Clinical Exercise Physiology, M.S.

Faculty: See Department of Exercise Physiology  page

The Master of Science (MS) degree program in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) prepares competent and collaborative practitioners for the professions in clinical exercise physiology. The MS degree Program in Clinical Exercise Physiology is delivered via a blended model (face-to-face classroom and distance online), designed such that students can work and/or live in another community while completing the degree. The program has a clinical emphasis in exercise prescription for clinical populations (i.e. cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, and hematologic etc.) and focuses on advanced study of exercise physiology. Career opportunities are available in areas of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical exercise prescription (i.e. programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.), leadership in community and corporate fitness environments, strength and conditioning, research, and higher education.

The Clinical Exercise Physiology Program has achieved accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP; 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763. Telephone: 727-210-2350).

Mission

The University of Mary MS degree program in Clinical Exercise Physiology exists to develop leaders in clinical exercise physiology and to serve the exercise health and fitness needs of people who are apparently healthy, at risk, or with known chronic diseases or conditions.

Vision

The University of Mary Master of Science degree program in Clinical Exercise Physiology envisions being a premier university program in development of clinical exercise physiology experts including values and evidence-based practitioners and researchers in this region and beyond.

Distinctive Features

The University of Mary offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology at an affordable, private, Catholic university.

• Flexible program designed for working professionals that blends online and face-to-face courses (blended delivery model).
• Face-to-face “lab week”, one week (Mon-Sat) per semester to gain hands-on clinical experience, skills acquisition and mastery via practice, repetition and application with real program participants in the Exercise Clinic.
• Comprehensive curriculum grounded in specialty standards and Christian, Catholic, Benedictine values.
• Servant leadership, evidence-based practice and internship experiences.
• Research experiences that create opportunities to advance knowledge and problem solving, while positioning graduates for further study at the doctorate level.
• Thesis options of traditional research or systematic scoping review.
• Prepares students to sit for the ACSM-CEP exam.
• Blended delivery model.
• Student centered learning environment.
• GRE not required.

Graduate Degree Requirements

To achieve the master’s degree, students must complete the clinical exercise physiology program of study with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 during all of the semesters.

Application/Admissions Requirements

• Application for admission, submitted through enroll.umary.edu. Applications received by December 5 will be considered for priority early acceptance. Apply by February 15 to guarantee consideration for an interview. Applications will be accepted until June 30 or until the cohort is full.
• Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants with the following background are encouraged to apply:
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science
    • or
  • Applicants with a different major with the following pre-requisite courses: 
    • Required Courses: One course in anatomy with lab, one course in physiology with lab, or a two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with labs
    • Required Course: One college chemistry course with lab
    • Required Courses: Two college psychology courses
    • Required Course: One college math at the college algebra level or higher
    • Recommended Course: Exercise physiology with lab (not required)
• Students in the senior year of their undergraduate program are welcome to apply and may submit unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required upon degree conferral. 
• When submitting your official transcripts:
  • You can request transcripts at most schools by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
  • Have your transcripts sent to:
    Office of Admissions
    University of Mary
    7500 University Drive
    Bismarck, ND 58504
  • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu
  • Graduated from the University of Mary before? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!

• Professional goals statement (2-3 paragraphs describing your career goals)
• Once all application materials are submitted, qualifying students will be invited for an interview, typically conducted in a virtual platform.
  • Following the interview, candidates may be asked to provide 3 professional references in list format including full name, professional title, email address, and telephone number (letters of recommendation are NOT required)
• Prior to beginning the program (before the fall start date), students will need to provide proof of CPR/AED certification.

Priority Admission

1. Applicants must be in progress to complete a bachelor’s degree, with junior year status (60-89 credits). A bachelor’s degree or higher in any field must be completed prior to beginning the University of Mary Master of Science Clinical Exercise Physiology Program. Applications are submitted directly to the University of Mary via the CEP website.
2. Applicants must have completed any 4 of the required 6 pre-requisite courses identified above. An unofficial transcript is required at the time of admission with a final transcript with all pre-requisite courses completed will be required at the time of graduation and prior to start date of the program.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum of a “C” in all prerequisite coursework. Students may retake pre-requisite coursework one time.
4. Students who are accepted to the Priority Admissions Program as a junior in their bachelor’s degree program will defer the start of the CEP Program one year and submit deposit to hold their spot.

Early Assurance

1. High school seniors and University of Mary freshman and sophomore students may apply for early assurance into the CEP program.
2. High school applicants for early assurance must have at least a composite score of 24 on the ACT (or SAT equivalent) or a GPA of 3.5.
3. University of Mary early assurance applicants must be on track to meet the program requirements.
4. An interview with a University of Mary Saint Gianna School of Health Science faculty member is required for acceptance into the early assurance program.

Visit our website to see more information or to apply for Early Assurance or Priority Admissions.

Immunization Requirements

Immunization requirements for health science programs are officially listed online in the student handbook (umary.edu/studenthandbook under Student Experience | University of Mary Health Clinic | Immunization Policy), along with the full immunization policy. These immunization requirements supersede and replace all other immunization requirements listed in previous editions of the academic catalog and/or health science program handbooks (printed or digital).

Clinical Exercise Physiology Program Outcomes

Based upon the mission of the University of Mary, the School of Health Sciences, and the Department of Exercise Physiology, graduates of the Master of Science degree program in Clinical Exercise Physiology will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

1. Apply physical activity and behavioral interventions for those with clinical diseases and health conditions for both therapeutic and/or functional benefit. 
2. Provide primary and secondary prevention and rehabilitation strategies designed to improve physical fitness and health in healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan.
3. Conduct high quality clinical research aimed at improving health, quality of life, and quality of care in a clinical world of constant change and discovery.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism grounded in professional guidelines/standards, servant leadership, and Benedictine Values.