Physiology is the science of how the body functions and is the foundation of modern medicine. The study of physiology creates the framework to understand the functional biological responses to the multiple environmental and energetic challenges placed upon the body in both health and disease. The response of the whole body to restore or maintain homeostasis requires an integration of multiple systems within the body (cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, etc.) to meet such challenges, which is at the core of the Integrative Physiology degree.

The Integrative Physiology degree is designed specifically to provide the scientific foundation for students interested in a health career. The core curriculum for the Integrative Physiology degree is concentrated upon systems physiology (cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, neural control, skeletal muscle, etc.) and how these systems interact with each other in health and disease. Systems physiology has consistently served as the foundation for health profession preparation and improving our knowledge of human and animal function. 

Kansas State University has an international reputation in physiology and the Integrative Physiology program will emphasize how these systems respond to physical activity and inactivity, obesity, aging, and multiple diseases including heart failure, lung disease, cancer and diabetes.