For inquiries about the admissions process or to have information on any of
these programs sent to you, please contact the Enrollment Center at (630) 829-6300,
submit an information request or visit www.ben.edu/admissions/graduate
(will open in a new window).
Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology (M.S.C.E.P.)
Introduction
Program Home Page
Benedictine University's Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology (M.S.C.E.P.) program is a two-year, adult evening program designed in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine [ACSM] for certification as a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Graduates of this program will develop the skills and qualifications to work in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and in the rehabilitation of those who have experienced cardiovascular problems. The program is academically demanding and requires considerable commitment on the part of the student. If you are a highly motivated person who takes pride in building a sound scientific knowledge base about exercise physiology, we encourage you to contact us to set up an interview and an opportunity to see our facilities.
Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology (M.S.C.E.P.) program is part of the Department of Biological Sciences at Benedictine University. The curriculum was developed with the input of an advisory committee composed of practicing exercise physiology professionals and in accordance with the guidelines designated by the American College of Sports Medicine. The program is based on the Benedictine philosophy that man is spirit, mind and body and that the realization of human potential is based on an integration of the three components.
Graduates from this program can be found in a wide variety of leadership roles in many different professional settings including hospitals, independent cardiac rehabilitation programs, agencies, schools, corporations and health clubs. In addition to professional preparation, the program also provides an excellent educational background for those who wish to pursue further study at the doctorate level or in medical school.
For additional information, please visit the M.S.C.E.P. home page.
Curriculum
The M.S.C.E.P. program uses a variety of different teaching methods including case studies in combination with laboratories to better integrate academic information with practical application. It also requires two internships for further application of learned concepts in the workplace setting.
Our graduate students are exposed to the latest information in the natural sciences through coursework in physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and nutrition. The mind and spirit aspects are addressed by a course in behavioral modification and preventative complementary health care. Additional coursework assists the students in program development, health care administration, and exposes students to specialized intergenerational needs. The ethics of research and health care administration are also addressed.
The Laboratory for Human Physiological Research at Benedictine University provides modern equipment available for the assessment of the physiological responses to the stress of exercise. Our students gain expertise in laboratory procedures required at internship sites, for professional practice and in basic research through coursework and our community testing program. Additional clinical and research opportunities are available in the M.S.C.E.P. program's new Activities of Daily Living Performance Enhancement Center at the Villa St. Benedict retirement community.
The critical nature of the responsibility to the patient that our graduates accept in professional practice dictates that this program be academically demanding. Successful completion of the program requires that each student successfully complete the 40 semester credit hours of coursework and pass an academic and skills competency exam in clinical exercise physiology. This exam includes core sections that allow a student to practice for the ACSM Exercise Specialist and Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist exams. This experience is designed to help the student integrate the knowledge learned throughout the program. An essential part of the graduate program is for students to improve decision-making skills and to learn to critically analyze the literature. Students have many opportunities during their education to practice their written and oral communication skills.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Recommended Course Sequence
Year One
Fall
EXPH 521 Exercise Physiology Lab 1 (1)
EXPH 560 Advanced Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology (3)
EXPH 580 Current Topics in Exercise Physiology (2)
Spring
EXPH 522 Exercise Physiology Lab 2 (1)
EXPH 561 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology and Prevention (3)
EXPH 591 Exercise Biochemistry and Metabolism (3)
Summer
EXPH 623 Graded Exercise Testing (2)**
EXPH 681 Behavior Modification and Preventive Complementary Health Care (3)
EXPH 685 Laboratory Ethics/Laboratory Procedures (2)
Year Two
Fall
EXPH 662 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
EXPH 663 Exercise Pharmacology (3)
EXPH 690 Internship (2)
Spring
EXPH 664 Special Populations (3)
EXPH 690 Internship (2)
NTR 642 Applied Nutritional Physiology (3)
Summer
EXPH 624 Comprehensive Clinical Exercise Physiology Exit Exam and Skills Examination (1)*
EXPH 684 Program Development and Administration (3)
*Students are required to complete and pass ("B" grade or higher) this exam within 6 months of completing the EXPH 624 class.
**Due to the critical patient safety aspects of this course, a "B" grade or higher is required to meet degree requirements.
In order to enhance the professional development of students, a degree completion requirement is membership in a professional society related to clinical exercise physiology and/or attendance at a regional or national meeting of one of those societies. A list of recognized societies may be obtained from the program website.
Faculty
Craig Broeder, Ph.D., F.A.C.S.M., FNAASO
Professor and Director, Clinical Exercise Physiology Program
B.A. 1983, M.S., 1985, University of North Texas; Ph.D., 1991, University of Texas at Austin
Regina Schurman, M.S., R.C.E.P.
Program and Research Coordinator,
The Activities of Daily Living Performance Enhancement Research Center,
Student Internship Coordinator, M.S.C.E.P. Program
B.S., 1990, DePaul University; M.S., 2007, Benedictine University
Laura Gruss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
B.A., 1994, University of Virginia Ph.D., 2005, Duke University
Deepa Handu, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N.
Assistant Professor, Nutrition
B.S., 1995, M.S., 1997 Maharaja Sayajirao University, India; Ph.D., 2005, Michigan State University
Starting the Program
Admissions and Prerequisites Clinical Exercise Physiology Program:
Completed undergraduate degree.
Completed undergraduate courses in statistics, general chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. A combined health science organic/biochemistry class may be substituted for biochemistry. Undergraduate courses in exercise physiology and biomechanics/kinesiology are required but may be waived if the applicant has experience in exercise physiology. In addition, a nutrition course is highly recommended.
Applicants may be admitted on a conditional status if they have up to two prerequisites outstanding. Prerequisite courses may be taken at Benedictine University or any accredited university. Time is allotted the first year of the program to take care of these needs. The Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) is not required.
Follow the application procedures as found in the Graduate Catalog. A one-page essay discussing your education and career goals is required as is a personal or phone interview with the director of the Clinical Exercise Physiology program. Two letters of recommendation are required; preferably one that can address your academic potential (from a science instructor) and one that can address your interpersonal skills and work ethic (from an employer).
Priority application consideration for work study and research awards will be given to students who apply by February 1 of each academic year. All student applications submitted by the February 1 deadline will be notified by March 15 regarding his or her acceptance status. Students may apply after the February 1 deadline. All acceptances will based on a student's qualifications, experience and incoming student space availability.
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