Clinical Exercise Physiology (Professional Program: DCEP)

Admission Requirements

  • Prior Degrees Applicants must possess a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or like degrees. Students must also have had at least 100 hours of experience working in a clinical setting (i.e., cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, community wellness, adult physical fitness programs, cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing).
  • Prerequisite Courses It is highly recommended that prospective students have taken courses in the following areas: electrocardiography; advanced exercise testing, interpretation and prescription; and advanced exercise physiology.
  • Grade Point Average Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in Master's program.
  • Test Required None.
  • English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:

    • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
      TOEFL iBT 80 19 17 20 21
      IELTS Academic 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
      PTE Academic 54 51 47 53 56
  • UIC Application and Transcripts Required.
  • Personal Statement Required. A 300- to 500-word personal statement, in which the applicant addresses their desire to attend the professional doctorate program and how they intend to apply their newly acquired skills.
  • Letters of Recommendation Required. Two letters in support of the application from people who can comment meaningfully on the applicant's work in academic and professional settings.
  • Additional Requirements for International Applicants Please consult the International Requirements page for a list of credentials and requirements, including the following items.

Degree Requirements

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 50-52 hours from the Master's degree.
  • Coursework
Degree Course Sequence
Fall Semester (18 Hours)
Nutrition for Healthy Living
Healthy Living Medicine for Diabetes and Other Metabolic Disorders
Professional Development I
Clinical Education Experience I
Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods I
Spring Semester (18 Hours)
Control of Posture and Locomotion
Teaching Approaches and Strategies
Behavioral Counseling for Healthy Living
Healthy Living Medicine for the Clinically Complex Patient
Clinical Education Experience II
Cardiovascular Imaging and Research Methods II
Ultrasound Clinical Rotation I
Summer Session (14-16 Hours)
Professional Development II
Clinical Education Experience III
Ultrasound Clinical Rotation II
Project in Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Grade Point Average Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all courses completed for the degree is required.
  • Portfolio Required. The portfolio is a record of learning that occurs outside of coursework and reflects the learning process of an individual student.