The exercise physiology and nutrition program allows students to focus on understanding the determinants of physical activity and energy expenditure, adaptations to exercise that impact human work performance and disease risk, and exercise metabolism and nutrition.  Although not required, a graduate student may simultaneously complete course work needed to become a Registered Dietitian.  A strength of this graduate program is the opportunity for students to participate in research within the Movement Science or Nutrition Research Laboratories.

Graduate programs in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition will customize their programs for future employment within a variety of fields including:

• Future pursuit of a doctoral degree
• Medical school
• Clinical and/or cardiac rehabilitation centers
• Clinical and fitness equipment companies
• Fitness/wellness facilities
• Coaching
• Sports nutritionist and other nutrition fields (requires RD)
  

Prerequisites

Ideally, entering graduate students will have completed a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field (e.g., Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy) with appropriate background course work (e.g., chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology).   Students without an appropriate undergraduate background may still enter the program, but will be required to take a number of undergraduate prerequisite courses prior to graduate course work. 

Admissions

Admissions decisions are based on:

1. Undergraduate preparation (GPA and strength of prerequisite course work)
2. Preferential GRE combined score from verbal and quantitative tests equal to or greater than 280 from the current test or 800 from tests before 2011
3. Goodness of fit and how consistent interests and goals of student align with research and outreach goals of faculty (to be addressed in personal essay)
4. Relevant professional experience
5. Strength of letters of recommendation