Quick Program Facts
Degree Program: MSc
Priority Application Deadlines for Fall Admission: January 20
GPA Required: 3.0 or higher
The University of Colorado Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition offers two physiology-based master’s programs.
The Master of Science in applied physiology is designed primarily for students who intend to pursue further education at the doctoral level. Upon agreement with the faculty mentor, this program may include completing a thesis, taking courses in other departments to enhance specialized knowledge, participating in research practicum experiences off campus to broaden skill sets and completing independent studies to develop self-sufficiency.
The Master of Science in applied physiology elite sport performance. is designed primarily for students who wish to work in the sports science environment, particularly with elite athletes. As students move through this track, they will complete nine credit hours of internship experience in elite athletic performance environments.
Both master’s programs require students to complete 30 credit hours of coursework. All students are required to take Graduate Seminar and Research Methods and Statistical Design. Students will work with a faculty advisor to tailor program of study to meet individual goals and research agendas etc.
MSc Applied Physiology: Students must either complete a thesis (six credit hours) or a comprehensive exam to graduate.
For more information, please visit the department website.
MSc Applied Physiology–Elite Sport Performance: Students must complete internship(s) (nine credit hours) in the elite sporting environment. Variability is expected between semesters, but possible sites of these internship experiences are:
- USA Cycling USA Volleyball
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- U.S. Air Force Academy Athletics
- 10th Special Forces Group
- Colorado College Athletics
For more information, please visit the department website.
Students in both programs may take elective classes, such as:
- Advanced Exercise Physiology,
- Anatomy and Exercise Science,
- Biomechanics/Kinesiology,
- Cardiovascular Physiology,
- Environmental Physiology,
- Neuroanatomy,
- Physiological Assessment, and
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology.
Research areas within the Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs include:
- sex differences in physiology (Marissa Baranauskas, PhD),
- sport and orthopedic biomechanics (Jeffrey Broker, PhD),
- exercise physiology and human bioenergetics (Robert Jacobs, PhD),
- environmental physiology (Nathan Morris, PhD),
- cardiovascular and environmental physiology (James Pearson, PhD), and
- altitude and exercise physiology (Andrew Subudhi, PhD).
Typical costs associated with full time enrollment in the applied physiology master’s program are:
In-state residents
Tuition: $21,230.30 (does not include $570 credit allowed this year)
HPNU specific fee: $15/credit hour x 30 = $450
Other fees (matriculation, ID): $40
Online
class fee: $100
Estimated total: $21,820.30
Nonresidents
Tuition: $38,150.30 (does not include $1080 credit allowed this year)
HPNU specific fee: $15/credit hour x 30 = $450
Other fees (matriculation, ID): $40
Online class
fee: $100
Estimated total: $38,740.30
The applied physiology master’s program is a member of the Western Regional Graduate Program, which allows WICHE-region students to pay up to 150% of in-state resident tuition.
Full-time students are encouraged to apply for any available graduate teaching assistantships within the Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, as well as various fellowship and scholarships offered across the college and university.