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Exercise Science

Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

UToledo is
one of the only
universities in northwest Ohio offering a doctorate in exercise science.

UToledo is
one of the only
universities in northwest Ohio offering a doctorate in exercise science.

Exercise Science Graduate Degree Overview

The outstanding quality of The University of Toledo's graduate program in exercise science has been recognized by professionals in the industry for many years. Our alumni have made names for themselves in teaching, sports medicine, research and therapy throughout the country and internationally.  

UToledo offers two graduate degrees in exercise science that prepare students for a wide range of careers. Both degrees combine course work, clinical experience and original research. 

Master of Science 

  • Concentrations in athletic training and exercise physiology 
  • The program for those who are already athletic trainers and who are looking for post-professional programs
  • Prepares students for advanced study in doctoral programs, as well as careers in biomedical research and other health- and fitness-related fields 

Doctor of Philosophy 

  • Each student works closely with a faculty mentor to design a program consistent with the mentor's research focus and that meets the student's needs. 
  • Students graduating from our doctoral program go on to careers in higher education and research institutes or find leadership opportunities in their areas of expertise. 

Exercise Science Graduate Degree Highlights

Paid teaching assistantships. The School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences offers graduate assistantships, including teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs) and external clinical/practitioner assistantships.  

The majority of paid, external assistantships are for students concentrating in athletic training who are assigned to a clinic or school where the student serves as an athletic trainer.  

Accredited athletic training program. Graduate students expand the breadth and depth of their knowledge and make themselves more marketable in UToledo’s post-professional program. They gain autonomous clinical experience through clinical assistantships, which are offered in Division I intercollegiate athletics and high school settings. Our athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). 

Outstanding research facilities. UToledo’s labs are as sophisticated as labs at larger universities.  


Career Opportunities

Those who graduate from UToledo's exercise science program with an advanced degree in exercise science find jobs in such areas as:  

  • Research 
  • Clinical exercise testing 
  • Corporate fitness evaluation 

Alumni have been hired as assistant professors of exercise science at such institutions as Adrian College (Michigan) and Ohio Dominican University. 


Exercise Science Graduate Degree Plan of Study

Research is a primary focus in the exercise science graduate program. The interdisciplinary program also exposes graduate students to multiple dimensions of the field. Students take courses on UToledo’s Main Campus and Health Science Campus in many departments — from biology and bioengineering to public health, medical physiology and industrial hygiene. 

Exercise Science Graduate Program Sample Classes 

  • Physiology of Exercise 
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology 
  • Environmental Physiology 
  • Biomechanics of Human Motion 

View Plan of Study

Research Opportunities

Prospective graduate students in exercise science should contact faculty who share their research interests before applying to the program. 

UToledo's exercise science faculty members have expertise in a wide range of areas, from molecular to human physiology. Professors collaborate with national and international colleagues.  

Some faculty and areas of interest include: 

  • Dr. Jennifer Peterson, an expert in muscle disease and inflammation. She focuses on understanding mechanisms involved in muscular dystrophies and inflammatory myopathies.
  • Dr. Frank Pizza, an expert on the inflammatory response in skeletal muscle. Dr. Pizza secured a prestigious National Institutes of Health grant for his research. 
  • Dr. Thomas McLoughlin, an expert in molecular regulation of skeletal muscle growth. He studies Forkhead (FoxO) proteins.  
  • Dr. Barry Scheuermann, focused on the regulation of muscle blood flow during exercise, vascular function in health and disease and the regulation of metabolism during whole exercise in humans. 
  • Dr. David Bazett-Jones, focused on patellofemoral pain in youth and adults, hip and trunk muscle function testing, and lower extremity and trunk movement analysis. His research aims to understand how and why people have chronic knee pain and what we can do to intervene.
  • Dr. Amanda Murray, focused on the biomechanics of movement in older adult patients with diabetes and dysvascular amputation. Her research aims to understand the impact of movement dysfunction on mobility and physical activity and to develop interventions aimed at improving activity and participation in older adult patients.
  • Dr. Grant Norte, focused on the neuromuscular consequences of lower extremity joint injuries. His work aims to study the neurophysiological origins of post-traumatic muscular dysfunction in patients with and without knee osteoarthritis to better understand early intervention paradigms in active populations.

UToledo's research facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment. They are comparable to the facilities at any major research university.  

The Exercise Biology Laboratories consist of: 

  • Two large analytical labs 
  • An animal facility 
  • A cell culture lab 
  • A microscopy lab 

The Cardiopulmonary and Metabolism Research Laboratory is equipped with: 

  • A metabolic stress testing system for assessing cardiopulmonary responses to exercise 
  • A spirometry system for detailed assessment of pulmonary function and more 
  • Several papers have been published from research in the lab. 

Want More Information?


Exercise Science Graduate Degree

M.S.: 2 years; Ph.D.: 4 years

Program Availability

 On Campus

Program Quick Links

View Admission Requirements
School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Health and Human Services
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Last Updated: 2/7/2023