Show your commitment to helping people live healthier lives by promoting physical activity in public health practice.

Concentration in:

Physical Activity and Health

Master of Public Health

Is physical inactivity the greatest threat to public health in the US?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases (such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer) are now responsible for the greatest proportion of deaths in the United States and worldwide. Despite strong evidence that physical inactivity is significantly linked to chronic disease, the vast majority of individuals in the U.S. do not meet the minimum physical activity recommendations for health.

NCWU’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program, with a concentration in Physical Activity and Health, is designed to equip graduate students with the knowledge and skills to incorporate physical activity into the core of public health practice in order to improve the health of individuals, communities, and populations. The online MPH program in NC is designed to train students as public health professionals, who are able to integrate the health-promoting concepts of physical activity into public health programs, interventions, and policies.

We offer an accelerated MPH (15-month program) and an extended MPH program (27-month program).

The Extended MPH Program allows students to take one class per 8-week sub-term (2 classes per semester) for seven semesters (~2.5 years). The Extended MPH Program offers students an option to complete the MPH at a less accelerated pace, which may be more attractive to students with other heavy commitments (full-time work, full-time caregiving, etc.)

One of the Most Affordable Online MPH Programs in the Southeast

The NCWU online MPH graduate program is one of the most unique degrees in NC! The Master of Public Health we offer includes concentrations in physical activity and health. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable compared to other programs in the southeast. This 42-credit hour graduate program is taught by world-class faculty and includes one-on-one mentoring with faculty & staff, applied learning opportunities, low tuition, and tutoring and career counseling.

Explore the MPH degree TODAY and begin your journey to integrating the health-promoting concepts within your industry.

Graduate students in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program will learn how to incorporate effective physical activity programs and policies into public health practice using their understanding of:

Health effects of physical activity
The scientific basis for current public health physical activity guidelines for individuals across different age, sex, racial, and ethnic groups
Major social determinants of health and their impacts on physical activity behavior
Roles of multiple stakeholders in physical activity-based program planning, implementation, and evaluation
Health behavior and its influence on physical activity participation and programming
Measurement and surveillance techniques used to assess physical activity at the population level
Application of epidemiological methods to a breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
The core functions of public health
Cultural competence in communicating public health content

A major focus of NCWU’s online Master of Public Health program is to connect students to practical, hands-on experiences in public health, by working directly with community partners. In this manner, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their Master of Public Health courses to “real world” public health practice, while simultaneously helping to improve the health of our communities. During the online MPH program, students have the opportunity to complete their public health practicum in one of a variety of public health-related sites such as community centers, parks and recreation departments, government and non-profit organizations, grass-roots organizations, public health research, university wellness centers, large healthcare systems, schools, and others.

Wesleyan’s online Master of Public Health Program is the only one in North Carolina to offer a concentration in physical activity and health.

Master of Public Health Features & Highlights:

Convenient

Take classes from anywhere! The MPH program is 100% online in accelerated 8-week terms.

Practical

Students gain practical hands-on experience at public health-related agencies and obtain health-related national certifications as part of their MPH program at NCWU..

Affordable

NCWU’s graduate tuition rates are extremely competitive compared to other graduate schools in the U.S.

Experienced

Our engaging faculty have real-world professional experience to ensure you are challenged and supported through practical coursework.

APPLY

Master of Public Health Program Overview

Admission Criteria

Requirements for Master of Public Health:

An undergraduate degree (submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities)
There is no pre-requisite undergraduate degree to apply for this program, however, a strong interest in, or background/education in public health or a related field (exercise science, health promotion, healthcare administration, biomedical sciences, health psychology, nursing, others) is encouraged.
Resume with two references
(Must be able to provide reference letters upon request)
Complete a statement of purpose (personal essay)
No GRE required
Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.7
Note: Graduate school applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5-2.7 may still be considered based upon other factors submitted in the application.

Download MPH InfoSheet

MPH Program - Mission, Vision & Core Values

Deadlines

Application Deadline for Master of Public Health

Fall Semester: August 4th

riding bicycles, Master of Public Health

What You'll Learn

Are online MPH programs worth it?

Graduate students in the Master of Public Health program will learn how to incorporate effective physical activity programs and policies into public health practice using their understanding of:

Health effects of physical activity
The scientific basis for current public health physical activity guidelines for individuals across different age, sex, racial, and ethnic groups
Major social determinants of health and their impacts on physical activity behavior
Roles of multiple stakeholders in physical activity-based program planning, implementation, and evaluation
Health behavior and its influence on physical activity participation and programming
Measurement and surveillance techniques used to assess physical activity at the population level
Application of epidemiological methods to a breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
The core functions of public health
Cultural competence in communicating public health content

Get Certified!

Students will have the opportunity to obtain a public health-related national certification (such as the NBPHE Certified in Public Health, NCHEC Certified Health Education Specialist, or the ACSM/NPAS Certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist) as part of their MPH program at NCWU.

Applied Learning With Our Community Partners

A major focus of NCWU’s Master of Public Health program is to connect students to practical, hands-on experiences in public health, by working directly with community partners. In this manner, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their MPH courses to “real world” public health practice, while simultaneously helping to improve the health of our communities. During the MPH program, students have the opportunity to complete their public health practicum in one of a variety of public health-related sites such as community centers, parks and recreation departments, government and non-profit organizations, grass-roots organizations, public health research, university wellness centers, large healthcare systems, schools, and others.

You will learn from world-renowned and accomplished faculty that mentor students through the latest research and practical applications in public health.

NCWU Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Master of Public Health students gain practical hands-on experience, working with the following community partners, as part of their curriculum at NCWU.

Harrison Family YMCA
Boys and Girls Club of the Tar River Region
Manual Physical Therapy
Cora Physical Therapy
City of Rocky Mount
Nash County Schools, Occupational Therapy
Vidant Health Occupational Therapy
Nash UNC Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Ripe for Revival
Rocky Mount Senior Center
Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Athletic Department
Brekenridge Retirement Center
Rocky Mount Academy
Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation, Athletics Division
NCWU Health Center
NCWU Athletic Training
Wesleyan Wellness, NCWU
NCWU Tennis

Courses

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) includes core public health courses and a concentration in physical activity and health. The MPH program is comprised of 42 graduate-level credit hours, including 20 hours of core public health courses, 15 hours of concentration-specific courses, and 7 hours of experiential and integrated learning courses.

After admission, students enter the MPH program during the Fall semester, and complete four semesters (~15 months) of MPH coursework (see course sequence below). All NCWU MPH course requirements must be completed within 5 years of the start of the student’s MPH program.

A maximum of 21 graduate-level hours may be transferred into the MPH program if approved.

View the Requirements for Master of Public Health

MPH 15-Month Program Course Sequence:
Fall Year 1	Spring Year 1	Summer	Fall Year 2
PBH 500: Foundations in Public Health (3 SH) [Fall A]	PBH 510: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods in Public Health (3 SH) [Spring A]	PBH 535: Program Evaluation & Measurement (3 SH) [Summer 1] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	PBH 610: Community Physical Activity Interventions (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req: PBH 530; PBH 535; EXS 600
PBH 525: Public Health Policy, Management, & Leadership (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req or co-req: PBH 500	PBH 540: Healthcare Systems (2 SH) [Spring A] Pre-req: PBH 500	EXS 600: Assessment in Physical Activity & Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: EXS 500	PBH 620: Public Health Practicum (3 SH)* [16 weeks: Fall A & B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535 (pre or co-req); 540 (pre or co-req); EXS 500
EXS 500: Exercise Physiology in Context (3 SH) [Fall B]	PBH 530: Program Planning & Implementation (3 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 600: Physical Activity & Public Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: PBH 500; EXS 500	PBH 615: Public Health Integrative Seminar (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 520; 525; 530; 535; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
PBH 515: Physical Activity & Behavior (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 520: Epidemiology (3 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	PBH 620: Public Health Practicum (3 SH)* [16 weeks: Summer 1 and 2] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535 (pre or co-req); 540 (pre or co-req); EXS 500	PBH 625: Professional Preparation in Public Health (1 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535; 540; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
Total: 12 SH	Total: 11 SH	Total: 9-12 SH	Total: 7-10 SH

*Accelerated MPH students will be assigned to take PBH 694: Public Health Internship during either Summer (year 1) or Fall (year 2) of their MPH program. Semester assignment for PBH 694 will be determined by the student’s faculty advisor, in consultation with the MPH program director.

4 +1 Integrated MPH Program Course Sequence:
Undergraduate Fall	Undergraduate Spring	Graduate Summer	Graduate Fall	Graduate Spring
PBH 500: Foundations in Public Health (3 SH) [Fall A]	PBH 510: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods in Public Health (3 SH) [Spring A]	PBH 535: Program Evaluation & Measurement (3 SH) [Summer 1] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	PBH 610: Community Physical Activity Interventions (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req: PBH 530; PBH 535; EXS 600	PBH 540: Healthcare Systems (2 SH) [Spring A] Pre-req: PBH 500
EXS 500: Exercise Physiology in Context (3 SH) [Fall B]	PBH 530: Program Planning & Implementation (3 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 520: Epidemiology (3 SH) [Summer 1] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	PBH 525: Public Health Policy, Management, & Leadership (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req or co-req: PBH 500	PBH 620: Public Health Practicum (3 SH)** [16 weeks: Spring A & B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535 (pre or co-req); 540 (pre or co-req); EXS 500
		EXS 600: Assessment in Physical Activity & Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: EXS 500	PBH 615: Public Health Integrative Seminar (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 520; 525; 530; 535; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
		PBH 600: Physical Activity & Public Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: PBH 500; EXS 500	PBH 515: Physical Activity & Behavior (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 625: Professional Preparation in Public Health (1 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535; 540; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
Total: 6 SH	Total: 6 SH	Total: 12 SH	Total: 12 SH	Total: 6 SH

Extended (27-month program) MPH Program Course Sequence:
Fall Year 1	Spring Year 1	Summer Year 1	Fall Year 2	Spring Year 2	Summer Year 2	Fall Year 3
PBH 500: Foundations in Public Health (3 SH) [Fall A]	PBH 510: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods in Public Health (3 SH) [Spring A]	PBH 535: Program Evaluation & Measurement (3 SH) [Summer 1] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	PBH 525: Public Health Policy, Management, & Leadership (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req or co-req: PBH 500	PBH 540: Healthcare Systems (2 SH) [Spring A] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 620: Public Health Practicum (3 SH) [16 weeks: Summer 1 and 2] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535 (pre or co-req); 540 (pre or co-req); EXS 500	PBH 610: Community Physical Activity Interventions (3 SH) [Fall A] Pre-req: PBH 530; PBH 535; EXS 600
EXS 500: Exercise Physiology in Context (3 SH) [Fall B]	PBH 530: Program Planning & Implementation (3 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 600: Physical Activity & Public Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: PBH 500; EXS 500	PBH 515: Physical Activity & Behavior (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500	PBH 520: Epidemiology (3 SH) [Spring B] Pre-req: PBH 500; PBH 510	EXS 600: Assessment in Physical Activity & Health (3 SH) [Summer 2] Pre-req: EXS 500	PBH 615: Public Health Integrative Seminar (3 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 520; 525; 530; 535; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
						PBH 625: Professional Preparation in Public Health (1 SH) [Fall B] Pre-req: PBH 500; 510; 515; 520; 525; 530; 535; 540; 600; 610; EXS 500 & 600
Total: 6 SH	Total: 6 SH	Total: 6 SH	Total: 6 SH	Total: 5 SH*	Total: 6 SH	Total: 7 SH

*In consultation with their faculty advisor, students in the extended MPH program may be able to take a one-credit hour special topics or research topics course, if needed to maintain full-time graduate student status in Spring, Year 2.

Integrated 4+1 MPH Degree Option

The Integrated 4+1 Master of Public Health (MPH) allows undergraduate students from North Carolina Wesleyan University to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Public Health degree in five years. The integrated 4+1 MPH option is intended for highly motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing an MPH degree after their undergraduate program. The 4+1 option allows students to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years (vs. the typical 6 years). Students also save tuition dollars because they pay the undergraduate tuition rate for the first year of the MPH program.

To be eligible for the Integrated 4+1 MPH option, students must meet the following requirements:

Students must apply to the integrated 4+1 MPH program by April 31st of their Junior year of their undergraduate program at NCWU.
Students must be working to complete their undergraduate degree, be in good academic standing, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.
Students must be on track to graduate in the year following application to the integrated 4+1 MPH option.
Students must earn a minimum final grade of C in any course to pass the course.
No more than two grades of a C may be applied to the MPH degree.
Students must submit the Integrated MPH program advising form, which is available on the MPH program website, signed by their undergraduate academic advisor, by April 31st of their Junior Year. This form must clearly show all courses to be attempted (including both undergraduate and MPH graduate courses) during their senior year of their undergraduate program.

After acceptance into the Integrated 4+1 MPH program, students take 12 credits of graduate level MPH courses (6 credits in the Fall, and 6 credits in the Spring) during their senior year of their undergraduate program, along with any remaining courses required to complete their bachelor’s degree. Upon receipt of their undergraduate degree, and successful completion* of the first year MPH program courses, students then take the remaining MPH courses during the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters following their undergraduate degree program.

Career Options

There are numerous opportunities in Public Health and graduates are in high demand at local and state governmental organizations, foundations, educational institutions, private health agencies, and research centers.

Graduates of NCWU’s MPH in Physical Activity and Health find careers in the following sectors:

Career Options:

University/College Health and Wellness
Corporate Health and Wellness
Transportation and Community Design
Parks and Recreation
Chronic Disease Prevention
Community-based Physical Activity Interventions
Policy and Environmental Change
Local and State Health Departments
Non-profit and grass-roots organizations
Hospitals and Healthcare Clinics
Childhood and Adolescent Health and Wellness (schools, after-school programs, etc.)

FAQs

Why should a student pursue this program? What makes it unique?

Public health is a multi-disciplinary, and fast-growing field, and the many areas of public health are experiencing rapid employment growth. The area of physical activity and health, in particular, is emerging as a major public health focus, in part, due to the recognition that physical inactivity is an established risk factor for premature mortality and chronic disease. Despite strong evidence that physical inactivity is health-damaging, getting individuals and communities to be physically active is a complex and challenging problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 25% of U.S. adults are not physically active enough to protect their health. What is unique about our program, is that the curriculum is designed to teach students how to integrate the health-promoting concepts of physical activity into the core of public health practice. In this manner, graduates of this program will be uniquely poised to address this top public health priority area (physical activity and health), in order to improve the health of individuals and communities.

What are the job prospects with this degree?

According to the CDC, there are more than 170 public health job categories, so there is something for everyone in public health! Below are just a few example areas of the many career opportunities in this field.

University/College health and wellness
Corporate health and wellness
Transportation and community design
Parks and recreation
Chronic disease prevention
Community-based physical activity interventions
Policy and environmental change
Local and state health departments
Non-profit and grass-roots organizations
Hospitals and healthcare clinics
Childhood and adolescent health and wellness (schools, after-school programs, etc.)

Does a student’s undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? Are there pre-requisites for this program?

Because public health brings together individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, there is no pre-requisite undergraduate degree to apply for this program. However, a strong interest in, or background/education in public health or a related field (exercise science, health promotion, healthcare administration, biomedical sciences, health psychology, nursing, others) is encouraged.

What undergraduate GPA do I need to apply to this program?

Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree, or it’s equivalent, from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum of a 2.7 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted. Conditional admissions status allows students to enter the MPH program under the condition that they take and pass (with a B- or greater) PBH 500: Foundations in Public Health, and PBH 510: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Public Health in order to continue in the MPH program.

Does this program require a graduate record examination (GRE) for admission?

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Are the courses for this program synchronous or asynchronous?

Courses are 100% online. The majority of coursework will be asynchronous, however, most courses in this program will require some synchronous meetings in order to foster peer discussion, feedback, and review with the faculty instructor.

Are there any on-campus requirements such as on-campus meetings, orientation, etc.?

All courses and program-related content (such as orientation) are conducted online, so there is no requirement to attend any program content on campus.

Is there an opportunity for hands-on experience during this program?

Students are required to complete a 150-hour practicum field experience at a public health-related site/agency under the supervision of a preceptor and NCWU MPH faculty. The practicum course is designed to provide MPH students with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills developed during their academic program in a structured, supervised, real-world professional setting in a public health-related field, under the direction of a site supervisor (preceptor).

Does this program require a graduate thesis?

A graduate thesis is not required for this program. Instead, students complete their culminating public health integrative learning experience as a comprehensive exam and national public health certification.

How long will it take to complete the MPH program?

Students complete the program over the course of Fall, Spring, Summer, and one additional Fall semester, for a total of about 15 months.

Current Students

Master of Public Health Graduate Student Handbook

A resource designed to help guide you throughout your MPH program at NCWU. Important information about academic policies, procedures, and degree requirements for the MPH program are contained throughout the handbook.

View the MPH Graduate Student Handbook

4+1 Integrated MPH Program Advising Form

Use this form if you are a student who has been conditionally accepted into the Integrated 4+1 MPH Program option. Must be submitted by April 31st of Junior year.

View the 4+1 Integrated MPH Program Advising Form

Faculty & Staff

Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.

Shannon Crowley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Public Health, MPH Program Director, Program Coordinator for Public Health Studies

e: SCrowley@ncwu.edu

Employment Type FACULTY

p 252-985-5243

e SCrowley@ncwu.edu

Location Rocky Mount Campus

Program/Department Exercise Science, Masters of Public Health, Nursing Program, Public Health, School of Math and Science

Shannon Crowley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Public Health, MPH Program Director, Program Coordinator for Public Health Studies

Education
The University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Shannon Crowley, Ph.D. obtained her doctorate in Exercise Science from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, and concurrently obtained a certificate of graduate study in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Following her doctoral program, Dr. Crowley completed a NRSA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, in the Program in Women’s Mood Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where she won the prestigious Postdoctoral Scholar Award for Research Excellence. Dr. Crowley’s research interests focus on psychobiological aspects of exercise and physical activity, and in particular, stress-related mechanisms by which exercise may help to prevent and treat depression and anxiety disorders. In this capacity, she has conducted research in various populations at risk for depression and anxiety disorders, including soldiers undergoing basic combat training in the United States Army, veterans and active duty military personnel returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with diagnosed Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and women in pregnancy and postpartum at risk for postpartum depression.

Dr. Crowley is currently an Associate Professor of Public Health at North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount, NC, and also serves as the Masters of Public Health Program Director and Program Coordinator for the Department of Health Promotion. She is highly active in teaching and student-driven research at NCWU, focusing on health aspects of physical activity and exercise in both her teaching and research arenas.

Selected Scholarly Work

Crowley, SK. “Exercise, Depression-Anxiety Disorders and Sex Hormones” in Sex Hormones, Exercise and Women: Scientific and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition. (Anthony C. Hackney, PhD, Ed.) Springer Science and Business Media, LLC. New York, NY , 2023.
M. Magal, R. A. Valladarez Cuestas, S. K. Crowley, V. B. Batchelor & J. R. Hoffman. (In Press, 2023). Seasonal Changes in Physical Performance–Related Variables in Women NCAA Division III Soccer Players. Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche.
Youngstedt SD, Ginsberg JP, Kline CE, Crowley SK, Reynolds AM, Burch JB, Han SY. Bright light treatment of combat-related PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. Military Medicine. 2021. Epub ahead of print.
Crowley SK, Rebellon J, Huber C, Leonard AJ, Henderson D, Magal M. Cardiorespiratory fitness, sleep, and physiological responses to stress in women. Eur J Sport Sci. 2020 Jan 25:1-10. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1716855.
Crowley SK, O’Buckley TK, Schiller CE, Stuebe A, Morrow AL, and Girdler SS. Blunted neuroactive steroid and HPA axis responses to stress are associated with reduced sleep quality and negative affect in pregnancy: a pilot study. Psychopharmacology. 2016; 233(7):1299-310. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26856852
Crowley SK, Pedersen CA, Leserman J, Girdler SS. The Influence of Early Life Sexual Abuse on Oxytocin Concentrations and Premenstrual Symptomatology in Women with a Menstrually Related Mood Disorder. Biological Psychology. 2015; 109: 1-9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25892085
Brandon AR, Crowley SK, Gordon JL, Girdler SS. Non-Pharmacologic Treatments for Depression Related to Reproductive Events. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2014; 16 (12): 526. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25308394
Crowley SK, Wilkinson LL, Wigfall LT, Wooten NR, Reynolds AM, Muraca ST, Glover SH, Wooten NR, Sui X , Beets MW, Durstine JL, Newman-Norlund RD, Youngstedt SD. Physical Fitness and Depressive Symptoms during Army Basic Combat Training. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2015; 47(1):151-8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24870581
Crowley SK, Girdler SS. Neurosteroid, GABAergic and Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis Regulation: What is the Current State of Knowledge in Humans? Psychopharmacology. 2014; 231:3619-34. Invited Review. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24756763
Goodrich KM, Crowley SK, Lee DC, Sui XS, Hooker SP, Blair SN. Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and parental history of diabetes with risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2012; 95(3):425-31. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22119534

Professional Affiliations

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School of Mathematics and Sciences
North Carolina Wesleyan University
3400 North Wesleyan Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Office Location:
Shaw Learning Center

See a full list of publications, research projects, presentations and honors.

View Full CV >

Meredith Gringle, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Public Health

e: mgringle@ncwu.edu

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science/Chair, School of Math and Science/Program Coordinator, Exercise Science

e: mmagal@ncwu.edu

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

Employment Type FACULTY

p 252-985-5171

e mmagal@ncwu.edu

Location Rocky Mount Campus

Program/Department Exercise Science, General Science, Master of Human Performance and Sports Science, Masters of Public Health, School of Math and Science

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science/Chair, School of Math and Science/Program Coordinator, Exercise Science

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

Education
Ph.D. in Human Performance (Exercise Physiology), The University of Southern Mississippi (2002)

Dr. Magal obtained his Human Performance (Exercise Physiology) doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002. He is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Fellow of ACSM (FACSM). He serves as a Program Director, Professor of Exercise Science, and the Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU). Although NCWU is primarily a teaching college, Dr. Magal has been heavily involved in providing service to ACSM in different capacities and with ongoing research. Over the last 17 years, Dr. Magal has served on the ACSM Committee on Certification and Registry Boards (CCRB) in different capacities. He also authored and served as an editor on several ACSM publications. Most recently, he served as a Co-Editor on the 6th Edition of the ACSM’s Fitness Assessment Manual book. Research-wise, Dr. Magal has published numerous papers and abstracts examining NCAA DIII athletic performance, cardiorespiratory and postural control responses to various modes of exercise, and physical activity preparticipation health screening procedures.

Selected Scholarly Work

P. M. Gallo, B. Langton, M. Magal, R. Reed, J. Whitworth and F. Neric. (In Press, 2024). ACSM CCRB Update on Recertification and Continuing Education Credit Provider Policy. ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal.
Magal, M. and Riebe D. Active Voice: We Can and Should Do Better When Estimating Cardiorespiratory Fitness ACSM Bulletin Blog. March 7, 2023.
M. Magal, R. A. Valladarez Cuestas, S. K. Crowley, V. B. Batchelor & J. R. Hoffman. Seasonal Changes in Physical Performance–Related Variables in Women NCAA Division III Soccer Players. Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. 182 (12): 896-904, 2023.
M. Magal, B. A. Franklin, G. B. Dwyer, and D. Riebe. Back to Basics: A Critical Review of the Methodology Commonly Used to Estimate CRF. ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal. 27 (2): 12-19, 2023.
M. Magal, S. L. Fann and K. S. Thomas. Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Perceptual Responses to Preferred Walking Speed at Different Inclines and Post Exercise Postural Control in Healthy College Age Adults. International Journal of Exercise Science. 15 (2): 113-124, 2022.
Magal, M., Liette, N. C., Crowley, S. K., Hoffman, J. R. and Thomas, K. S. Sex-Based Performance Responses to an Acute Sprint Interval Cycling Training Session in Collegiate Athletes. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 92 (3): 469-476, 2020.
S. K. Crowley, J. R. Rebellon, C. Huber, A. Leonard, L., D. Henderson and M. Magal. Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep, and Physiological Responses to Stress in Women. European Journal of Sports Science. 20 (10): 1368-1377, 2020.
Magal, M. and Neric, F. B. ACSM Certifications: defining an exercise profession. From concept to assessment and everything in between. ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal. 24 (1): 12-18, 2020.
K. S. Thomas, M. Hammond and M. Magal. The Impact of Graded Forward and Backward Walking, at a Matched Intensity on Metabolic Measures and Postural Control. Gait and Posture. 65 (9): 20-25, 2018.
G. P. Whitfield, D. Riebe, M. Magal and G Liguori. Application of the American College of Sports Medicine Adult Preparticipation Screening Algorithm to a nationally representative sample of US adults aged >=40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 to 2004. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 49 (10): 2056-2063, 2017.
J. Bunn, C. L. Eschbach, M. Magal, K. Wells. The Effects of Warm-up Intensity and Duration on Cycling Time Trial Performance. Central European Journal of Sport Science & Medicine. 17 (1): 5-13, 2017.
M. Magal and D. Riebe. New Pre-Participation Health Screening Recommendations: What Exercise Professionals Need To Know. ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal. 20 (3): 22-27, 2016.
D. Riebe, B. A. Franklin, P. D. Thompson, C. E. Garber, G. P. Whitfield, M. Magal and L. S. Pescatello. Updating ACSM's Recommendations for Exercise Pre-participation Health Screening. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 47 (8): 2473-2479, 2015.

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School of Mathematics and Sciences
North Carolina Wesleyan University
3400 North Wesleyan Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Office Location:
Indoor Sports & Education Facility (ISEF) – 118

See a full list of publications, research projects, presentations and honors.

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More Facts About Me!

How long have you been at NCWU?
Since 2002

What's your favorite class that you teach?
Exercise Physiology

What are your research & teaching interests?
NCAA DIII Athletics

What is a fun fact or an interesting hobby of yours?
I used to be a professional tennis player

Show your commitment to helping people live healthier lives by promoting physical activity in public health practice.

Physical Activity and Health

Master of Public Health

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Wesleyan’s online Master of Public Health Program is the only one in North Carolina to offer a concentration in physical activity and health.

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Faculty & Staff

Shannon Crowley, Ph.D.

Meredith Gringle, Ph.D.

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

Meir Magal, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM

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Gail Rivera

Rocky Mount Campus - Undergraduate

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