Online Master of Science in Physiology
Elevate your medical-science knowledge.
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Master of Science in Physiology, Online
The online Master of Science in Physiology (MSP) at the University of Louisville is designed for aspiring health care professionals looking to bolster their medical-science knowledge and expertise for career advancement in healthcare or medical research, as preparation for a terminal degree in medical sciences (i.e., doctorate of medicine, doctorate of dental surgery, doctorate of dental medicine, doctorate of optometry, physician assistant) or for employment in medical-related fields.
Unlike traditional medical-science programs that focus on lectures followed by memorization and assessment, our unique and fully online curriculum emphasizes comprehension and application of physiologic concepts.
Our adaptive learning approach helps students prepare for success in clinically-based careers as they progress along their professional and academic journey. It provides the tools and support needed for aspiring medical school students in the U.S. or international students seeking to strengthen their medical-science credentials.
The master’s in physiology online program is offered through the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville, a leader in medical research and patient care, where faculty and students identify and reach new frontiers in medical training and innovation.
Online Master of Science in Physiology
100% Online
The Big Picture
The online Master of Science in Physiology at the University of Louisville provides advanced scientific training for students in Kentucky, across the nation and even abroad, who are pursuing careers in health care, biomedical research and related professional programs.
Designed to strengthen foundational and applied knowledge of human physiology, UofL’s online graduate physiology program emphasizes integrative systems, evidence-based analysis and scientific reasoning. This degree is ideal for students preparing for medical, dental, physical therapy or other health professions, as well as those seeking advancement in research or clinical support roles.
Online MS in Physiology Degree Highlights
- Advance your knowledge in medical-related sciences with a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum designed by expert faculty at UofL’s School of Medicine
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through evidence-based coursework
- Increase the likelihood of admission to a professional-degree program or likelihood of employment in medical-related for-profit companies or other medical-related career opportunities through advanced, graduate-level studies in biomedical applications, biophysics, clinical physiology and more
- Balance your studies with work and personal commitments with our flexible, 100% online education
- Earn your degree from a nationally recognized academic and R1 research institution
- Broaden your career opportunities through career advice from our School of Medicine Department of Physiology faculty who have trained thousands of past students
"Health Science-related careers continue to expand at an accelerated pace. Our program provides a path toward admission into health-professions schools and employment in higher-paying medical-related positions.”
Robert Brainard, PhD
Online Program Director, MS Physiology
Our program provides a strong learning community and the opportunity to connect and engage with peers, industry leaders and supportive School of Medicine faculty and staff with our unique adaptive learning model, for success in the program and well beyond graduation.
Start building the scientific foundation required for competitive professional, graduate or terminal programs and your next career role today!
How to Apply to UofL’s Online MS in Physiology Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the master’s in physiology online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| December 10 | Spring I | January |
Note: Admissions are on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. Although admissions are granted for a specific term up to the day classes start, we recommend you submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
How to Apply for the Online MS in Physiology
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292
- Create a financial plan
Online MS in Physiology Admissions Requirements and Materials
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- A one-page personal statement discussing why you desire a MS degree in Physiology
- Two letters of recommendation from people who are well acquainted with your previous academic work
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online MS in Physiology for International Students
The Master of Science in Physiology online program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
Ready to advance your physiology knowledge, skills and career?
How Much It Costs to Earn an Online MS in Physiology
Academic Year Tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
All online courses will be assessed an additional fee of $10/credit hour per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Ready to take the next step in your academic growth journey?
What You Learn in the Online MS in Physiology
Online Courses
The MS in Physiology curriculum at the University of Louisville Online delivers in-depth study of human physiological systems with a strong emphasis on scientific application and integration.
Coursework covers advanced human physiology, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, neurophysiology, endocrinology, exercise physiology and research-focused topics that support evidence-based understanding of health and disease.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Our graduate-level, pre-med online curriculum is designed to prepare students for rigorous professional programs and research environments by strengthening mastery of complex biological systems and applied physiological concepts.
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What Can I Do with an Online MS in Physiology?
Graduates of the MS in Physiology are prepared for a wide range of health science and research-focused career paths. The program builds the advanced scientific knowledge and analytical skills required for success in professional health programs, clinical support roles and biomedical research environments. With growing demand for skilled health professionals and researchers, a master’s degree in physiology provides a competitive advantage for both immediate career advancement and continued academic study.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical scientists is projected to grow 11%, much faster than average, by 2033. The median annual wage for clinical researchers was approximately $60,000 as of May 2021. With advanced education and experience, salaries can exceed $90,000, especially in specialized roles (bls.gov).
Some of the specific jobs for professionals with a master’s in physiology program may include:
- Clinical Technician/Lab Technician (2024 median salary: $61,890)
- Clinical Research Coordinator (2024 median salary: $61,890)
- Medical Product Specialist (2024 median salary: $117,960)
- Medical Researcher (2024 median salary: $100,590)
- Healthcare Consultant (2024 median salary: $101,190)
Source: bls/gov
Career Opportunities for MS in Physiology Graduates
Graduates of this program are well-suited for roles in medical product development, pharmaceuticals and medical device firms, private practices (such as optometry) and medical laboratories.
Career pathways include:
- Medical, dental and professional health programs oversight
- Biomedical or clinical research
- Clinical research coordination or laboratory management
- Health sciences education support
- Pharmaceutical or biotechnology specialist
If you seek a career or advancement in biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry or health sciences, this master’s program can provide you with essential foundational knowledge, setting you up for success in your profession.
If you plan on pursuing medical school or other health-related professional programs, the online MS in Physiology can enhance your academic qualifications in the biomedical sciences before you apply.
Whichever pathway you choose, you will join a highly regarded and internationally recognized program.
Start your application today and get the extensive knowledge and support of professors, staff and colleagues.
Meet the team that will support your educational journey from application to graduation and beyond!
At UofL, online students are supported by a team that understands the demands of working professionals and what it takes to achieve their education goals and career aspirations. Enrollment specialists, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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ROBERT BRAINARD | Program Director | robert.brainard@louisville.edu |
502.852.6915
|
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JENNIFER WELLS | Senior Academic Coordinator | jennifer.wells@louisville.edu | 502.852.6231 |
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PATRICK HARRIS | Department Coordinator | Patrick.harrris@louisville.edu | 502.386.7729 |
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IRVING G. JOSHUA | Department Chair | igjosh01@louisville.edu | 502.852.5371 |
Department Expertise
The Physiology Department within the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville has been recognized internationally since the 1980s for microcirculatory research and nationally since 2012 for innovative teaching.
Seven faculty members teach 19 graduate courses annually across Dental and Medical curricula and serve on national educational committees.
Ten additional research faculty have been awarded multiple research and training grants and serve on 31 National Grant and 14 International Review committees.
If this education opportunity matches your goals, connect with us today and let us help you get started on the path to success!
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, courses, delivery or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
Is the online MS in Physiology right for me?
The online MS in Physiology is an excellent choice if you seek to strengthen your academic credentials in the biomedical sciences before applying to medical school or other health-related professional programs. It also serves as an ideal standalone master’s degree if you need foundational knowledge to advance your career in biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry or the health sciences.
Can I take core physiology courses without earning a degree?
Yes, you can apply as a non-degree graduate student and take up to 15 credit hours. Non-degree students may pay a different rate than fully online degree students. Please review the published tuition rates for more information.
If you decide to pursue the master’s degree, you will be required to submit a new application for the MS in Physiology program. Credits earned as a non-degree student will be reviewed by the physiology department upon admission to the program. For more information, please contact Jennifer Wells in the Department of Physiology at jennifer.wells@louisville.edu or 502.852.6231.
What does the Adaptive Learning Model entail?
Our approach to teaching and learning aims to personalize students’ academic experience allowing them to interact with the course material and build upon their foundational knowledge. Students can flex their learning style, demonstrate the knowledge they gained and spend more time on the knowledge they still need to acquire through additional course materials.
What is the format of the online program?
The graduate physiology program is fully online, allowing for flexible scheduling. Courses are delivered asynchronously via Blackboard in 8-week terms.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
There are no on-campus requirements for the completion of the master's in physiology online degree.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is 30 credit hours and could be completed full-time over 12 months (over three semesters). However, most students are working professionals enrolled part-time, taking 6 credit hours per semester (1 course every 8 weeks) and aiming to finish the program within 2-3 years.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
UofL's Online MS in Physiology
100% Online. No GRE required for admission. Apply today and advance your physiology career!
