Applied physiology and health management

A B.S. in applied physiology and health management is an interdisciplinary degree that examines health and wellness in individuals and populations. An APHM degree from SMU equips students with the skills to design research-based training programs, create effective lifestyle prescriptions, and manage fitness and health facilities – skills increasingly vital in serving aging and diverse populations.

Applied physiology and health management graduates pursue careers in fitness, health, and allied medical fields. Careers include exercise physiologist, fitness center director or manager, wellness consultant, personal or sports performance trainer, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, or researcher. Many advance to allied health professions such as physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing and medical practice, or work in health marketing, product development and corporate wellness.

Yes, at SMU students can double major or minor outside of the applied physiology and health management program, both within Simmons and across the University. About 1 out of 4 SMU undergraduates pursue two or more majors and minors. SMU and Simmons support students who wish to pursue cross-disciplinary studies.

Yes, an applied physiology and health management degree provides a strong foundation for many careers in healthcare, including physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy and medical doctor. Many graduates of SMU’s B.S. in applied physiology and health management have gone on to medical school and other healthcare professions.

While all three fields relate to health and performance, they differ in focus. Kinesiology emphasizes motor control, biomechanics, physiology and sports science. Public health addresses population-level issues like epidemiology, policy, and environmental health. APHM combines exercise physiology, chronic disease prevention, and health management – linking clinical science with wellness program design. There’s overlap, but each targets a different level of health science.

Graduates of SMU’s B.S. in applied physiology and health management program have been hired at medical offices and major hospital systems, fitness and rehabilitation centers, sports franchises and nutrition and wellness practices.

Yes, students can participate in a Research Practicum in Applied Physiology course where they conduct supervised research with an APSM research faculty member in their laboratory, as well as other courses rooted in research and lab learning.

Students also have access to the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, which is divided into “teaching pods” with specialized equipment to monitor physical performance for research and interactive learning.