M.S. in Exercise Physiology
Today’s interest in healthy lifestyles is translating into a remarkable range of career opportunities related to diet, fitness, and health.
Our exercise physiology programs are cutting-edge and fully prepare students to pursue a wide variety of health-related careers. We offer courses that provide a firm foundation in essential scientific methods, technical knowledge, and practical skills.
It’s our mission to increase conducted research; teach students to investigate, apply, and contribute knowledge; and to benefit the community through work in exercise and human performance.
- An upper-division undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The same scale applies for graduate-level work.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university.
- The GRE general test requirement is waived for MS applicants to our college programs through the fall 2026 admission cycle. Master’s applicants may choose to take the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) and submit scores. We recommend a score of above the 50th percentile (approximately 150) in both verbal and quantitative sections with a 4.0 or higher on the writing section. Please note that it can take up to ten (10) days after sitting for the GRE for an official score report to be sent to the university.
- International students: Applicants must submit an official English Proficiency Score Report. A TOEFL iBT® score of at least 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-delivered) or an IELTSTM Academic score of at least 6.5 is required. Our department does not accept other English proficiency examinations.
Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. The department reserves the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants. Financial aid is a separate process from the admission to a graduate program. Other requirements, outside of the admissions application, must be met to qualify for an assistantship.
In order to be successful in the major, background knowledge in related sciences should be obtained. Students have the option to take the undergraduate courses prior to the start graduate program or as leveling courses during their graduate program. If electing to take these courses while in the graduate program (leveling courses), it may take additional time to complete the other degree requirements due to sequencing of classes.
Undergraduate courses recommended for the Master’s in Exercise Physiology program are:
- Science of Nutrition (B minus or better)
- Chemistry I + Lab (C or better)
- Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab (C+ or better)
- Exercise Physiology with Lab, upper-division course (C or better)
All items below must be on file, and the fee paid, before an application is considered complete and ready for review. We encourage you to submit and complete your application early. The graduate admissions committee reviews completed applications throughout the open application period, which allows you to quickly receive an admissions decision.
-
- Apply Online, submit the admissions application and pay the application fee.
- Once you have submitted your application:
- Upload a Statement of Purpose outlining your career goals. We want to know how your background and prior training make you the right candidate and why Florida State University is a good fit for you. If interested in research, we strongly encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with the research interests of the NIP faculty.
- Upload a resume or vita (information should be current).
- Enter contact information for two recommenders. The system will directly contact your recommender and provide them with a link to upload their letter. Academic recommendations are preferred, but relevant professional recommendations will be accepted. The recommenders should be professionals you have worked for who are familiar with your academic performance and can speak directly about your qualification for this degree. No personal recommendations or letters from peers will be accepted as satisfying the minimum of two required recommenders.
- The GRE general test requirement is waived for MS applicants to our college programs through the fall 2026 admission cycle. Master’s applicants may choose to submit official GRE test scores to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The school reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- International Students: Submit an official English Proficiency Score Report:
- TOEFL test scores electronically from ETS.org to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The university’s reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- IELTS Academic test scores in physical (paper) form directly from IELTS.org to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions at:
Florida State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 S. Copeland St. / 314 Westcott Bldg
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410
USA - Submit official transcripts (with translations if necessary) to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. We require transcripts from EVERY post-secondary institution you attended (even if those courses are posted to another institution’s transcript). Transcripts the applicant uploads to the application are considered unofficial. Please have official transcript sent directly from your institution to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions.
Special Notice: Florida State University is requiring applicants from Nigeria and Ghana to obtain a World Education Service (WES) credential evaluation. This evaluation of official transcript(s) will then be directly sent to FSU.
Send Electronic transcripts to: graduateadmissions@fsu.edu
Send Paper transcripts to:
Florida State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 S. Copeland St. / 314 Westcott Bldg
Tallahassee FL 32306-1410
USA
Please allow a minimum of ten (10) business days for the Office of Graduate Admissions to process your incoming materials.
For questions about the application process:
CHHS Office of Graduate Studies
nfes_gs@fsu.edu
850-644-1117
Deadlines
| Master’s program admission application | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | April 1 | |
| Spring | October 1 |
This program admits in the fall and spring semesters only. All application materials must be received by the deadline posted and only complete applications will be reviewed.
Additionally, admission to the graduate program is term specific. If you decide to apply for a different semester or major, you will need to start a new application. If you are unable to attend the semester for which you were admitted, you will need to reapply for a future term.
The mission of the graduate Exercise Physiology program at Florida State University is to provide advanced training to students in the fields of both basic and applied physiology. We prepare students to generate and apply research-based knowledge and provide public service in exercise, health, and human performance. Resources for the Exercise Physiology program include applied electrophysiology physiology laboratories, cardiovascular laboratories, skeletal muscle laboratories, and the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine (ISSM). Individually and collectively, the resources enable the rigorous study of human performance, exercise metabolism, sports nutrition, cardiovascular, and muscle physiology at the cellular and molecular levels in humans and animals. The laboratories contain necessary equipment for biochemical and both in vivo and in vitro cellular/molecular analyses. The Exercise Physiology laboratories have an environmental chamber, a BodPod®, and a micro-computed tomography 3D scanner (micro-CT). The laboratories also have DEXA units, Biodex™ dynamometers, electrocardiography machines, metabolic carts, and fluorescent microscopes.
Research Focus Tracks
All admitted M.S. students are assigned to the non-thesis track. To apply for the thesis track, students must be in good academic standing after the first semester and have the support of graduate faculty.
For exemplary master’s students, a bypass to the Ph.D. degree may be possible after the first year. Among other things, the decision is based on the student’s academic performance during the first year of study. A GRE score will be required for students applying to the doctoral program via bypass.
Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology
The doctoral program in Exercise Physiology prepares students for careers in academia and professions which enhance physical well-being, health, and human performance.
It provides a firm foundation in essential scientific knowledge, technical know-how, and practical skills through teaching, research, publication, and service. Current research includes cardiovascular, neuromuscular, metabolic, hormonal, and body composition/functionality responses to acute and chronic physical activity (exercise) in association with various factors such as nutrients, environmental stress, and chronic diseases by utilizing both human and animal models.
- An upper-division undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The same scale applies for graduate-level work. A professional degree is not counted for university GPA requirements.
- A master’s degree or post-baccalaureate professional degree from an accredited university.
- A competitive Graduate Record Examination revised General Test (GRE) score; recommended score of above the 50th percentile (approximately 150) in both verbal and quantitative sections with a 4.0 or higher on the writing section. Please note that it can take up to ten (10) days after sitting for the GRE for an official score report to be sent to the university
- International students: Applicants must submit an official English Proficiency Score Report. A TOEFL iBT® score of at least 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-delivered) or an IELTSTM Academic score of at least 6.5 is required. The department recommends 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) TOEFL for a competitive application to the doctoral program. Our department does not accept other English proficiency examinations.
- A visit to the department is strongly encouraged. Please contact the College’s graduate office to schedule your visit. Before you submit your online application and pay the application fee, you should directly contact graduate faculty members in your area of interest to see if they have room in their labs and are available to mentor you.
Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. The department reserves the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants. Financial aid is a separate process from the admission to a graduate program.
All items below must be on file, and the fee paid, before an application is considered complete and ready for review. We encourage you to submit and complete your application early. The graduate admissions committee reviews completed applications throughout the open application period, which allows you to quickly receive an admissions decision.
-
- Apply Online, submit the admissions application and pay the application fee.
- Once you have submitted your application:
- Complete the Faculty Preference list – in order of preference, select three faculty members you would like to work with throughout your graduate program.
- Upload a Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests and career goals. We want to know how your background and prior training make you the right candidate and why Florida State University is a good fit for you. Please indicate up to three FSU faculty members with whom you would like to work and why. We strongly encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with the research interests of the NIP faculty.
- Upload a resume or vita (information should be current).
- Submit contact information for three recommenders. The recommenders should be professionals you have worked with who are familiar with your academic performance and can speak directly about your qualification for this degree. Academic recommendations are preferred, but relevant professional recommendations will be accepted. No personal recommendations or letters from peers will be accepted.
- Submit official GRE scores to the FSU Office of Admissions. The school reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- International Students: Submit an official English Proficiency Score Report:
- TOEFL test scores electronically from ETS.org to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The university’s reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- IELTS Academic test scores in physical (paper) form directly from IELTS.org to:
Florida State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 S Copeland St / Westcott Bldg
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410
USA - Submit official transcripts (with translations if necessary) to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. We require transcripts from EVERY post-secondary institution you attended (even if those courses are posted to another institution’s transcript). Transcripts the applicant uploads to the application are considered unofficial. Please have official transcript sent directly from your institution to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions.
Special Notice: For Fall 2023, Florida State University is requiring applicants from Nigeria and Ghana to obtain a World Education Service (WES) credential evaluation. This evaluation of official transcript(s) will then be directly sent to FSU.
Send Electronic transcripts to: graduateadmissions@fsu.edu
Send Paper transcripts to:
Florida State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 S. Copeland St. / 314 Westcott Bldg
Tallahassee FL 32306-1410
USA
Please allow a minimum of ten (10) business days for the Office of Graduate Admissions to process your incoming materials.
A related degree is required and the completion of core coursework for the associated master’s degree program offered at FSU (or the equivalent) is highly recommended.
For questions about the application process:
CHS Office of Graduate Studies
nfes_gs@fsu.edu
850-644-1117
Deadlines
| For graduate teaching assistantship eligibility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | |
| Spring | July 1 | |
| Summer | No admission |
In order to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship (TA), you must be a current doctoral student or have been formally admitted to the program.
Please see the TA application button in the finances tab on our Graduate Resources page.
Deadlines
| Doctoral program admission application | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | April 1 | |
| Spring | October 1 | |
| Summer | No admission |
This program admits in the fall and spring semesters only. All application materials must be received by the deadline posted and only complete applications will be reviewed.
Additionally, admission to the graduate program is term specific. If you decide to apply for a different semester or major, you will need to start a new application. If you are unable to attend the semester for which you were admitted, you will need to reapply for a future term.
Deadlines
| For graduate teaching assistantship eligibility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | |
| Spring | July 1 | |
| Summer | No admission |
In order to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship (TA), you must be a current doctoral student or have been formally admitted to the program.
Please see the TA application button in the finances tab on our Graduate Resources page.
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Pathway (B.S./M.S.)
Our exercise physiology programs are cutting-edge and fully prepare students to pursue a wide variety of health-related careers. We offer courses that provide a firm foundation in essential scientific methods, technical knowledge, and practical skills.
FSU’s combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways provide academically talented undergraduate students an opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
The exercise physiology combined pathway allows for 11 graduate hours to be shared with, or double-counted toward, an undergraduate degree program. A student enrolled in the pathway will earn the baccalaureate degree upon completion of the undergraduate program and master’s degree upon completion of the pathway.
Only current undergraduate students majoring in exercise physiology at FSU may apply to the combined bachelor’s/master’s pathway.
Shared Credits
Graduate Course Enrollment
11 graduate credit hours will double-count toward the bachelor’s degree. The following courses are taken during the last semester (spring only) of the undergraduate program:
| Graduate Course | Course # | Undergrad Requirement Met | Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiorespiratory Evaluation | PET5553 | PET4551 | 3 |
| Physical Dimensions of Aging | PET5077 | PET4076 | 4 |
| Seminar | PET5930 | General Elective | 1 |
| Select one of the following: Sports Fitness Testing Exercise or Disease | PET5751 PET6388 |
2nd Human Sciences Core | 3 |
Note: Students that have already completed any of the undergraduate requirements listed in the table above (third column) are ineligible for the pathway.
Deadlines
| Spring Semester | October 1 |
This pathway only admits in the spring semester. Only current FSU undergraduate students majoring in Exercise Physiology may apply to the combined pathway. All application materials must be received by the deadline posted and only complete applications will be reviewed.
Please note that admissions are not deferred.
- Must be currently enrolled at FSU as an undergraduate student in the exercise physiology major with 90 credit hours; transfer students should have completed 24 credit hours at FSU.
- An upper-division undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Prerequisites must be completed before you enter the program; applicants that have not completed all prerequisites as per transcripts submitted (or cannot prove that he/she will complete the courses prior to the start of the graduate program) will be denied admission. Please see individual program prerequisite courses in the appropriate tab.
- The GRE general test requirement is waived for MS applicants to our college programs through the fall 2026 admission cycle. Master’s applicants may choose to take the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) and submit scores. We recommend a score of above the 50th percentile (approximately 150) in both verbal and quantitative sections with a 4.0 or higher on the writing section. Please note that it can take up to ten (10) days after sitting for the GRE for an official score report to be sent to the university.
- International students: Applicants must submit an official English Proficiency Score Report. A TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-delivered) or an IELTSTM Academic score of at least 6.5 is required. Our department does not accept other English proficiency examinations.
- Do not submit the application until you have contacted the college’s mapping coordinator to confirm eligibility.
Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. The department reserves the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants. Financial aid is a separate process from the admission to a graduate program.
The required prerequisite undergraduate courses, and the associated minimum grades to be earned, for consideration to the BS/MS Pathway in Exercise Physiology are:
- APK 3110C – Exercise Physiology with lab included (4hrs), B
- PET 3322 – Anatomy and Physiology I (3hrs), B
- PET 3322L – Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (1hr), B
- HUN 3224 – Metabolism of Nutrients I (3hrs), B
- HUN 1201 – Science of Nutrition (3hrs), B
- CHM 1045 – Chemistry I (3hrs), C+
- CHM 1045L – Chemistry I Lab (1hr), C+
Prerequisites must be completed before you enroll in the pathway; applicants that have not completed all prerequisites as per transcripts submitted (or cannot prove that he/she will complete the courses prior to the spring semester) will be denied admission.
Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. The department reserves the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants.
All items below must be on file, and the fee paid, before an application is considered complete and ready for review. We encourage you to submit and complete your application early. The graduate admissions committee reviews completed applications throughout the open application period, which allows you to quickly receive an admissions decision.
- Apply online to the master’s program (M.S., Exercise Physiology), submit the admissions application and pay the application fee.
- Once you have submitted your application:
- Upload a Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests and career goals. We want to know how your background and prior training make you the right candidate and why Florida State University is a good fit for you. You must state that you wish to be considered for the combined bachelor’s/master’s pathway. We strongly encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with the research interests of the faculty in their area of specialization. In the statement, please indicate your top choices of faculty members with whom you would like to work.
- Upload a resume or vita (information should be current).
- Submit contact information for two recommenders. The recommenders should be professionals you have worked with who are familiar with your academic performance and can speak directly about your qualification for this degree. Academic recommendations are preferred, but relevant professional recommendations will be accepted. No personal recommendations or letters from peers will be accepted.
- The GRE general test requirement is waived for MS applicants to our college programs through the fall 2026 admission cycle. Master’s applicants may choose to submit official GRE test scores to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The school reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- International Students: Submit an official English Proficiency Score Report:
-
- TOEFL test scores electronically from ETS.org to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The university’s reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required.
- IELTS Academic test scores in physical (paper) form directly from IELTS.org to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions at:
Florida State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 S. Copeland St. / 314 Westcott Bldg
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410
USA
Please allow a minimum of ten (10) business days for the Office of Admissions to process your incoming materials.
Note: Bypass to the Ph.D. degree is not allowed for students enrolled in the combined pathway.
To find out if you’re eligible to apply:
CHHS Academic Advising & Student Success
chhs-advising@fsu.edu
850.644.5279
For questions about the application process:
CHHS Office of Graduate Studies
nfes_gs@fsu.edu
850-644-1117