Overview
Note: This program is not currently admitting new students.
The Exercise Science associate’s degree program provides fundamental and theoretical knowledge and skills in the science of human movement. Course work includes anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, health and wellness principles, exercise programming, and emergency procedures.
Students in the Exercise Science program complete the Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate (or may complete this certificate prior to starting the associate’s degree), and also complete one or more additional certificates: Corrective Exercise Specialist, Group Fitness Instructor, Health and Fitness Special Populations, or Yoga Teacher Training.
Graduates of the Exercise Science program are prepared to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program or enter the work force in a fitness and health field with the ability to motivate clients, adapt exercises to client needs, and monitor the safety and progress of clients.
Related Programs
Corrective Exercise Certificate (CESC)Group Fitness Instructor Certificate (GFIC)Health and Fitness Special Populations Certificate (HFSPC)Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate (PFTC)Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (YIC)Contacts
Advisor
Career Outlook
Graduates Are Prepared To
- Work in Health Promotion and Fitness fields
- Conduct health and fitness screenings
- Design and lead fitness programs for individuals or groups
- Educate individuals or groups on the dimensions of wellness
- Assist with community advocacy for health-related policies
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Personal Trainer
- Exercise Specialist
- Health Educator
- Wellness Coordinator
- Wellness Coach
- Fitness Specialist
Graduate Employment Outlook
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 13 percent through 2022. As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors.
$15.25/hour (median pay)
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
Contacts
Advisor
Curriculum
Effective 2024-2025 academic year
Exercise Science (EXS)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE XXX First Year Experience Elective (B) | ||||
| EMS 100 | CPR and First Aid for the Health Care Professional ( B) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| EXS 130 | Foundations of Health and Wellness Programs ( B) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| EXS 151 | Principles of Exercise Assessment and Prescription ( T) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| DT 120 | Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| EXS 152 | Exercise Programming ( T) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| EXS 156 | Establishing a Personal Training Business ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| EXS 182 | Personal Fitness Trainer Practicum ( T) | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| EXS 255 | Anatomical Kinesiology ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| PE 132 | Resistance and Cardiorespiratory Training ( B) | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| COMM 1XX Communication Elective (B) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| BIO 151 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( G) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning ( G) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| EXS 250 | Exercise Physiology ( T) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| BIO 152 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| EXS XXX Exercise Science Elective 1 (T) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| EXS 294 | Internship: Exercise Science ( T) | 1 | 40 | 2 |
| EXS 260 | Exercise Science Program Design ( T) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| EXS XXX Exercise Science Elective 2 (T) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| PE XXX Physical Education Elective (T) | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Total Credits: | 49 | 67 | 61 | |
Electives
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues (Health Fitness for Special Populations) | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 105 | English Composition 2: Business Communication | 3 |
| Communication Elective | ||
| COMM 105 Interpersonal Communications | 3 | |
| COMM 110 Public Speaking | 3 | |
| Physical Education Electives (1 credit hours required) | ||
| Any PE | 1 | |
| Exercise Science Elective (6 credit hours required) | ||
| Corrective Exercise Specialist Certificate (CESC) | ||
| EXS 251 | Corrective Exercise Specialist | 2 |
| Group Fitness Instructor Certificate (GFIC) | ||
| EXS 122 | Group Fitness Instructor | 4 |
| Health & Fitness Special Populations Certificate (HFSPC) | ||
| EXS 164 | Health and Fitness Across the Life Span 1 | 3 |
| EXS 168 | Health and Fitness Across the Life Span 2 | 3 |
| Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (YIC) | ||
| EXS 118 | Yoga Teacher Training 1 | 3 |
| EXS 119 | Yoga Teacher Training 2 | 3 |
| EXS 184 | Yoga Internship | 1 |
| EXS 185 | Yoga Internship 2 | 2 |
| Dietetic Technology Elective | ||
| DT 135 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
G = General Education course in this curriculum
B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum
T = Technical course in this curriculum
• This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
• The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.