Exercise Physiology

Welcome to the Exercise Physiology Graduate Program [pdf]!

Our Focus

The graduate specialization in exercise physiology will help prepare students to meet societal challenges for health and wellness. This area of study provides an advanced theoretical and research background in exercise physiology, as well as hands-on experience gained through a required internship. There are 3 areas of focus in the exercise physiology graduate program. 

• General Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Strength & Conditioning - NSCA Graduate Education Recognition Program

Curriculum

The curriculum prepares students for a variety of careers, including corporate and community fitness specialists, clinical exercise specialists, coaching for performance enhancement, teaching, and research.

Strength & Conditioning

Additionally, after completing the M.S. program, our students often complete various certification exams (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association), and others continue in doctoral programs in exercise physiology.

Why MS KIN at SJSU?

• Excellent opportunity to link your personal passion with employment opportunities and scholarship in your chosen field of exercise physiology.
• Advance your knowledge through graduate coursework in exercise physiology, environmental exercise physiology and clinical exercise physiology.
• Gain hands-on experience at a relevant internship site.

Highlights

• Internationally published and recognized faculty
• Programs of study in exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning (NSCA recognized program).
• Strategic Location: Access to professional, collegiate, and community sport organizations, as well as influential companies outside the traditional sport scope.
• Student developed programs of study and research opportunities.

Program Entry Requirements

• 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester units, (2.75 and above considered)
• Complete Cal State Apply application
• Two letters of recommendation

Coursework

Core Courses

• KIN 250 - Fundamentals of Quantitative Research
• KIN 251 - Fundamentals of Qualitative Research

Exercise Physiology Courses

• KIN 255 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
• KIN 256 - Environmental Exercise Physiology
• KIN 287 - Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology
• KIN 285 - Internship

Electives

Electives courses are chosen with your academic advisor to accentuate and bolster your program of study.

Alumni Testimonial

Pamela Ben Rached, '18

"After meeting Dr. Cisar and touring the SJSU campus, I knew this was the place to be! My experience did not disappoint as it was the perfect blend of academic rigor and unbridled encouragement. The course curriculum coordinated well with my work schedule and I was able to develop a pathway germane to my career."

Gustavo Aldama, '22 - Now employed with the Washington Hospital Healthcare System

"My experience in the program was great. My advisors and professors were phenomenal. I am an Exercise Physiologist at a Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic and the research experience and knowledge I acquired in this program has been indispensable for my success in this profession!"

Stephen Richardson - '24 

"I chose to pursue my Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at San Jose State University because of the tremendous class of instructors, as well as the long-standing history that SJSU has with physical education. My professors have been excellent at inspiring and nurturing my quest for knowledge, as well as providing opportunities in which I can further expand my understanding.

Attending San Jose State University also enables me to continue to help out my community at the Timpany Center, a non-profit therapeutic recreational facility provided in part by the San Jose State University Research Foundation. It is here that I am able to apply my knowledge learned in the classroom to help others on their journey in health and wellness."

Careers

Graduates of the MS program in Kinesiology (exercise physiology option) currently work in a variety of settings, including:

• Colleges and universities (teachers, strength and conditioning coaches)
• Corporate fitness programs (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
• Community health and fitness facilities (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
• Hospital-based cardiopulmonary wellness programs (exercise physiologists)
• Research
• Secondary schools (strength and conditioning coaches)

Health: There is great need for well-trained and qualified fitness professionals to work with the growing sedentary and obese populations in the United States, and to work together with physicians and other health care professionals to provide appropriate exercise prescriptions and programs for healthy children and adults, as well as patient populations.

Performance: In addition, there is growth in the need for well-trained and qualified professionals to work with athletic-oriented populations toward the achievement of optimal human performance.

Environment: Further, there is increased need to enhance the performance of diverse populations in varying environmental conditions

Faculty

Peggy Plato, Ph.D.
Professor
Spartan Complex 174
408-924-3032
peggy.plato@sjsu.edu