Specialization in Applied Exercise Physiology

Program Coordinator: Dr. Andrew Gordon
Phone: (212) 678-3325
Fax: (212) 678-3322
Email:

The Applied Exercise Physiology concentration focuses on the physiological effects of exercise and disease and on the promotion of physical activity. The effects of exercise training on physiological processes, health, and physical well-being are emphasized. Through a joint program with nutrition education, students can study Applied Physiology and Nutrition and others can supplement their work in applied exercise physiology with nutrition classes.  Students can apply their academic work to improve health and physical fitness across both healthy and disabled populations.  Doctoral students conduct related research in laboratory and health care facilities, and in field settings designed to promote physical activity and health.

Students in the applied exercise physiology specialization have access to a variety of rich resources at Columbia University. Active collaborations exist between our faculty and faculty in the Columbia's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Students are welcome to participate in these ongoing projects and attend any of the frequent seminars at the Columbia University Medical Center.

The Master and Advanced Masters Degrees may lead to employment opportunities such as:  

• Clinical Specialist (hospital, clinic, school setting)
• Clinical Supervisor
• Clinical Education Coordinator (site setting)
• Hospital based research position
• Laboratory Instructor (university setting)
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Athletic Trainer
• Personal Trainer
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Laboratory Technologist (hospital setting)
• Research Assistant (hospital, clinic, school setting)
• Instructor in Physical/Occupational Therapy Program
• Research Coordinator (hospital, clinic, school setting)
• Continuing Education Instructor (research area)
• Supervisor / Manager / Administrator (hospital, clinic, school setting)
• Academic Clinical Coordinator Education (ACCE) 

The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) prepares leaders who are "scholars of practice," able to draw valid applications from research presently available in Movement Sciences and Education. Graduates of the Ed.D. program serve as educators in the professional training of clinicians and educators. The degree may lead to:

• Tenure-track faculty position in a variety of disciplines, including  (Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy) with positions emphasizing teaching and field-based research.
• Research Coordinator (university, hospital, clinic)
• Director/Administrator (university, teaching hospital)

The Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares  researchers in the areas of Movement Sciences or Kinesiology for professorial positions at Research I Universities. Study is directed toward preparing the current and the next generation of researchers in the study of movement. movement-based areas of education assume professorial roles in Universities and Colleges within departments of Movement Sciences/Kinesiology, and Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Dr Carol Ewing Garber is a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and an Associate Professor of Movement Science and Education (Applied Physiology).  She received a B.S with distinction in Education, and the M.A. and Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.  Her research focuses on the role of physical activity and exercise in preventing and treating chronic diseases and in promoting successful aging.  She has served in leadership positions in many professional and community organizations, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the American College of Sports Medicine and on the Editorial Board of the journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.  Previously, she was the president of the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine and of the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Heart Association, chairperson of the National Clinical Exercise Physiology Registry and the Rhode Island Governor’s Council on Exercise and Health,. Dr. Garber was an associate editor of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, a contributing author to the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, and section editor the ACSM Resource Manual to accompany the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Dr. Garber has published over 55 articles in peer-reviewed journals and peer-reviewed book chapters, and other publications, Prior to joining the faculty at TC in 2007, she served on the faculty at the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and at the Brown University Medical School in Providence, RI.