2-Year Online Physiology Degrees: Program Overviews
Physiology is a branch of biology that studies the chemical and physical functions of organisms and their parts. Because 2-year physiology master's degree programs typically require hands-on laboratory coursework, most physiology degree programs can't be completed online. However, there are online programs that deal with specialty areas of physiology, such as human movement, kinesiology and nutrition.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Kinesiology Program
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. Online master's degree programs in kinesiology and human movement introduce kinesiology theories through research and coursework in exercise science, sports psychology and functional physiology. Students learn how to effectively conduct human movement research and typically complete a kinesiology project or thesis that demonstrates analytical abilities. These programs, which are available to those with a bachelor's degree, may allow students to study a specific area of kinesiology, like geriatric exercise, sports conditioning or exercise psychology.
Program Information and Requirements
Online kinesiology programs generally require two years of study, though programs may allow part-time students to complete the degree in three or more years. Programs may be available entirely online or may require several on-campus courses or lab practices.
Online courses are usually completed through programs or websites that allow students to submit assignments and communicate with the instructor. Students should have a computer with Internet and e-mail access to participate in web-based courses.
List of Common Online Kinesiology Courses
Kinesiology Statistics and Research Methods Course
Kinesiology research and statistics courses introduce students to various research techniques used in human movement science. Typically, students learn research methods and experimental concepts through independent research assignments.
Functional Anatomy and Physiology Course
Because this field deals with kinetic movements, anatomy and physiology are essential to studying kinesiology. Functional anatomy and physiology courses focus on the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.
Exercise Physiology Course
Exercise physiology courses focus on the body during physical exercise. These courses study muscle physiology, the respiratory system, physical training and athletic performance.
Sports Psychology Course
While most kinesiology courses deal with the physical aspects of human movement, sports psychology courses analyze the mental aspects of exercise. Students learn mental training techniques like stress management, arousal regulation and attention control.
Career Information for Graduates
Individuals with a master's degree in kinesiology can pursue a number of fitness- and exercise-related careers. Graduates can become exercise kinesiologists, occupational exercise consultants, fitness program directors or kinesiology instructors. A master's degree also allows graduates to pursue research opportunities in applied kinesiology. Because of the diversity of career options, annual earnings for graduates vary significantly. According to Salary.com, in 2010, the middle 50% of exercise physiologists earn annual salaries between $40,247 and $50,619. The lowest ten percent of exercise physiologists earned $35,929, and the top ten percent earned $55,743 or more.
Continuing Education Information
Individuals with a master's degree in kinesiology or human movement can pursue advanced research-based or instructional careers by earning a Ph.D. in human movement, kinesiology, physiology or a related field. The American Physiological Society (APS) also provides continuing education and career development resources for physiology professionals. Exercise physiologists can find professional development and continuing education opportunities through the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Nutrition Program
Online master's degree programs in nutrition teach students the chemical, physiological and medical aspects of nutrition and food science. These programs are usually available to students with a bachelor's degree, though completion of prerequisite courses in physiology or organic chemistry may be required. Some programs may be designed for beginning students, while others are intended for registered or registration-eligible dieticians and nutritionists. Areas of study in an online master's degree nutrition program include health promotion, health education and sports nutrition.
Program Information and Requirements
Typically, online master's degree programs in nutrition require two years of study. While most programs can be completed entirely online, some courses may require students to complete in-person assignments or proctored exams. Independent research projects or thesis papers may require students to participate in additional in-person research studies.
Online master's degree programs require students to have Internet and e-mail access. Online courses are usually conducted through an interactive website that allows students to communicate with instructors. Tests, assignments and discussion groups may be completed online, while some programs require students to complete a final, proctored exam on campus. In some online nutrition programs, students must complete a final thesis project that is submitted online or in-person.
List of Common Online Nutrition Courses
Advanced Nutrition Concepts Course
Advanced nutrition courses discuss research methods, statistics and theoretical concepts of nutrition, dietetics and food science. In an online advanced nutrition course, students study the chemical, biological, physiological and pathophysiologic aspects of nutrition.
Nutritional Therapy Course
Nutritional therapy courses introduce students to the relationships between nutrition and disease. These courses study the epidemiology and pathology of nutrition-based sicknesses and ailments. Students learn how nutritional therapy can prevent and maintain overall biological health.
Health Promotion and Education Course
Online health promotion and education courses teach students how to properly present health and nutrition information to others. These courses teach students how to discuss disease prevention, proper nutritional habits and community nutrition in a variety of academic or professional environments.
Sports and Exercise Nutrition Course
In an online sports nutrition course, students learn how nutrition affects exercise, athletic performance, physical stamina and endurance. These courses show how nutritional deficiencies can negatively affect the body and how proper nutrition and dietary plans can improve physical strength and fortitude.
Career Information for Graduates
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that more than 60,000 nutritionists and dieticians were employed in 2008 (www.bls.gov). Employment opportunities for nutritionists and dieticians are expected to increase at an average rate of nine percent. In 2008, nutritionists and dieticians earned an average annual salary of $50,590.
Continuing Education Information
Dieticians and nutritionists are required to be licensed, certified or registered in most states. Though licensure and certification requirements vary by state, most states require a combination of supervised experience and formal education. The American Dietetic Association and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals both provide information for professionals seeking licensure, certification or registration.
Related to 2-Year Online Physiology Degrees: Program Overviews
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Botanical Technician: Job Description and Career Advancement Info
Botanical technicians perform tasks that are primarily associated with the cultivation, growth, propagation and...
Biologist: Recommended Education for a Career in Biology
Biology is the study of life and living organisms. The field is generally broken up into subcategories like...
Top Schools with Exercise Physiology Graduate Programs
Exercise physiology is the study of exercise and its effect on the human body. Exercise and its relation to diseases,...
Careers in Anatomy and Physiology: Job Options and Requirements
Anatomy and physiology are the studies of the inner workings of the human body - what's inside and how it works. These...
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor: Job Description and Requirements
- Exercise Physiology Technician: Job Info and Requirements for Becoming an Exercise Physiologist Technician
- Careers in Biology Research: Job Options and Requirements
- Fitness & Nutrition: Career Diploma Overview
- Top Ranked School for E-Business Management - Kansas City, MO
- Best Healthcare Administration Degree Programs - Arlington, VA
- Top Ranked School for Graphic Design, Digital Design, and Multimedia Degrees - Houston, TX
- Best School for a Degree in Accounting and Financial Management - Houston, TX
- Laboratory Animal Veterinarian: Job Description and Requirements
- Schools with Kinesiology Majors: How to Choose
- Top School for Medical Assisting Degrees - Los Angeles, CA
- Top Interior Design Degree Programs - Denver, CO
- Best School for Global Management and International Business Degrees - Houston, TX
3 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
-
Associate
-
- AS in Health Science
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
