Exercise Physiology, BS

Department of Physical Therapy Chairperson: Allison Hyngstrom P.T., Ph.D.

Program in Exercise Science Director: Kristof Kipp Ph.D.

Program in Exercise Physiology website

The Program in Exercise Science, which is located in the Department of Physical Therapy offers an undergraduate major in exercise physiology (EXPH).

The exercise physiology major provides an academic program of basic and applied sciences for students interested in exercise physiology, human performance, and/or future health professional programs. The sequenced curriculum seeks to develop a graduate with the skills and academic background to pursue a career in the rapidly growing health and wellness industry, or to pursue graduate work or professional education in a variety of areas including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehab, physician assistant, medical school, etc. Incoming freshman admitted to the Direct Admit Master of Athletic Training or Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as well as students accepted to these programs in the junior year, follow a course sequence that allows them to begin the respective program in the senior year.

Degree Offered

Marquette University confers the degree bachelor of science with a major in exercise physiology on those students who have satisfactorily completed the required curriculum.

Department of Physical Therapy Mission

The mission of the Department is to prepare future health care practitioners and researchers with an education rich in clinical experiences, community outreach, and research opportunities to develop leaders guided by the values of "Cura Personalis."

Accreditation and Recognitions

The Exercise Science Program in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University was accredited through The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) during the 2021-2022 academic year. A five-year accreditation was awarded from CAAHEP through 2027.

For successfully meeting established criteria, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) officially recognizes Marquette University's Education Program in Strength and Conditioning through September 2025.

Professional Behaviors

Professional behavior is vital to the success of every health care provider. The program expects its students to adhere to standards of conduct and professionalism outlined in the course requirements for practicum experiences.  Violations and/or major deficiencies may prevent students from receiving additional clinical assignments, be grounds for dismissal from the major or result in other penalties.

Examinations

Final examinations are held in all subjects. Students' grades of scholarship in each subject are determined by the combined results of their class work, course assignments and examinations as defined in the course syllabus. Students who miss a final examination in an EXPH or other course risk the loss of credit and the possibility of not being able to enroll in subsequent EXPH courses.

Certification in Basic Life Support

Certification in basic life support that includes child, infant and both one- and two-person adult CPR along with AED (automatic external defibrillation) training is required of all students. Certification may be obtained following successful completion of EXPH 1010 Emergency Care, CPR and AED. Continued certification must be maintained by and is the responsibility of all students. Students without current CPR with AED certification cannot participate in a clinical experience which may result in the failure of that experience and may delay graduation.

Health Insurance/Health Certification

All students prior to clinical/practical experiences must present evidence of health insurance before clinical/internship assignment can be made. A chest X-ray, vaccinations and TB screening may be required prior to clinical assignment as dictated by the specific site. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended.

Exercise Physiology and Doctor of Physical Therapy

For incoming freshmen admitted to the Direct Admission Doctor of Physical Therapy program and those who apply and are accepted during the transfer window, the EXPH/DPT curriculum allows students to begin the three-year D.P.T. program in the senior year of undergraduate studies for a total of six years of study, instead of the usual seven years.

Students must be aware that several courses in the D.P.T. curriculum are required to complete the EXPH major, resulting in a delay in conferring the degree. Students may participate in the May commencement ceremonies following completion of the DPT-4 year; however, diplomas are not granted until December, after successful completion of the DPT-5 fall term and all bachelor of science degree requirements for a major in exercise physiology.

Exercise Physiology and Master of Athletic Training

For incoming freshmen admitted to the Direct Admission Master of Athletic Training program and those who apply and are accepted as transfer students, the EXPH/MATR curriculum allows students to begin the two-year M.A.T.R. program in the summer after the junior year of undergraduate studies for a total of five years of study, instead of the usual six years. Students that are either direct admit students or intend on applying to the M.A.T.R. program must meet with an athletic training adviser as soon as possible to discuss programmatic differences that are required to meet the specific admission standards for the Master of Athletic Training program.

Students must be aware that several courses in the M.A.T.R. curriculum are required to complete the EXPH major, resulting in a delay in conferring the degree. Students may participate in the May commencement ceremonies following completion of the senior year, however, diplomas are not granted until August, after successful completion of the senior year summer term and all bachelor of science degree requirements for a major in exercise physiology.

EXRS Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)

The Program in Exercise Science offers early admission into the M.S. Program in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (EXRS). Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Exercise Physiology may apply for admission to this program in the second term of the junior year. Students accepted into this program are eligible to enroll in up to 17 credits of Exercise and Rehabilitation Science course work that carry graduate credit during the senior year. Credits obtained for these courses are used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Note: Only 12 of the 17 credits can count toward the student’s undergraduate degree. Once students inform the Graduate School of the completion of undergraduate degree requirements, the admission as a regular degree status (RDS) student in the graduate program is activated.

MBA Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)

Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Exercise Physiology may apply for admission to the Master of Business Administration program in the second term of the junior year. Prerequisites for the MBA program include the requirements for the minor in Business Administration, along with MATH 1400 or 1450 (AP credits accepted). Students accepted into this program are eligible to enroll in up to nine credits of MBA course work during the senior year. Credits obtained for these courses may be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Due to the number of prerequisite courses required for admission to the MBA program, the MBA accelerated degree option requires careful planning as early as freshman year. Interested students should contact their undergraduate adviser and review the information on the Graduate School of Management website. Once students inform the Graduate School of the completion of undergraduate degree requirements, the admission as a regular degree status (RDS) student in the Graduate School of Management is activated.