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)
Education
Students are required to complete 8 credit hours of professional field experience working with tactical professionals in settings designed to optimize the readiness and resiliency of tactical professionals. Our division has strong collaborations, including:
- WVU Army ROTC
- WVU Air Force ROTC
- Morgantown Fire Department
Additionally, students who wish to pursue the AoE remotely may be approved to complete field experience in their area (pending division approval).
Exercise physiologists are an integral part of the healthcare team for tactical professionals to ensure the physical readiness and resiliency of tactical professionals. Therefore, the Tactical area of emphasis is designed to bridge the gaps between applied physiology, exercise physiology, human movement science, and data analytics. This will be facilitated through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, as students will be co-taught by faculty with a broad range of expertise in exercise physiology, human movement science, and data analytics across various disciplines (e.g. Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, and Epidemiology). Students will also be provided hands-on opportunities in addition to the professional field experience requirements indicated above (e.g., shadowing, interprofessional case reports). The goal of this interdisciplinary training is to provide a comprehensive framework that prepares graduates with the skills and competencies to implement a well-rounded, holistic approach to tactical patient care.