellness coaching, exercise physiology, therapy, and many more. Students are also allowed to take elective classes to enhance their skills and learnings outside their major. In addition, students will earn a bachelor’s degree upon completing the courses, internship, and other requirements needed for the program. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The School of human physiology and nursing of the Gonzaga University offers a bachelor’s degree program that majors in human physiology. The program aims to develop the specific knowledge content of the students as well as their behavior and intellectual skills. Students will be provided with coursework advising and academic planning while also experiencing high-quality instruction from the faculty who will base their lessons and training in human anatomy, scientific writing, exercise physiology, nutrition, human kinetics, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

61.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Gettysburg College has developed a 32-course unit program that focuses on health sciences. Students will learn liberal arts education as well as chemistry, physics, biology, and other courses related to the health and disease of the human body. Students can choose to have a degree in bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science depending on what suits their interest best. Both programs require students to participate in the internship program and have elective courses from the other departments. 

Acceptance Rate

48.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Through the University of Massachusetts’ school of public health and health sciences, students can enroll in the department of kinesiology to obtain a doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degree in the field. The programs offer unique courses concentrating on the study of human movement while also learning to investigate the neurological, mechanical, physiological, behavioral, and biochemical components of human movements. The university offers various academic resources for students such as research laboratories, centers, and libraries among others. Students can also receive academic advising and financial aid. 

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students who are interested to pursue a career or study about the science of human movement can enroll in the various degrees in exercise science offered by the University of Buffalo. Throughout the program of their choice, students will have a solid knowledge about exercise physiology, nutrition, and the impacts of human physical activity on their health. Upon completion, students can also advance their studies to the professional level in medicine, physical therapy, and other health sciences programs. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The bachelor of exercise science offered by the Florida Southern College is recognized for its outstanding curriculum that tackles exercise physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics. During the program, students will learn how to structure exercise programs, promote fitness, conduct exercise assessments, and enhance the health and wellness condition of every individual. The program also prepares students to enter the workforce or graduate school by developing the skills needed for their academic and professional goals. Graduates of the program can become physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, registered dieticians, and many more. 

Acceptance Rate

52.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Sacred Heart university is known for having an excellent program in exercise science that immerse students in the field through a wide range of research topics, and various community and clinical experiences. The program teaches students to learn and practice exercise physiology to impact the lives of athletes and individuals by supporting their strength, rehabilitation, and conditioning. Students can also choose to take an undergraduate or graduate degree program in sports science according to their career and educational goals. 

Acceptance Rate

63.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The College of Idaho has developed a degree program that focuses on human performance, where students can learn life-long skills to prepare them for a healthy life, and they can also pursue careers in healthcare and science. Students will be required to work closely with experienced professors and engage in various laboratory research and hands-on learning. They will also learn how to enhance the quality of life by healthful and positive living. In addition, the course also covers human anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition. 

Acceptance Rate

48.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

There are various exercise science programs at the Brigham Young University including 2 bachelor’s, 1 master’s, and 1 doctorate degree. The programs are focused on athletic training, exercise and wellness, exercise physiology, and exercise science. Through the supportive and experienced faculty members, students will be guided and mentored during the lectures, research, internship, and training. They will also learn to achieve optimal fitness and health that improves the quality of life. 

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

One of the major programs offered by Taylor University is exercise science that emphasized the students’ passion for nutrition and exercise. The program will teach students the proper nutrition to improve the emotional, physiological, and physical performance and health of the individuals. Students are required to take classes in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physiology as well as learn the proper techniques to take performance assessments to determine the health needs of a person. Before graduation, students are also required to create or conduct their own research. 

Acceptance Rate

68.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Dayton offers a bachelor’s degree in health science that concentrates on exercise and movements, integrative physiology, and behavioral studies. The program is developed by the department of health and sport science to teach students about the demonstration of health-related disciplines and physical activity. It also focuses on the influences of sociocultural factors on the health and movements of individuals. Some of its courses include philosophy, communication, social science, and many more. 

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Clinical Exercise Physiology is one of the programs offered by the University of Delaware. Students on this program will develop their knowledge in rehabilitative and preventative practices for individuals with metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cardiopulmonary diseases. The faculty will also teach students about the recommendations that promote healthy lifestyles. Students will also go through various classroom lessons that concentrate on preventative medicine strategies, pharmacology, and exercise physiology. 

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Southern California provides an exercise physiology program that aims to manage and prevent diseases as well as facilitate recovery from injuries. Students of this program will learn skeletal muscle physiology, exercise oncology, orthopedic recovery, sports science, body composition, cardiovascular physiology, and other related courses. Through this, students will be able to improve the athletic performance, cardiovascular system, physical function, and skeletal muscle of the individuals. 

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Indiana Wesleyan University has developed exercise science programs with the help of its department of health and human performance. Through the program and effective curriculum, students will know the proper ways to help resolve the obesity epidemic and the decline of physical activity in the world. The university also provides various academic resources that help the students gain knowledge in nutrition and other related topics while also experiencing hands-on activities. Upon completion, students will be fully prepared for a career in the industry or for a graduate school. 

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

How are Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science Different?

In many cases, exercise science and exercise physiology are used interchangeable. Both are utilized to describe acute responses to exercise, physical activity, sport, and chronic responses to exercise. However, in academia the difference between the two disciplines are often defined by their required curricula.

Exercise science degree programs will often have curricula that vary from university to university. The focus on an exercise science major can vary widely from one school to another. In fact, you can find degree programs in exercise science that range from human performance to physical education and from health to nutrition. On the other hand, a degree in exercise physiology will frequently adhere to a traditional, standardized physiology-focused set of curriculum.

Exercise Physiology Graduate Degree Requirements

Curricular requirements for exercise physiologists and exercise science majors will be different from university to university. The number of credits required to earn a degree and the electives offered will vary from school to school. However, you can expect a common set of core curricula across most accredited degree programs. Below you will find a list of popular courses that we found overlap from top colleges and university's on our list.

How to Become an Exercise Physiologist

As of the time of this publication, there are no nationally standardized academic requirements to become an exercise physiologist (EP).  Despite the emergence of this vital career track, the profession remains largely unregulated.  To become an exercise physiologist you will need to first earn a degree and then earn a nationally recognized certification.

Earning a Degree in Exercise Physiology

To work at most corporations and institutions, you will need to earn a bachelors degree in the concentration exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or equivalent degree program.  The most popular EP tracks you will find at accredited colleges and universities include: clinical (applied or research), pre-health, and human performance.  If your goal is to work in a hospital or healthcare facility, you may need to earn a graduate degree in exercise physiology depending on their requirements.

Earning Your EP Certification

The certification you pursue will wholly depend on your career goals coupled with the industry demands in your state.  Three of the most popular EP organizations include the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).

The ACSM offers three levels of certifications for EP's that include: Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP), and the Registered Clinical EP (RCEP).  ASEP offers students the EPC board certified examination to ensure an EP has the knowledge, skills, and ability to work in this challenging arena.  Meanwhile, the NASM offers certifications in a variety of areas of specialization.  Examples include the following:

  • Personal Training
  • Weight Loss
  • Senior Fitness
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologists
  • MMA Conditioning
  • Women's Fitness
  • Group Fitness
  • Youth Fitness
  • Fitness Nutrition
  • Golf Fitness
  • Corrective Exercise
  • Behavior Change
  • Performance Enhancement

Applied Exercise Science Careers

Careers in exercise physiology often involve the physiologist working alongside other professionals. Professional work together to assist in producing a regime that will allow for growth in strength, improved sleep, increased energy, and better health. A degree in exercise physiology opens doors to various positions, with bachelor degree holders working primarily in fitness through gyms, personal training, or public programs.

Master degree holders will have increased options, including careers in physical therapy, which may require additional courses in order to meet state-based licensure requirements. A doctoral degree will allow individuals to pursue research and teaching opportunities at the post-secondary level.

Career paths in exercise physiology can be parsed into two primary categories: non-clinical and clinical. Exercise physiologists work in a non-clinical setting will work with moderately healthy patients to help enhance their overall fitness levels and optimize weight loss. On the other hand, a clinical exercise physiologist will work closely to supervise the physical activities with chronic illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, and heart disease.

Possible careers for exercise physiology degree holders include:

Exercise Physiologist Jobs

Jobs involving exercise physiology are expected to increase much faster than average due to an increased interest in fitness coupled quality research plus an aging population. According to the BLS, the rate of job growth in this sector will be 13% which is double the national average for all occupations. Due to the increased demand, job opportunities are expected to increase, as will self employment, resulting in limited competition among graduates. Specializations in the field include corporate wellness, college professors, various government agencies, and cardiac rehabilitations specialists.

Exercise Physiologist Salary

The average salary for exercise physiologists is approximately $49,909 per year with increased earning potential coming from higher levels of education and select geographic locations. Salaries will vary from coast to coast with the highest paid exercise physiologists residing in California. The top 10% of professionals in this sector make $78,410 a year with the bottom ten percent averaging over thirty-four thousand dollars annually. Individuals interested in exercise physiology may also be interested in physical therapy, cardiovascular science, and cell physiology.

 

Industries Employing the Most Exercise Physiologists

  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  • Health Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Federal Executive Branch
  • Outpatient Care Centers

Top 5 Best Paying States for Exercise Physiology

  • California $68,190
  • Arizona $67,230
  • New York $65,680
  • Massachusetts $63,420
  • Arkansas $60,670

Exercise Physiology University Resources

For more information about Exercise Physiology, read our Complete Career Guide in Exercise Science on our blog. Additionally, you can research national exercise and regional exercise related associations to learn more about this exciting vocation.

Quality organizations that may be worth researching further include the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Associations focused on physiology help promote wellness, enhance the profession, and provide research to expand the body of knowledge of working exercise professionals in this industry.

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