Sep 19, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Exercise Science (B.S.)

Location(s): Main Campus



Program Summary

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is designed to provide students with knowledge and training that qualifies them for additional education through graduate studies and prepares them for careers related to the fitness, wellness, and sport industries. Graduates with a B.S. in Exercise Science are competitive applicants for entrance into graduate school in exercise sciences or related fields, physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic, physician assistant, athletic training, medical, dental, or optometry, nursing, or alternative medicines. Also, graduates with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science work in community fitness (personal training, club management, sales, program coordinator, or director), corporate fitness/wellness (exercise specialist, program coordinator or director, education specialist), and numerous clinical and laboratory settings. Those wishing to teach and coach in the public schools should enroll in the Physical Education - Teaching Emphasis (B.S.)  or Physical Education - Coaching Emphasis (B.S.)  programs to ensure proper progress toward obtaining teaching licensure.

Program Information

  • All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)


  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Breadth Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Exercise Science Curriculum (47-56 Credits)


Biology Requirements (4 or 12 Credits)


Complete one of the following groups:

Exercise Science Electives (9 Credits)


Complete 9 credits from the following:

Free Electives (29-49 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.S. Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


  • Understand the importance and influence of physical activity and exercise on health and become an advocate for physically active lifestyles as a means to improve quality of life and reduce the risk and prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.
  • Demonstrate requisite skills and abilities for a career or continued education in various disciplines related to the exercise sciences.
  • Demonstrate a sound foundational knowledge and understanding of the applied and basic sciences as they relate to responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise among the apparently healthy, diseased, and athletic population.
  • Perform basic laboratory skills pertaining to assessments, laboratory methods, sound experimental and analytical practices, data acquisition, and reporting in the exercise sciences.