Prepare to help others flourish by learning how to develop exercise and athletic routines through our master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in exercise science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology.
This program is one of three graduate-education programs in the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) and is open to qualified students that hold bachelor’s degrees in exercise science, pre-medicine, biology, physiology, or a related allied health field.
An emphasis on experiential learning prepares you for positions in clinics, research centers, or health and wellness centers. Or, if you plan on advancing your education even further, this program serves as an excellent springboard to doctoral work or medical school.
Achieving Academic Excellence
You may not know Matthew Harber, but he wishes you a long, healthy life. The professor is an expert in aging well. His research helps health professionals develop the best exercise plans for lifelong fitness. Learn more about his work.
We need more stress, according to Lenny Kaminsky. Not emotional but physical stress. Kaminsky studies how the body responds positively to the demands of exercise. Learn more about his work.
What You Will Learn
This graduate program aims to:
- prepare students, through classroom education and practical experiences, to be professional advocates for the preventative and therapeutic use of a physically active lifestyle
- produce and disseminate quality research through professional presentations and peer-reviewed publications
- serve Ball State and the local community through education, health screenings, and promotion
- support the mission and activity of the Adult Physical Fitness Program
What It’s Like to Pursue an MS in Exercise Science (Clinical Exercise Physiology) at Ball State
Research Areas
Research focuses on aging and exercise, microgravity and exercise, physiology of human performance, and pediatric exercise.
History
The lab began in 1965 in a 20x30-foot room off the then-University Gymnasium (now the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center). It moved to its current, 20,000-square-foot location in 1990.
Facilities
The building includes lab space for exercise physiology testing and training, biochemistry and molecular biology, single muscle fiber physiology and imaging analysis, and more. The building is also home to offices, a research data processing room, a research kitchen, electronics and instruments fabrication workshop, and several other supporting facilities.
Impact
The HPL consistently conducts research in partnerships with agencies as prominent as NASA, studying topics such as how to counteract the muscle atrophy and bone loss that astronauts encounter with the loss of gravity in space.
Previous
Next
During your first year in the Clinical Exercise Physiology Program, you will gain valuable internship experience working in the Adult Physical Fitness Program, both in the Fitness Center and the Exercise Testing Laboratory.
You will work as an exercise leader in the Adult Fitness Program learning important knowledge and skills while gaining experience in the field of clinical exercise physiology.
These experiences/responsibilities include:
- obtaining American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider/CPR/AED Certification
- working one-on-one with participants to lead them through a progressive program to promote positive adaptations
- monitoring pulse rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion during the exercise sessions
- monitoring for signs and symptoms of exercise intolerance
- developing and administering exercise prescriptions
- delivering results consultations
- providing education on risk factor modifications
- encouraging behavioral interventions to promote healthful lifestyle changes
- performing health risk screening evaluations
- performing exercise tolerance tests (including monitoring blood pressure and electrocardiogram and measuring oxygen uptake)
- becoming familiar with common administrative policies and procedures in delivering exercise program
Our extensive laboratory space and available equipment means you will have many opportunities to apply classroom learning in practical ways.
The Human Performance Laboratory is a 20,000 sq. ft. facility featuring:
- research kitchen
- electronics and instrument fabrication workshop
- sterile preparation room
- tissue processing and cryostorage rooms
- shower facilities for research volunteers
- several research laboratories
Learn More about the Facilities
Program Requirements
The CEP Program is 21 consecutive months (includes summer) and a new class of students enroll each Fall.
Credits
Total: 43
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- Foundations of Adult Physical Fitness
- Principles of Exercise Testing and Interpretation
- Applied Physiology
- Exercise Physiology I
- Electrocardiography
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Graduate Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do with an MS in Exercise Science (Clinical Exercise Physiology)?
There are many rewarding career options available to CEP graduates, including:
- exercise physiologist in a clinical or research environment
- program director of a health and wellness center
If your goals include further academic training, the clinical exercise physiology program provides a strong footing for:
- pursuing a PhD
- enrolling in medical school
- becoming a physician’s assistant
Paying for Your Education
A graduate assistantship is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience while helping cover the costs of your degree. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing this degree? Then you will need to meet our admissions criteria and apply.
Apply Now
More Information
If you would like to learn more about this program or about Ball State Graduate School in general, please complete our online form to request more information. Or, if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.