Revised Program [Fall 2019]
Catalog Correction - This major was revised on February 14, 2020, to correct an error. The “Required Courses” core hours were changed from 47 to 48 hours, increasing the total required hours to 72-73.
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program is first focused on teaching students to understand how our organ systems respond to an acute exercise bout and how they adapt to a chronic exercise training program. We then emphasize using this information to help patients/clients improve their health status and/or fitness level. Graduates from our program earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Learn
Exercise science is an interdisciplinary field with roots in biology, chemistry, and physics. As a result, our students begin our program by building a strong foundation in these basic science disciplines. Our students then begin their study of how the human body functions normally, and how it responds and adapts to exercise. Exercise science students finish the program by learning how to design evidence-based training programs that progress patients/clients towards health and fitness goals, such as meeting national physical activity recommendations, obtaining physical fitness standards, reducing chronic disease risk, and improving sport performance.
Opportunities
Our program has many classes that take place in the traditional, classroom setting. However, we provide our students with learning opportunities outside the classroom as well. Our practicum and internship courses allow students to earn credit towards the major while gaining practical skills and real-world experience. We also encourage motivated students to engage in research with a faculty mentor. This undergraduate research experience culminates with a student presentation at a state, regional, or national conference.
Exercise Science is a great major for students interested in pursuing advanced study in health- and exercise-related fields. Our majors frequently gain acceptance to academic graduate programs (e.g., exercise physiology and biomechanics programs), medical programs (e.g., medical school and physician assistant programs), and rehabilitative science programs (e.g., physical therapy, orthotics & prosthetics, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs). However, many of our majors opt to enter the workforce upon graduating. Common career paths for these students include cardiac rehabilitation, strength & conditioning coaching, high-performance training, and hospital or worksite wellness coordination.