What Are the Different Types of Exercise Physiology Degree Programs?

For those students aspiring to join one of the many exercise physiology degree programs, the options may be overwhelming. This is due to the broad range of ways in which such programs manifest themselves into academia. Program focus and structure can vary, but a person can choose the exercise physiology degree programsthat is a best fit for his or her skill and experience levels. For example, a program for a bachelor's degree is different than that of a master's, while both are less strenuous than a doctorate degree.

Exercise physiology draws upon the principles of many types of sciences to study the body in an exercise state. This field can be concerned with the effects of exercise on the body or the manner in which the body adapts to changes in physical exertion levels. The implications of exercise physiology range from performance enhancement to disease prevention, touching upon other fields along the way.

There are distinct differences among the many exercise physiology degree programs, so it is important to outline each one. An undergraduate degree, most commonly resulting in a bachelor's, associate's, or certificate degree, is most appropriate for students relatively new to the field. These types of degrees are designed to expose students to a specific field or subject matter from a variety of vantage points, resulting in a broad and relatively thorough comprehension. Additionally, such exercise physiology degree programs are designed to develop the analytical thinking skills necessary for many positions in the field.

Master's degree programs in exercise physiology are somewhat of a medium between the course-intensive undergraduate degrees and research-intensive doctorate programs. Most master's degree programs are geared toward identifying a specific interest within exercise physiology and exploring this interest through intense course work and research projects. Research is, in many ways, done to help train students for a doctorate program along the way. Sometimes, master's degrees can even be obtained during the pursuit of a doctorate degree.

It is probably expected that a doctorate degree is the most difficult to obtain. Not only does this degree take many years to complete, but it also requires the full efforts of a student who already is expected to be knowledgeable in the field. Exercise physiology degree programs that offer doctorates usually focus on research as they hope to train new scientists. Outside of the the actual degree offerings, many programs can differ in the types of courses offered, location, expense, and time of completion.