Human Performance, Exercise Physiology Concentration, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Physiology is designed for students interested in advanced studies on human physiology. This program examines both acute and chronic responses to physical activity and exercise, encompassing critical areas such as cardiovascular physiology, the environmental impact on physical performance, muscle physiology, and the practical aspects of applied human work physiology.

Program Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with faculty in research and experience hands-on applications in the field of exercise physiology, establishing a solid foundation for the dissertation. The program allows full-time students to complete their degree within three to four years, while professionals already working in the field can enroll on a part-time basis, completing their studies on a more flexible timeline.

Careers

The Ph.D. in Human Performance is offered for the purpose of developing doctoral-level expertise in research and as preparation for teaching at the collegiate level. Some positions currently held by alumni from the doctoral program include:

• Athletic trainer
• Behavioral sleep medicine specialist
• College athletics head coach
• Physical education teacher
• Strength and conditioning coach
• University professor

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

• Bowling Green State University
• BYU - Hawaii
• Columbus State University
• Cumberland University
• East Tennessee State University
• Endicott College, School of Sport Science and Fitness Studies
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Kansas State University
• Lipscomb University
• Mesa State University
• Montana State University - Northern
• National Basketball Association/Brooklyn Nets
• Roanoke College
• Syracuse University
• Taylor University
• Tennessee Technological University
• Texas Tech University
• Trinity Elementary School
• Troy University
• University of Tennessee - Martin
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• West Virginia University
• Western Kentucky University

Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Physiology requires:

1. An earned bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited university or college with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken.
2. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with acceptable scores.
3. Research skills, as evidenced by coursework in statistical and research methodology, and completion of a thesis or scholarly project.
4. Coursework in a related field, with applicants having completed at least 18 hours of coursework in a related field if they have a bachelor's degree, or at least 20 graduate hours in a related field if they have a master's degree.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Applications for admission must be complete by March 1 for Summer admission, by June 1 for Fall admission, and by October 1 for Spring admission. Applicants must submit:

1. Application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
3. Official transcripts of all previous college work.
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in doctoral study and teaching ability.
5. A 400-500 word statement of purpose giving their reasons for applying to the Ph.D. program, academic interests, professional goals, and area of concentration.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Physiology requires completion of 60-72 semester hours. Candidates must:

1. Complete 60 credit hours past the master's degree, with a maximum of 12 hours from the master's degree that may be transferred in from an accredited program.
2. Complete a thesis or scholarly equivalent prior to admission to candidacy.
3. Successfully complete preliminary examinations to advance to candidacy.
4. Be enrolled in full-time study (9 semester hours) for at least one semester to fulfill residency requirements.
5. Complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.

Curriculum

The program includes:

Human Performance Core Requirements (15 hours)

• HHP 7060 - Research Practicum in Human Performance
• HHP 7080 - Professional Preparation in Human Performance
• HHP 7600 - Teaching Practicum in Human Performance
• HHP 7700 - Advanced Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
• Select 3 hours from the following: FOED 7570 - Issues in Higher Education, FOED 7580 - The College Student, SPSE 7551 - Instructional Development in Higher Education

Research Tools (9 hours)

Choose three courses from statistics, research design, and data analysis in consultation with advisor.

Concentration (24 hours)

Selected in consultation with advisor from the following:

• EXSC 6650 - Exercise Physiology
• EXSC 6810 - Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology
• EXSC 6830 - Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science
• EXSC 6840 - Advanced Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment
• EXSC 6870 - Cardiovascular Assessment and Rehabilitation
• EXSC 6890 - Seminar in Exercise Science
• EXSC 7200 - Applied Human Work Physiology
• EXSC 7750 - Exercise Physiology for the Child and Adolescent
• EXSC 7800 - Environmental Exercise Physiology
• EXSC 7850 - Physical Activity, Exercise, and Disease

Dissertation (12-24 hours)

• HHP 7640 - Dissertation Research (12 credit hours minimum)

Program Notes

• Pre-dissertation Advising: Upon admission to the Ph.D. program, the candidate will be assigned an advisor who will advise the student on an appropriate program of study and of any deficiencies to correct.
• Preliminary Examinations: Upon completion of coursework, the candidate will be eligible to take preliminary exams.
• Advancement to Candidacy: No more than six credit hours of C grade will count toward the Ph.D. degree requirements.
• Dissertation Committee: Upon advancement to candidacy, students will formally construct their dissertation committees.
• Time Limit: There is a ten-year limit for completing all Ph.D. degree requirements.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.