Exercise Physiology Program Prepares Students for Challenging Career

Concordia University Chicago announced today the launch of a new Exercise Physiology concentration within its 100% online Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science. This concentration is designed to prepare students for a career as an exercise physiologist and for American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification.

“Our exercise physiology students will learn how to work with special populations — cardiovascular patients, geriatric patients, and patients with metabolic conditions — in specialized healthcare environments,” says Dr. Theresa Miyashita, PhD, Program Director for Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago. “They’ll gain knowledge in a variety of areas that will enable them to select assessments, interpret results of that assessment, and then develop an exercise prescription.”

The exercise physiology concentration was created in response to the increasing demand for certified exercise physiologists in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide job growth for exercise physiologists is projected to expand 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage of an exercise physiologist was $50,280 in May 2020. The top 10% earned more than $78,170.

The first exercise physiologist cohorts will launch in August 2021. Applicants can choose between two tracks, depending on their background in exercise science.

“Whether you have a degree in exercise science or are new to the field and looking to change careers,” says Dr. Miyashita, “our program will prepare you to become a certified exercise physiologist.”

This concentration joins the ranks of four other popular exercise science options within the master’s program:

• Human Movement Science
• Sport Performance Training
• Sports Nutrition
• Strength and Conditioning

These programs are specially designed to prepare students for industry-leading certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)

Over the past decade, Concordia-Chicago has graduated thousands of students from its exercise science master’s programs. They have gone on to have fulfilling and rewarding careers as coaches, trainers and directors in high school, collegiate and professional sports, as well as with private clients.

Concordia-Chicago’s Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science is ranked the second most affordable exercise science program in the United States by the College Affordability Guide and the sixth best online kinesiology and exercise science master’s program by College Rank.

Want to learn more about our Exercise Physiology concentration? Read our article, “What is Exercise Physiology? Exploring Concordia Chicago’s New Master’s Concentration.”

About Concordia University Chicago

Founded in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, today Concordia University Chicago is a comprehensive university with more than 6,000 full-time students enrolled in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral study. The University is one of eight colleges and universities that are part of a nationwide Concordia University System.

Learn more about Concordia University Chicago: https://exsci.cuchicago.edu.
Learn more about Exercise Physiology at Concordia-Chicago: https://exsci.cuchicago.edu/ms-applied-exercise-science-degree-online/exercise-physiology-degree/