Application deadline for the MS program is Feb. 15.
The focus of the program is physical inactivity, exercise and nutrition strategies for the treatment and prevention of lifestyle related diseases. Our faculty continually develop new knowledge in exercise and nutritional interventions as they relate to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic diseases.
The mission of the program is to train graduate students who will provide professional leadership and research developments in the areas of human health.
The curriculum has a scientific basis with core courses in exercise physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology. Exercise physiology research emphasizes translational research from studies in cells, isolated tissues, rodents, pigs, and human participants. Research and internship opportunities are available across the University of Missouri campus (University Hospital, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, NextGen Precision Health, MU-Physical Activity and Wellness Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, etc).
Teaching and research assistantships are available to MS degree candidates on a competitive basis.
Requirements
MS students in Exercise Physiology can choose between two options within the MS Exercise Physiology: 1) a thesis option, 2) an internship option. The course curriculum is similar for both options.
Thesis option: students will gain experience in the design and implementation of research within the field of Exercise Science, culminating in a written thesis.
Internship option: students will gain experience in a work environment through culminating experience of an internship completed in an area allied to Exercise Science.
Customize your MS degree! Make this degree your own!
Students will gain in-depth knowledge of Exercise Physiology, culminating in an internship and/or thesis. Students also have the opportunity to complete a certificate in another field, by modifying electives. For example, students can get a certificate in Public Health or Global Public Health. Examples of other options for certificates are journalism, science teaching, statistics, etc. Make this degree your own.
Graduating from our MS program will provide the student with the preparation for credentialing from organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Completion of this degree as well as obtaining certification will prepare students for careers such as registered clinical exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaching, personal trainer or wellness coach, health/fitness instructor, as well as in other health professions.
Courses (36 credits total)
| Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry (e.g., CHEM 1320, CHEM 1330) | 8 hours |
| Anatomy (e.g., PTH_AS 2201) | 3 hours |
| Physiology (e.g., MPP 3202) | 5 hours |
| Human Nutrition (e.g., NEP 2340) | 3 hours |
| Exercise Physiology (e.g., NEP 3850) | 3 hours |
| Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| NEP 8850 Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 hours |
| NEP 8220 Cardiovascular Disease and Exercise | 3 hours |
| NEP 8860 Exercise Endocrinology | 3 hours |
| ESC_PS 7170: Introduction to Applied Statistics or an equivalent statistics class | 3 hours |
| NEP 7500 Research in NEP (mandatory for thesis track; optional for internship track) | 3 hours |
| NEP 8125 Preventive and Therapeutic Exercise Physiology | 3 hours |
| NEP 8127 Advanced Physiological Assessment and Exercise Prescription | 3 hours |
| NEP 8087 Masters Seminar | 2 hours |
| NEP 8090 Master’s Thesis Research or 8095 Master’s Internship | 4 hours |
| Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| NEP 8030 Etiology of Obesity | 3 hours |
| NEP 7340 Human Nutrition II | 3 hours |
| NEP 7970 Sports Nutrition | 3 hours |
| NEP 8340 Nutrition in Human Health | 3 hours |
| Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| NEP 7200 Sports Performance and Conditioning | 3 hours |
| BIOCHEM 7270 Biochemistry | 3 hours |
| V_BSCI 9435 Molecular Exercise Biology | 3 hours |
| NEP 8870 Exercise Metabolism | 3 hours |
Program & Affiliated Faculty
Affiliated Programs
Exercise Physiology research and graduate training can take place in a number of departments and laboratories at MU.
- Vet Biomedical Sciences
- Medical Physiology and Pharmocology
- Physical Therapy
- Internal Medicine / Cardiology