From the earliest days following its founding in 1885, Springfield College has been known worldwide as a pioneer in physical education teaching and scholarship. The specialization in exercise physiology at the doctoral level is greatly influenced by such legendary faculty members as Dr. Peter Karpovich, an eminent scholar in exercise physiology and co-founder of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Karpovich taught at the college from 1927 to 1961 and was internationally recognized for his innovative physiological research.

The Ph.D. program with a specialization in exercise physiology provides students with knowledge in theory and laboratory techniques and teaches students how to further develop and promote research skills. The program offers a personalized approach to graduate education, with opportunity for self-directed research eligible for presentation to the American College of Sports Medicine and publication in peer reviewed journals.

Program of Study

Exercise Physiology. This is the student’s field of professional specialization. Course work in exercise physiology, biochemistry, cardiopulmonary physiology and exercise, neuromuscular physiology and exercise, environmental physiology, medical physiology, and graded exercise testing and electrocardiography is included in the student’s program of study.

Related Course work. Course requirements are included to support and supplement the specialization in exercise physiology and include, but are not limited to, cell and molecular biology, cellular physiology, gross anatomy, philosophy of sport, sociology of sport, sport psychology, and biomechanics. The program includes course work in pedagogical content knowledge and issues in higher education designed to prepare Ph.D. students or entry to a higher education teaching career.

Research. Theory and practice in research are to include problems of logical thinking, the scientific method, and techniques of research, as well as a piece of original research, the doctoral dissertation, conducted under faculty supervision. The dissertation is the crowning achievement of doctoral study. The problem selected should grow out of the candidate’s personal and professional interests. The dissertation may be an original contribution to knowledge or an original application of existing knowledge to the solution of a practical problem in the field.

General Education. Consistent with its philosophy of education, Springfield College is concerned in its entire educational program, both undergraduate and graduate, not only with a student’s thorough preparation in the field of professional specialization, but also with liberal education, personal growth, and awareness of the surrounding social scene. Consequently, a series of nonprofessional courses is included as an integral part of the program of the Ph.D. student to help in the attainment of breadth in development as a sensitive and growing person, as a sophisticated citizen, and as an educator with wide interests and goals.

Preparing Future Faculty Series. Modeled after the preparing future faculty program designed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, this series of coursework introduces students to academia; exposes students to the teaching, service, and scholarship responsibilities of faculty members; supports development of pedagogical skills and higher education settings; and aids the transition from doctoral student to faculty member.