Program Overview

Clinical Exercise Physiology (Professional Program: DCEP)

The College of Applied Health Sciences offers the Doctor of Clinical Exercise Physiology degree. The DCEP is the advanced degree for individuals who wish to become clinical exercise physiologists. At the University of Illinois Chicago, students complete three terms (12 months) of didactic and clinical education that includes lecture and laboratory courses, seminars, and clinical internships.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Clinical Exercise Physiology program is the first of its kind in the country, and offers students the following:

• unique opportunities to work with different patient populations including those with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions, pediatric cardiopulmonary conditions, chronic kidney disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer
• access to the University of Illinois Medical Center, including opportunities for clinical observations
• opportunities to expand their skillset with cardiovascular imaging and providing diabetes education to patients
• world-class faculty specializing in chronic diseases, including researchers with labs on site
• a prime location in the heart of Chicago

Admission Requirements

• Prior Degrees: Applicants must possess a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or like degrees. Students must also have had at least 100 hours of experience working in a clinical setting (i.e., cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, community wellness, adult physical fitness programs, cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing).
• Prerequisite Courses: It is highly recommended that prospective students have taken courses in the following areas: electrocardiography; advanced exercise testing, interpretation and prescription; and advanced exercise physiology.
• Grade Point Average: Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in Master's program.
• Test Required: None.
• English Proficiency: Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80 (Reading: 19, Listening: 17, Speaking: 20, Writing: 21)
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (Reading: 6.0, Listening: 6.0, Speaking: 6.0, Writing: 6.0)
  • PTE Academic: 54 (Reading: 51, Listening: 47, Speaking: 53, Writing: 56)
• UIC Application and Transcripts: Required.
• Personal Statement: Required. A 300- to 500-word personal statement, in which the applicant addresses their desire to attend the professional doctorate program and how they intend to apply their newly acquired skills.
• Letters of Recommendation: Required. Two letters in support of the application from people who can comment meaningfully on the applicant's work in academic and professional settings.
• Additional Requirements for International Applicants: Please consult the International Requirements page for a list of credentials and requirements.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 50-52 hours from the Master's degree.
• Coursework:
  • Degree Course Sequence:
    • Fall Semester (18 Hours):
      • HLP 520: Nutrition for Healthy Living
      • CEP 600: Healthy Living Medicine for Diabetes and Other Metabolic Disorders
      • CEP 625: Professional Development I
      • CEP 641: Clinical Education Experience I
      • CEP 655: Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods I
    • Spring Semester (18 Hours):
      • PT 510: Control of Posture and Locomotion
      • or PT 550: Teaching Approaches and Strategies
      • HLP 530: Behavioral Counseling for Healthy Living
      • CEP 601: Healthy Living Medicine for the Clinically Complex Patient
      • CEP 642: Clinical Education Experience II
      • CEP 656: Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods II
      • CEP 657: Ultrasound Clinical Rotation I
    • Summer Session (14-16 Hours):
      • CEP 626: Professional Development II
      • CEP 643: Clinical Education Experience III
      • CEP 658: Ultrasound Clinical Rotation II
      • CEP 697: Project in Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Grade Point Average: Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all courses completed for the degree is required.
• Portfolio: Required. The portfolio is a record of learning that occurs outside of coursework and reflects the learning process of an individual student.