Exercise Physiology and Muscle Biology M.S. program

The M.S. program is primarily intended for students who desire training for technical positions in academia or industry. It is designed to give students 1) a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of Exercise Physiology and Muscle Biology, 2) the ability to present their research in formal settings, and 3) research experience in the student's chosen specialty. Research experience is provided by the design and implementation of a master's thesis. The course of study depends on the student's research area and academic history, and is determined by negotiation among the student, the student's advisor, and the advisory committee. At the end of their first year students provide an acceptable research proposal to their advisor and advisory committee. The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 45 total credit hours (including research and thesis), of which 30 hours must be formal course work. Students are encouraged to finish the program within two years; the average is two and one quarter years.

Exercise Physiology and Muscle Biology Ph.D. program

The Ph.D. program is intended for students who plan to become academic faculty or to assume research positions in industry. It is designed to provide 1) a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of metabolic physiology, 2) training in a wide range of modern experimental techniques, 3) practice in the working skills a scientist requires, and 4) mastery of the student's chosen research specialty.

The course of study depends on the student's research area and academic history, and is determined by negotiation among the student, the student's advisor, and the advisory committee. Students normally finish their course work within the first two years. During their third year students must pass a qualifying examination and provide an acceptable research proposal to their advisor and advisory committee. In their remaining years students concentrate on their research and on taking appropriate specialized elective courses. The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 135 total credit hours (including research and thesis), of which 45 hours must be formal course work. Students are encouraged to finish the Ph.D. program in five years; the average is five and one half years.