AEROSPACE PHYSIOLOGY is the study of the physical and cognitive impact of an extreme and/or austere environment upon an individual. These studies provide the foundation to understand and develop strategies conferring mental and physical resilience against extreme environmental conditions, thereby optimizing performance of the aerospace traveler.
NEED for EXPERTISE: The commercial (civilian) space tourism industries, as well as the rapidly expanding federal and military aero- and space initiatives are hampered by an absence of scientists, physicians, educators, and physiologists with expertise in the human challenges of the aerospace environment (hyper- and hypo- gravity, supersonic speeds, etc.) as well as subsequent outcomes. This creates a significant void in trained personnel; a void that we in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics are uniquely poised to fill.
The Masters in Aerospace Physiology program is offered in a synchronous, lecture/small group format that is both broadcast live and asynchronously accessed from recordings over the Internet. The one exception is a 4-day residency requirement for a hands-on laboratory course scheduled over one long weekend.
All Masters in Aerospace Physiology students must begin the program in the Fall semester. Both Full Time and Part-time study options (as few as 3-credits/semester) are available. Once beginning the program, students must request a Leave of Absence from the Graduate School if they do not register for at least one 3-credit course in each Fall or Spring semester. Students are not required to take courses during the Summer semester.
This program aims to prepare students for careers in the field of aerospace physiology or to enhance the backgrounds of those who are already working in these fields so that they can be more effective in fulfilling their responsibilities. Students will gain competency in the characteristics of the atmosphere, acceleration, spatial disorientation, and the physiology of decompression, thermoregulation, hypobarics, respiration, and cardiovascular function.
Examples of related career opportunities include aerospace medicine physicians, research physiologists, operational physiologists, and aviation medical and mishap examiners.
(1) Admission to the Masters in Aerospace Physiology program is available to students with an earned bachelor’s degree in the physical or biological sciences. Examples include successful completion (final GPA > 3.0) of a formal degree program in:
Allied Health Sciences (e.g. nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, etc.)
Exercise or sports physiology
Biology with additional coursework in human anatomy and physiology
An undergraduate degree (unspecified major) with additional formal coursework in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biochemistry, and Physics
(2) Two letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s interest in aerospace physiology and aptitude for advanced graduate study in the field.
(3) A Personal Statement demonstrating interest in the field and outlining how obtaining the Masters Degree in Aerospace Physiology will advance their career goals.
For questions regarding admission, contact us at apply-aero@case.edu
Required Courses
Elective Courses
Graduates will demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge of human physiology and cognitive responses during exposure to extreme environments, as well as a proficiency in implementing strategies that confer resilience and optimal human performance in those environments. This will be measured as successful completion of 30 credits of coursework with a final cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 and successful passing score on two Aerospace Physiology courses (PHOL 421, 422, 423, 426, and 427) as well as passing the comprehensive exam.
CWRU Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Additional DOD Funding Programs
Contact us with any questions: 216-368-0218 and apply-aero@case.edu
Our Aerospace Physiology students and Research Assistants had the opportunity to see the Thunderbirds perform from the VIP tent as well as meet them in person!. Our good friend and Thunderbird 1, Lt Col Justin "ASTRO" Elliott preparing for his flight.
The Department of Physiology and Biophysics would like to express its profound gratitude for the generosity of the Thunderbirds and wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.
For questions regarding admission, contact us at apply-aero@case.edu
