As an exercise science major you will begin your journey toward understanding the human body and how it moves, works, and functions by taking a range of introductory science classes. Generally, prerequisite courses for a exercise science bachelor’s degree program will include:

  • Anatomy & Physiology I and II
  • General Biology I
  • General Chemistry I
  • First Aid/Emergency Response
  • Human Nutrition
  • Introductory Physics or Physics I
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Statistics

Like all science classes, these classes are rigorous, and most involve labs or in-depth discussion sections. Problem sets, lab write-ups, and exams account for most of your grade. Also, don’t forget to keep up your physical fitness; it will not only make your brain function better but also remind you why you chose this field to begin with. You may even be able to fulfill some academic requirements by taking physical-fitness classes.

Core Courses

Once your basic science prerequisites are fulfilled, usually in your junior year, you can begin taking a closer look at the field of exercise science. At the heart of the exercise science major are the human sciences of anatomy, physiology, motor control, and biomechanics. Requirements vary widely in this field; however, almost all exercise science majors, regardless of their area of focus, will probably require the equivalent of one semester in each of the following core areas:

Foundations of Fitness and Wellness

Provides a basic overview of exercise science, including biology, physiology, nutrition, and health promotion. It serves as a primer for more applied study in these areas and often taken during your first year.

Exercise Physiology

Investigates the underlying biology and metabolic processes involved with movement of the body. The study of this subject includes the generation, breakdown and utilization of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - the body’s “energy currency”, aerobic and anaerobic pathways of energy production, cardiac physiology, and short- and long-term responses/adaptations to exercise.

Kinesiology

Focuses on the structure and connectivity of bones and muscles and the types of movements they produce. Much of this course involves rote memorization where you’ll have to remember many muscles, large and small, as well as their origins and insertions.

Biomechanics

Deals with the kinetics and kinematics of movement; kinetics is the description of motion, while kinematics looks at motion in context. Often, you’ll want to take this course after you’ve already taken some physics, as it relies heavily on basic laws of motion, levers and torque.

Motor Skill and Control

Involves the development, functioning, adaptation, and impairment of the connection between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. You might also find this topic covered under the label of neurophysiology.

Other biology courses that may be offered as electives or requirements include genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, endocrinology, cell biology, and basic neuroscience.

Concentrations

While the core courses cover exercise-specific subjects, more advanced or concentrated courses (hands-on courses in the gym, lab, or clinic) will take you further into the realm of exercise and sports science. The classes you choose will depend entirely on what your personal interests and career goals are within this broad major. You can focus on exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, or physical education, to name a few choices.

As part of your chosen concentration, you may take courses in the research and qualitative analysis of human movement, disease and injury, sports management, adaptive physical education, fitness testing and exercise programming, strength & conditioning or sports psychology, for example. Many of these courses involve a lab component or a clinical element. This means that in addition to taking notes in class and doing the assigned readings, you’ll be putting your knowledge to work in an applied setting. For example, if you concentrate in cardiac rehabilitation, you may take one or more courses/labs in cardiovascular pathology and EKG testing and interpretation. This may also involve completing your internship requirement by working as an exercise physiologist in the cardiopulmonary rehab department of a hospital or clinic.

Most exercise science programs require a senior project or internship presentation. In some cases, undergraduates who’ve focused their studies in kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, or sports nutrition may be allowed to perform research and write a thesis based on it. Often, that research is related to the work your academic advisor is doing, and you may even get your name on a published scientific paper if your thesis work contributes significantly to your advisor’s project. To give you a better idea, research topics can range from the effects of physical activity on resting metabolic rate, body composition, glucose metabolism, and maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) to physiological responses of firefighters performing physical activity in federally mandated fire-fighting gear.

Experience

Hands-on experience is always central to the exercise science major. Through courses, practicum, field trips, field study, and internships you will have ample opportunity for gaining real world experience. Almost all exercise science programs require that you spend at least the equivalent of one semester working in a field or clinical setting in the area of your interest, whether that is fitness, rehabilitation, human performance, or management/administration.

Opportunities include on-campus work with staff, collegiate athletes, intramural teams, and recreational clubs. Or you may undertake work off-campus at a hospital, clinic, health club, high school, or for a sports team or corporate fitness program.

You may get a chance to meet regularly with other students participating in internships to discuss and analyze your experiences. As mentioned previously, you most likely will be required to write an analysis or a report on what you have learned at the end of the project. These experiences provide great opportunities for building your skills and strengthening your resume in anticipation of your eventual hunt for a job or bid for entrance into a graduate or pre-health professional program.

Some of the roles that exercise science students can explore through internships include:

  • Exercise physiologist
  • Fitness instructor
  • Personal trainer
  • Corporate wellness programmer
  • Health teacher/educator
  • Sports team/facilities manager
  • Adaptive physical-education specialist
  • Clinical researcher
  • Health and safety director
  • Recreational therapist
  • Resort activities coordinator
  • Physical therapy aide
  • Scuba diving instructor
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Sports physiologist
  • Sports psychologist