West Virginia University at Parkersburg

What you'll study

The curriculum combines advanced physiology, applied testing and programme design with research and professional topics. Required courses listed by semester on the programme page include:

• Fall, Year 1: EP 510 Advanced Exercise Physiology I; EP 511 Research Methods (online); EP 512 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
• Spring, Year 1: EP 520 Advanced Exercise Physiology II; EP 521 Scientific Writing (online); EP 565 Advanced Injury Prevention
• Fall, Year 2: EP 550 Advanced Biomechanics; EP 551 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology (online); EP 580 Exercise Physiology Thesis I
• Spring, Year 2: EP 522 Legal & Professional Considerations (online); EP 560 Clinical Testing and Program Design; EP 581 Exercise Physiology Thesis II

Students perform field-appropriate testing and prescription across diverse populations and complete a thesis sequence. The programme reports outcomes such as an ACSM-EP exam pass rate of 100% and internal outcome statistics for retention, internship pass rate and graduate placement.

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 2.75 GPA. The programme recommends completion of prerequisite coursework. For West Liberty graduates, acceptable undergraduate degrees include a B.S. in Exercise Physiology or a related science/health field with courses in Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Psychology; and Anatomy and Physiology. External applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. in a similar science or healthcare-related field with coursework such as Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Biomechanics, Nutrition, General Psychology, Personal Health/Wellness and Statistics.

Application is processed through the appropriate CAS portal; all official transcripts must be submitted through CAS to complete an application.

Career prospects

The programme supports entry into both clinical and non-clinical roles. Clinical positions cited include clinical exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation specialist and cancer exercise specialist. Non-clinical roles include strength and conditioning coach, health coach, personal trainer, fitness instructor, corporate fitness specialist and fitness entrepreneur. The programme page cites BLS data projecting 11% employment growth for exercise physiologists from 2019–2029 and about 1,400 openings per year on average.

Scholarships & funding angle

Specific tuition and fees are not listed on the programme page; applicants are directed to consult the institution’s Business Office webpage for cost of attendance details. Prospective students should contact the programme office and university financial services about scholarships, assistantships or other funding options available to graduate students.