Exercise Physiology, MS
The MS in Exercise Physiology prepares students to lead in clinical, performance and research-focused careers centered on human movement, health and performance.
Program Intro
The MS in Exercise Physiology prepares students to lead in clinical, performance and research-focused careers centered on human movement, health and performance. Through evidence-based coursework, hands-on laboratory training and applied practice, students gain the skills to assess physiological responses to exercise, design individualized training and rehabilitation programs and promote health across diverse populations.
*12-18 months
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn an MS in Exercise Physiology at CBU?
Study human performance through science
The program prepares students for advanced professional and research careers focused on human movement, performance and health. Through evidence-based coursework, immersive laboratory experiences and applied practice, students develop the skills to evaluate physiological responses to exercise and promote health across diverse populations.
Train for clinical and performance careers
Designed for students pursuing careers in clinical exercise physiology and strength and conditioning, the program emphasizes hands-on training and real-world application. Graduates are prepared to design individualized exercise, rehabilitation and performance programs grounded in scientific research and professional standards.
Learn in alignment with industry standards
The curriculum is aligned with ACSM and NSCA guidelines, ensuring students are prepared to meet professional expectations and certification pathways. Robust research and internship opportunities allow students to apply classroom learning in clinical, athletic and performance-based settings.
Learn from nationally recognized faculty
Students study alongside faculty who are active researchers, published in top-tier journals and recognized leaders in the field. With extensive professional involvement in organizations such as ACSM and the American Heart Association, faculty bring cutting-edge research and real-world expertise into the learning environment.
Integrate faith, ethics and professional practice
Grounded in a Christian worldview, the program emphasizes ethical decision-making, professional responsibility and stewardship of the human body. Graduates are equipped to lead with integrity in healthcare, performance and research settings.
What You'll Learn
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to analyze and optimize human movement, exercise performance, and injury prevention.
- Design and implement evidence-based exercise and conditioning programs that consider metabolic, hormonal, and neuromuscular adaptations to various training modalities and populations.
- Perform comprehensive evaluations by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physiological, functional, and psychosocial data to determine client needs and inform safe, effective exercise interventions.
- Design and justify individualized, evidence-based prescriptions by integrating scientific literature, clinical guidelines, and client characteristics for diverse populations across health and disease states.
- Apply and uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards by evaluating practice scenarios, making informed decisions, and defending actions consistent with the scope of exercise physiology.
Program Details
KIN 544: Biomechanics of Strength and Conditioning
This course provides an in-depth examination of human movement mechanics with a focus on applying biomechanical principles to strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Students will explore advanced concepts in kinematics and kinetics, musculoskeletal modeling, force analysis, and movement optimization. Emphasis is placed on interpreting biomechanical data to inform individualized training design, technique refinement, and evidence-based performance enhancement. Through hands-on laboratory experiences and motion analysis projects, students will integrate theory and practice to evaluate and improve human movement efficiency and safety. A faith-informed perspective will encourage ethical application of biomechanical principles that honor the design and stewardship of the human body.
KIN 588: Exercise Stress Testing & EKG Interpretation
This graduate-level course provides advanced instruction in the theory, administration, and interpretation of exercise stress testing and electrocardiographic (ECG/EKG) analysis in clinical exercise physiology settings. Students learn to conduct and interpret graded exercise tests (GXT) across healthy, athletic, and clinical populations with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases. Emphasis is placed on safety procedures, test termination criteria, medication effects, and clinical decision-making aligned with ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.
KIN 546: Sport Nutrition
Graduate course that provides a foundation in the science of exercise nutrition and bioenergetics. These foundational principles will be used in constructing sound nutritional recommendations as they apply to human physical activity and sexercise performance. Current research concerning pharmacologic and nutritional ergogenic aids, disordered eating, fluid balance and thermoregulation, and body composition will be discussed.
William Boyer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Office Phone: 951-552-8152
E-mail: wboyer@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus, F88
Jong-Kyung Kim, Ph.D.
Professor of Kinesiology
Office Phone: 951-552-8087
E-mail: jokim@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus, F95
| Application Deadlines | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 | November 1 | March 1 |
| Standard | August 1 | December 1 | April 1 |
Student Opportunities: Exercise Physiology Lab
We have state-of-the-art equipment to measure oxygen levels, cardiac outcomes, muscle function, immune parameters and environmental extremes.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of CBU's MS in Exercise Physiology program will be well prepared for various careers in the industry.
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Clinical Exercise Physiologist
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Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.