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The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program focuses on teaching students to understand how our organ systems respond to acute exercise bouts and adapt to chronic exercise training programs. We then emphasize using this information to help patients/clients improve their health status and/or fitness level. The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program helps students build on the knowledge acquired and skills developed during the undergraduate experience. The program is committed to producing students who (1) have a deep understanding of how the human body responds and adapts to exercise and (2) are able to make evidence-based decisions regarding exercise program design. The Combined Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology [BS+MS] program provides exceptional, motivated students the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology programs in five years.

Learn

Exercise science and exercise physiology are interdisciplinary fields 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. Combined exercise science/exercise physiology 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 research experience typically culminates with a student presentation at a state, regional, or national conference.

Exercise science and exercise physiology are great areas of study for students interested in pursuing acceptance to other health- and exercise-related programs. Our majors frequently gain acceptance to doctoral 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. These students’ common career paths include cardiac rehabilitation, strength & conditioning coaching, high-performance training, and hospital or worksite wellness coordination.