The exercise science minor is first focused on teaching students to understand how our organ systems respond to an acute exercise bout and how they adapt to an exercise training program. We then emphasize using this information to help patients/clients improve their health status and/or fitness level. 

Learn

Exercise science is an interdisciplinary field with roots in biology, chemistry, and physics. Our students begin the program by studying how the human body functions normally and how it responds and adapts to exercise. Exercise science minors 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

Exercise science is a great minor for students interested in pursuing advanced study in health- and exercise-related fields. Our minors are interested in gaining acceptance to academic graduate programs (e.g., exercise physiology and biomechanics programs), medical programs (e.g., medical school, physician assistant programs, and nursing programs), and rehabilitative science programs (e.g., physical therapy, orthotics & prosthetics, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs). However, many of our minors opt to enter the workforce upon graduating. Common career paths for these students include cardiac rehabilitation, strength & conditioning coaching, sport performance training, and hospital or worksite wellness coordination.