This fall Baldwin Wallace will offer a new masters program, the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, that aims to enroll recent graduate students, individuals in the workforce, or anyone looking to further their education. This one-year program will give students hands-on experience and advance their career path in research, exercise, performance, athletic training, and overall fitness and health.
The program focuses on two concentrations: applied physiology and strength and conditioning.
Amy Jo Sutterluety, Chair and Professor of the Allied Health Sports and Wellness department at Baldwin Wallace said: “We’ve been talking about launching a master’s program for quite some time.”
The AHSW faculty have looked at a variety of different master’s programs to offer. About five years ago, the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program was put in motion.
There is a potential pathway for individuals with a background in exercise physiology, kinesiology or other individuals interested in the program. Sutterluety said applicants ranged from students graduating from other undergraduate institutions or degreed individuals already in the workforce.
“This isn’t just for BW students, it’s for anybody” said Sutterleuty. If an individual does not meet the prerequisites but has field experience with those criteria, they would be able to complete an extra module to catch up in the summer before classes begin.
For senior education major and student-athlete Brittany Webb, joining the rugby team and being more involved in the fitness environment pushed her interest in this field. She is joinning the program as a way to build upon the skills she learned in her undergraduate program.
“I’d be able to explore more of that side of the field with strengthened conditioning coaching, which is what I’m looking into, and just working more in that field” said Webb. Webb said she wants to become a strength and conditioning coach for schools.
Class sizes will range from six to ten students for each concentration.”I think that’ll be good because it allows the professors to have more of a personal relationship with us,” Webb said. This will allow students and professors to have more one-on-one time.
As the program progresses, a maximum of 20 students will be accepted due to the one-year degree. Prospective students who want to apply should do so before May 15. For more information and application forms, visit www.bw.edu/academics/master-exercise-physiology/