By Fatima Salinas
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is making it easier for students planning for medical school, preparing for careers in the sports industry, or looking to build real-world experience before entering the workforce.
The Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology is expanding opportunities for undergraduate students with two new undergraduate-to-graduate (U2G) degree pathways. The accelerated programs allow students to begin graduate coursework toward a Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology or a Master of Arts in sport and recreation management while completing undergraduate study.
U2G clinical exercise physiology pathway
For students interested in health care, the clinical exercise physiology pathway teaches students to design and deliver clinical exercise interventions that help individuals prevent, manage, and recover from chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Through classroom and hands-on experience, students also learn how to conduct exercise testing, design exercise programs, support healthy behavior change, and assist with rehabilitation.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through experiences at University of Iowa Health Care and other clinical sites. Along the way, students gain experience in patient-centered settings, from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation to exercise stress testing and pediatric cardiology. It's a seamless transition for undergraduate students studying human physiology or exercise science, allowing them to continue their education while preparing for professions in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, and physician assistant studies.
"Whether students are preparing for a rewarding career as a clinical exercise physiologist or looking to strengthen their foundation for professional graduate programs in health sciences, they'll graduate with advanced classroom knowledge and valuable clinical experience," said Gary Pierce, professor and department executive officer.
U2G sport and recreation management pathway
The sport and recreation management pathway (SRM) prepares students for an industry that continues to evolve. Students in the master's program advance their career prospects by exploring current issues in sport and recreation, engaging in research, and developing leadership skills.
Students also apply what they learn in the classroom through internships and other experiential learning opportunities available on campus and throughout the community.
“Most of our SRM students work in the Iowa athletics department, are UI student-athletes, or work with other sport and recreation organizations like the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, the San Diego Padres, NASCAR, and many others,” said Dan Matheson, professor and program director for sport and recreation management.
By combining undergraduate and graduate coursework, students begin their careers with a competitive advantage. Want to learn more? Contact graduate program specialist Shannon Ingleby with any questions about the U2G pathways: shannon-ingleby@uiowa.edu.