Aerospace Physiology, MS
Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Aerospace Physiology
Program Overview
The Master of Science Program in Aerospace Physiology non-thesis graduate degree program seeks to prepare students for a career in aviation and space, one of the fastest-growing new career fields. The program is designed for students with at least a bachelor's degree in a biological science, exercise science, or a health care field (such as medicine or allied health practitioner), who are seeking specialized training for a career in aerospace. The program may also appeal to students with an engineering background who have an interest in the human side of aviation. The 30 credit hour program of study supports competencies in the physiological basis of human responses to extreme environments, including exposures to acceleration, spatial disorientation, decompression, thermoregulation, and hypobaria. Graduates of the program will be qualified for aerospace physiologist roles with titles such as: Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration; Human Performance Scientist for a government contractor; Aerospace Health Care Provider/Flight Surgeon for NASA, the Air Force or the Navy; Aerospace Experimental Psychologist for the Navy; or Space Medical Research Engineer for a commercial space company.
Graduate Policies
For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.
Program Requirements
The MS in Aerospace Physiology is available to students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a physical or biological science. All courses are offered in a synchronous, traditional, lecture/small group format.
The MS in Aerospace Physiology program requires 30 credit hours of course work (10, 3 credit hour courses). To earn the MS degree, students must have a final GPA greater than 3.0 in at least 30 hours of graduate course work and pass the Comprehensive Exam.
Full-time students will complete the program in four semesters. Part-time students can complete the program by taking as few as 1-3 credit hour(s) each semester over 10 semesters. All students must begin the program in a fall semester taking PHOL 421 followed by PHOL 422.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| PHOL 421 | Introduction to Aerospace Physiology I | 3 |
| PHOL 422 | Introduction to Aerospace Physiology II | 3 |
| PHOL 423 | Lab Research Rotation: Aerospace Physiology | 3 |
| PHOL 426 | Human Factors in the Aerospace Environment | 3 |
| PHOL 427 | Physiological Contributions to Aviation Mishaps | 3 |
| PHOL 614 | Sleep Physiology - Neurobiology of Sleep/Wake | 3 |
| Electives a | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- a
Select electives from suggested elective list.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Electives: | ||
| NTRN 460 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| PHOL 410 | Basic Oxygen & Physiological Function | 3 |
| PHOL 424 | Human Performance Optimization for Aerospace | 3 |
| PHOL 425 | Topics in Space & Aviation Physiology | 3 |
| PHOL 451 | Independent Study | 1 - 18 |
| PHOL 479 | Clinical Reasoning: Applied Medical Physiology | 3 |
| PHOL 486 | Physiology of Movement: An Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| PHOL 492 | Clinical Reasoning II | 3 |
| PHOL 493 | Clinical Reasoning III | 3 |
| PHOL 601 | Research | 1 - 18 |
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| PHOL 421 | Introduction to Aerospace Physiology I | 3 |
| PHOL 426 | Human Factors in the Aerospace Environment | 3 |
| PHOL 614 | Sleep Physiology - Neurobiology of Sleep/Wake | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHOL 422 | Introduction to Aerospace Physiology II | 3 |
| PHOL 427 | Physiological Contributions to Aviation Mishaps | 3 |
| Elective a | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| PHOL 423 | Lab Research Rotation: Aerospace Physiology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Electives a | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective a | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- a
Select elective(s) from suggested elective list.