UG.BS.EXSC.HEPR - Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science with a Health Professions Emphasis

The Exercise Science Department is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for allied health, human movement, and physical education career opportunities. Coursework in the major that contributes to the understanding of human movement includes:

• Biomechanics

• Exercise Physiology

• Motor Learning and Development

• Nutrition

The program is augmented by foundational courses in:

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Psychology

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Many of the careers associated with a degree in exercise science require additional education, certification, or licensure beyond an undergraduate degree. As such, upon graduation, students are prepared to enter additional educational programs in:

• Medicine

• Physical Therapy

• Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

• Exercise Physiology

• Biomechanics

• Fitness Management

• Nutrition

• Teaching Physical Education

• Other Health and Movement Related Fields

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Exercise Science Department offers two emphasis areas for the Bachelor of Science degree:

Health Professions
The Health Profession emphasis is best suited for students who want to go on to a graduate program in a health-related field such as medical school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing programs.  The curriculum enables students to meet the course pre-requisites for any of these programs as part of their degree in exercise science.  The emphasis course requirements are a combination of courses outside of EXSC which are required for those programs and courses focused specifically on exercise science.  

Human Performance
The Human Performance emphasis is best suited for students who want to dig deep into exercise science.  It prepares students to go immediately into the workforce in exercise-related positions (e.g. personal training, exercise programming for a company or hospital, medical sales) or to go to graduate school within exercise science (e.g. nutrition, biomechanics, clinical exercise physiology) or some allied health fields such as athletic training.

The Exercise Science Department emphasizes a “hands on” approach to learning with laboratory experiences for many of its courses. In addition, the Department is committed to undergraduate research as a key element of the academic experience. Students are exposed to research throughout the program, culminating in an independent research project in their terminal experience. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and volunteer throughout the community in venues relating to their particular emphasis and future professional aspirations.