A woman and a man ride exercise bikes in a fitness room

Exercise and Human Performance

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Tuition & Aid

The Exercise and Nutrition Science program is officially becoming the Exercise and Human Performance program beginning in the Fall of 2023! Stay tuned for exciting updates as this program is refined to meet today's job market.

There’s never been a better time for exercise and health professionals in today’s world. Approaching human performance holistically by studying in a program that combines your areas of interest from the interrelated fields of exercise science, performance nutrition, business and psychology helps you set yourself apart in today's job market.

Gain expertise on how the body moves, functions and is fueled. Explore how to improve quality of life and performance for a variety of populations. Learn from our passionate and experienced faculty, surrounded by our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

Go on from here to have a lasting impact through a degree that is uniquely designed to accommodate your interests and abilities. Let us empower you— so you can empower your community.

Exercise and Human Performance Program Foundations

The curriculum features three aspects:

Seven core courses, offering advanced training in exercise physiology, organizational behavior, and research
Electives chosen based on your area of emphasis
A culminating capstone which is either a thesis or portfolio

This framework allows for maximum flexibility, allowing students to forge their own unique path in preparing for their career aspirations.

Areas of Emphasis

Research

EXHP Publications & Presentations

Our faculty are highly involved in laboratory and clinical research and publish and present their work regularly. Feel free to explore their recent research and ask them any questions you may have!

Historical Publications

Townsend J.R. and others. Influence of Baseline Muscle Strength and Size Measures on Training Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Men. International Journal of Exercise Science. 2018; 11(4), 198.

Townsend J.R. and others. Polyphenol Supplementation Alters Intramuscular Apoptotic Signaling Following Acute Resistance Exercise. Physiological Reports. 2018; 20186(2).

Townsend J.R. and others. Resistance Exercise Elicits a Selective Mobilization of Monocyte Subsets: Effects of Polyphenol Supplementation. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. 50(11), 2231-2241.

Townsend J.R. and others Resistance training does not induce uniform adaptations to quadriceps muscles. PLOS ONE. 2018. 13(8), e0198304.

Toohey J.C., Townsend J.R., Bender D., Johnson, S.B., Ruiz M.D., Toy A.M., Vantrease W.C. and others. The Effects of Probiotic (bacillus subtilis) Supplementation during Offseason Resistance Training in Female Division I Athletes. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2018.

Bender D., Townsend J.R., Heffington S.H., Henry R.N., Johnson K.D., Marshall A.C. and Vantrease W.C. Acute Beetroot Juice Administration Improves Peak Isometric Force Production in Adolescent Males. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2018.

Sapp P.A., Townsend J.R., Johnson K.D., Marshall A.C. and Vantrease W.C. The Effects of Dietary Manipulations on Ultrasound Assessment of Muscle Size and Quality. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition. 2018.

Townsend J.R., Bender D., Vantrease W.C., Toy A.M., and Johnson K.D. Effects of Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis DE111) Supplementation on Immune Function, Hormonal Status and Physical Performance in Division I Baseball Players. Sports. 2018; 6(3), 70.

Partida S., Marshall A.C., Henry R.N., Townsend J.R., and Toy A.M. Attitudes toward Nutrition and Dietary Habits and Effectiveness of Nutrition Education in Active Adolescents in a Private School Setting: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2018; 10(9), 1260.

Ruiz, M. D. (2017). A psychotheology of losing. Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure & Sport Studies, 4, 47-64.

Historical Presentations

Vantrease W.C., Bender D., Johnson K.D. How Does Air Displacement Plethysmography and Direct Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Compare in a University Student Population? 2018 Southeast ACSM Annual Conference. Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Sapp P.A., Townsend J.R., Marshall A.C., Johnson K.D., Vantrease W.C. The effect of dietary manipulations on ultrasonography derived measures of muscle architecture. 2018 SEACSM Annual Conference Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Partida S., Marshall A.C., Henry R.N., Toy A.M, Townsend J.R. Comparison of nutrition intervention techniques and their effectiveness on active high school and middle school students in a private school setting. 2018 SCAN Conference. Denver, CO.

Townsend J.R., Bender D, Vantrease W.C., Sapp P.A., Toy A.M., Woods C., Johnson K.D. The effect of probiotic supplementation on markers of immune and endocrine status in Division I baseball players. 2018 ISSN Conference, Clearwater, FL.

Johnson K.D., Vantrease W.C. Does a Push-Up Using the Spyder 360 ™ Elicit More Muscle Activation Compared with a Standard Pushup? 2018 ACSM Annual Conference Minneapolis, MN.

Partida S., Marshall A.C., Henry R.N. Attitude toward nutrition, dietary habits and nutrition knowledge of active adolescents in a private school setting. American Society for Nutrition Annual Conference 2018.

Ruiz, M. D. (2018). A conversation on race, religion, and college sports: Lessons from a university's recent dilemma. In Effects of Religiousness and Spirituality in High Pressure Contexts – Poverty, Prejudice, and Performance Symposium. Conference proceedings of the 2018 American Psychological Association Convention, San Francisco, CA.

Ruiz, M. D. & Henry, R. (2018). The relationship between body composition, body image, and attitudes towards obesity. Conference proceedings of the 2018 Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.

Ruiz, M. D., Robichaud, K., & Townsend, J. (2017). The differences in attitudes towards obesity between Christian teenagers and Christian adults. Conference proceedings of the 2017 Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies Annual Conference, Nashville, TN.

Ruiz, M. D. (2016). A psychotheology of losing. Conference proceedings of the Inaugural Global Congress on Christianity & Sport, York, United Kingdom.

Egli, T. & Ruiz, M. D. (2016). Integrating Christianity into the sport psychology classroom: Practical applications. Conference proceedings of the 2016 Christian Society for Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Annual Conference, Santa Barbara, CA.

Ruiz, M. D. & Egli, T. (2016). Expectations and Christian-athletes: What happens when our favorite Bible verses work against us? Conference proceedings of the 2016 Christian Society for Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Annual Conference, Santa Barbara, CA.

Historical Grants

Deerland Enzymes Inc. awarded Dr. Jeremy Townsend a grant for “The Effect of ProHydrolase® on the Amino Acid, Intramuscular Anabolic Signaling, and Endocrine Response to Resistance Exercise in Trained Males”.

Facilities

Our EXHP program is housed in the newly renovated Hughes Center and features 5 state-of-the-art lab spaces to take your learning to the next level. Get your training on premier equipment like the DEXA and in the brand new hyperbaric chamber. Spend time learning everything from force-plate analysis to muscle biopsy research in the Human Performance Lab. Additional resource spaces include a Foods Lab and Gross Anatomy Lab.

Admissions Requirements

Pre-requisites, 12 or more total credit hours in:
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry

OR
Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Nutrition/Dietetics, or other science-related majors are exempted from the pre-requisites specifications.
Official transcripts.
2.75 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work (higher science GPA is desirable).
Three recommendations, including at least one academic reference and one professional reference.
An essay (no more than 750 words) including reflections on 1) personal philosophy of exercise/human performance, 2) career aspirations, and 3) purpose, passion, faith, etc.
In-person (or virtual as needed) interview for finalists.

Transcripts and forms should be mailed to:
Graduate Studies in EXHP
Lipscomb University
One University Park Drive
Nashville TN 37204-3951

International Students

Courses

The following core courses are required for this degree (15 hours):

EXNS 5003 - Advanced Exercise Physiology I
EXNS 5013 - Exercise and Nutrition Strategies
EXNS 5063 - Research Methods I: Biostatistics
EXNS 5103 - Research Methods II: Design & Analysis
EXNS 5203 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry I

The following elective courses are chosen based on interest and professional goals (15 hours):

EXNS 5043 - Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition
EXNS 5053 - Electrocardiography
EXNS 5073 - Dietary and Nutritional Supplementation
EXNS 5123 - Advanced Exercise Physiology II: Adaptations to Exercise
EXNS 5133 - Advanced Exercise Physiology III: Laboratory Techniques
EXNS 5143 - Exercise Psychology
EXNS 5233 - Current Trends II: Obesity
EXNS 5243 - The Business of Exercise & Nutrition
EXNS 5253 - Nutrition Across the Life Span
EXNS 5263 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry II: Micronutrients
EXNS 5273 - Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry IIII: Macronutrients
EXNS 5403 - Special Topics in Exercise & Nutrition Science
EXNS 541V - Independent Study
EXNS 5443 - Advanced Strength & Conditioning Methods
EXNS 5453 - Exercise Evaluation & Prescription for Special Populations
EXNS 5463 - Advanced Medical Nutritional Therapy
EXNS 5473 - Current Trends I: Eating Disorders

As a capstone project, students choose either Portfolio or Thesis and complete the Comprehensive Exam (6 hours):

EXNS 5900 - Comprehensive Exam
EXNS 5953 - Portfolio I
EXNS 5963 - Portfolio II
EXNS 5973 - Thesis I
EXNS 5983 - Thesis II

Other elective courses outside the EXHP program:

Students who have not previously transferred credit from the dietetic internship or another graduate school may apply up to six hours from the Lipscomb Graduate business and/or psychology programs toward the EXHP degree. (Note: Graduate business and/or psychology program tuition applies to students who take these courses.) Courses could include:

BU 6303 - Health Services Management
BU 6323 - The U.S. Health Care System
BU 6803 - Sports Management
BU 6813 - Marketing, Fundraising and Public Relations in Sports
BU 6823 - Sports Law and Risk Management
PSFT 5903 - Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy Skills

Note:

Graduate business and/or psychology program tuition applies to students who take these courses.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition and fees for the EXHP program are as follows:

36-hour program / $1,030 per credit hour*

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Types of Aid

Assistantships and Scholarships

Graduate assistant positions are available throughout the university. Not all positions are available every year, so contact the individuals listed below to determine availability and eligibility.

EXHP
(Teaching, lab, and research assistant) – Matthew Ruiz
See Application
(Registered dietitian, Lipscomb sport nutrition) – Ann Toy

Student Life
Campus Recreation – Caleb Heronimus

Lipscomb Athletics
Athletic training/sports medicine – William Ness
Strength & Conditioning – John Hudy
Baseball – Jeff Forehand
Basketball (Men’s) – Lennie Acuff
Basketball (Women’s) – Lauren Sumski
Cross Country/Track & Field – Nick Polk
Golf (Men’s) – Will Brewer
Soccer (Men’s) – Charles Morrow
Soccer (Women’s) – Kevin O'Brien
Softball – Kristin Ryman
Tennis (Women’s) – Jamie Aid
Volleyball (Women’s) – Brandon Rosenthal

Student Loans

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. View eligibility requirements.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.

Contact Information

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Catherine Lillicrap
Admissions Recruiter

Catherine.Lillicrap@lipscomb.edu

Exercise and Nutrition Science

Matthew Ruiz
Director of Grad Studies EXNS and Professor

matthew.ruiz@lipscomb.edu

10:1

Student to faculty ratio

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Faculty

Matthew Ruiz

Director of Grad Studies EXNS and Professor

Professional expertise in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
Meet Matthew Ruiz
Ruth Henry

Professor and Department Chair, Kinesiology

Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise science, she teaches the statistics and research courses.
Meet Ruth Henry
Kent Johnson

Professor and Professor, Exercise Science Program Director

Cofounder of EXNS program Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise physiology, leads the cardiovascular laboratory, and is a fellow in the ACSM.
Meet Kent Johnson
Laurel Littlefield

Associate Professor

Laurel and her husband Brad are originally from West Texas, and moved to Nashville with their three sons in 2018. Laurel and Brad met while attending Lubbock Christian University (LCU)...
Meet Laurel Littlefield
Autumn Marshall

Professor and Chair, Department of Nutrition

Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in nutrition, extremely well-connected throughout the region in all things nutrition and dietetics.
Meet Autumn Marshall

Career Paths

Exercise Physiologists

Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition and flexibility.

Strength and Conditioning

These specialists conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention based on scientific knowledge.

Wellness and Health Coaching

Wellness and health coaches utilize evidence-based conversation, clinical interventions and strategies to empower clients/patients to make healthy behavioral changes.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.

Additional Schooling

When you graduate, you may also pursue one or more career paths that require additional education, such as becoming a physical therapist or physician’s assistant. You may go on to receive a doctorate in your field of choice. Your master’s degree will afford you a number of opportunities to reach even higher.