Program Information
Exercise Physiology is an extension of physiology that focuses on the changes in physiological function which occur as the human organism moves from an inactive state to an active state. In exercise physiology acute responses to a single exercise session as well as chronic adaptations to a series of exercise sessions are studied. The physiological adaptation to exercise stress is investigated with the intention of gaining an understanding of exercise induced improvements and adaptations in physiological function.
The Exercise Physiology Program of Springfield College has a longstanding tradition and prestigious reputation both nationally and internationally.
Facilities available for research in exercise physiology include: a large multipurpose human performance laboratory, a bod pod, a strength laboratory, a biochemistry laboratory which houses state of the art research equipment, as well as metabolic testing equipment. The presentation of student research at regional and/or national scientific meetings along with the publication of research findings is one of the goals of the graduate experience in exercise physiology.
The Exercise Physiology Program is divided into two concentrations: The Applied Exercise Physiology (AEP) concentration and the Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) concentration. The AEP concentration is designed to prepare students to work with healthy individuals to optimize their physical performance, for example as a Sports Physiologist. The CEP concentration is designed to prepare students to work with individuals to use lifestyle interventions to prevent disease or to treat conditions for which exercise training has been shown to be of benefit. Both tconcentrations prepare students to apply the Scientific Method to solve research questions relevant to their areas of inquiry and both are designed to equip students to pursue advanced degrees upon completion of the program. However, graduates from either concentration can function as practitioners at the completion of their masters training.
Students who receive a grade of C+ or lower in any of three courses will be dismissed from the program.
Undergraduate prerequisites/competencies:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Kinesiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Statistics
The basic program requires a minimum of 36 credits of graduate coursework.
A. Clinical Exercise Physiology Requirements (21 credits)
The Clinical Exercise Physiology program is CAAHEP accredited. The objectives of the Clinical Exercise Physiology track within the Exercise Physiology Program are as follows:
1. To prepare individuals to be competent entry level clinical exercise physiologist (i.e., practitioners)
2. To equip students with the knowledge and skills to further their education either in the medical field or to become clinical researchers
All students within this track are required to complete 600 hrs of internships accumulated by working in different settings including cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal etc. The program is designed to prepare students for the ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist exam.
B. Applied Exercise Physiology Requirements (12 credits)
The Applied Exercise Physiology track within the Exercise Physiology program is designed for individuals who plan to work in a non-clinical setting. Students in this track can focus on topics related to optimizing human physical performance. Sports Physiology and Work Physiology are areas of particular focus. All students within this track are required to complete a thesis. Students are given the option of selecting two elective classes in addition to the required classes unique to the program.
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