Exercise Physiology Major

Personal health and fitness have emerged as significant national priorities, with individuals and both public and private organizations increasingly recognizing the importance of facilitating healthy lifestyles. This growing awareness has resulted in a rising demand for professionals with expertise in exercise physiology. The exercise physiology major is thoughtfully designed to integrate various fields of study, such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition, among others, to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing rewarding careers in the health and wellness sector. As a dynamic field of study with numerous opportunities, professionals play a vital role in meeting diverse needs, interests, and abilities as they contribute to individual and community health.

You have options.

  • The exercise physiology track prepares you for a career as an exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professional, corporate/community health and wellness specialist, strength & conditioning specialist, or for management in the health and fitness industry.
  • The pre-professional track prepares you for graduate and professional education in such fields as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, nursing, medicine, clinical exercise physiology, exercise and rehabilitation science, sports analytics, and public health.
  • The direct-admit AT track is for students who have been admitted to Marquette's master’s degree program in athletic training.
  • The direct-admit PT track is for students who have been admitted to Marquette's doctoral degree program in physical therapy.
  • The M.S. degree track — our accelerated M.S. degree program — gives students the opportunity to begin course work in the exercise and rehabilitation science program their senior year, meaning they complete a B.S. and M.S. in five years. Areas of study include community/corporate health and wellness, neuromuscular control of movement, pediatric and adult obesity, biomechanics, pain, and muscle physiology and fatigue.

Professionally fit as a fiddle.

As an exercise physiology professional, you'll be primarily working with individuals who wish to prioritize their well-being, potentially without relying on health insurance to cover your services. Thus, when working outside the medical healthcare field, your job prospects may be insulated from negative impacts brought about by changes in the health insurance industry. Moreover, the current boom in corporate wellness programs presents a promising opportunity to sustain the growth of the exercise physiology profession. Lastly, pursuing an exercise physiology major can serve as an excellent stepping stone into various related fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine, and other areas where your expertise will be highly valued.

The science of exercise.

Marquette's exercise physiology major encompasses human form and function, scientific principles of conditioning, medical screening, and exercise testing and prescription, so you'll understand how the body works and be well equipped to develop programs that enhance it.


Some of the classes you'll take:

 

  • Introduction to Exercise Science
  • Emergency Care, CPR and AED
  • Principles of Human Anatomy
  • Principles of Human Physiology
  • Kinesiology/Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription
  • Nutrition and Exercise Performance
  • Exercise Physiology Practicum I
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Administration in Exercise Science
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology for Special Populations

For a complete listing of required courses for the program in exercise physiology, please visit the Marquette University Online Bulletin at this link.