Tactical Performance Physiology
The tactical performance physiology area of emphasis prepares exercise physiologists equipped to address the overall health, fitness, and readiness of tactical personnel (e.g., military service members, firefighters, law enforcement officers). Students are trained to integrate exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and human physiological responses to physical and psychological stress, in order to increase readiness and resiliency and reduce economic burdens associated with poor physical fitness within tactical populations.
Tactical students engage in an intensive curriculum consisting of 32 credits, 19 in the exercise physiology MS core and 13 within the area of emphasis. They will complete their studies eligible to complete the highest nationally- and internationally-recognized certification exams within the field of Tactical Performance Physiology: Tactical Strength and Conditioning - Facilitator (TSAC-F®), Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS®), and Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS®), all offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA®).
Program Requirements
Students pursuing the Master of Science (MS) in exercise physiology must complete the program requirements as outlined in the West Virginia University Academic Catalog.
To be eligible for graduation, students must earn a grade of B or higher in all required courses and must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher in all coursework. Additional information on program requirements can be found in the student handbook.
The courses required for the tactical performance physiology area of emphasis are as follows:
- EXPH 564: Applied Biomechanics (3 hours)
- EXPH 601: Tactical Performance Assessment and Monitoring 1 (2 hours)
- EXPH 602: Tactical Performance Assessment and Monitoring 2 (2 hours)
- EXPH 610: Environmental Exercise Physiology or EXPH 667: Advanced Exercise Nutrition (3 hours)
- EXPH 669: Advanced Strength and Conditioning Methods (3 hours)