Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major prepares students for entry level careers in Exercise Science, Fitness, Wellness, and Public Health services. It also seeks to provide the solid foundation required for admission to various graduate or professional programs of study. Students interested in applying to schools of medicine or schools with graduate health programs will need to consult with their advisor and/or their respective graduate program. The department of Health and Exercise Science is proud to announce our educational partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Programs Offered

Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    86 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Students majoring in Exercise Science can consider career paths such as personal training, specialization in strength and conditioning, or entry into fitness or wellness center management. It is also an excellent foundational degree in preparation for application to graduate school by including prerequisite coursework for programs that include medicine, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, occupational therapy, and pharmacy school.

Take together:
BIOL 131 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL 131L Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1
Take together:
BIOL 132 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIOL 132L Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1
MATH 155 Introductory Statistics 4
Choose Either:
Take together:
PHYS 117 Intro to Physics 4
PHYS 117L Intro to Physics Laboratory 1
Take together:
PHYS 117 General Physics I 4
PHYS 117L General Physics I Laboratory 1

Fitness and Coaching Concentration
Exercise Science B.S.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter the workplace as personal fitness trainers and sport coaches. Upon successful completion of all courses and certification requirements, students should complete the program having achieved five certificates:

  1. American Red Cross - Water Safety Instructor
  2. American Red Cross - CPR/AED & First Aid
  3. American Council on Exercise - Personal Training 
  4. National Federation of State High School Associations - Fundamentals of Coaching
  5. Adventist Learning Community - Coaching Distinctively Adventist Sports 

Students interested in applying to schools of medicine or schools with graduate health programs will need to consult with their advisor and/or their respective graduate program.

Kinesiology Concentration
Exercise Science B.S.

The Kinesiology Concentration within the Exercise Science major provides students with a variety of opportunities for further study and careers in: the fitness professions, exercise physiology, exercise specialties, athletic training, health/wellness promotion, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and others. Specific plans for career paths should be developed in consultation with your department’s academic advisor. Exercise Science Core Curriculum (42 units): Required of all students majoring in Exercise Science. Upon successful completion of all courses and certification requirements, students should complete the program having achieved the following certificates:

  1. American Red Cross - CPR/AED & First Aid
  2. Panel on Research Ethics - Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
  3. American Council on Exercise - Personal Training

Students interested in applying to schools of medicine or schools with graduate health programs will need to consult with their advisor and/or their respective graduate program.

Exercise Science
minor

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    minor

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    32 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

A minor typically consists of taking a portion of the classes required for a major in that same subject. To get an idea of what you would be studying, check out the corresponding major. The requirements for your minor will differ by program, so be sure to ask a counselor to know exactly what courses are in store for you.

EXSC 350 Exercise Science Colloquium I 1
EXSC 364 Research Methods 4
EXSC 416 Movement in Cultural Perspective 4
EXSC 424 Biomechanics of Human Movement 4
EXSC 426 Exercise Physiology 4
EXSC 444 Physiology Assessment and Exercise Prescription 3
HLSC 326 Behavior change in Health & Wellness 4

Career Outlook

 


14% Job Market Growth

$53,840 Median Salary

Great Entry into Medical Field

 

The median annual wage for athletic trainers was $53,840 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,000.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for athletic trainers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

  • Educational services; state, local, and private $56,930
  • Hospitals; state, local, and private $53,440
  • Fitness and recreational sports centers $51,960
  • Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $49,960

Most athletic trainers work full time. Athletic trainers who work with teams during sporting events may work evenings or weekends and travel often.

Program Stats

Our Alumni Work in these Occupations

  • Physical Therapist Aides
    3
  • Cashiers
    2
  • Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
    2
  • Social and Human Service Specialists
    2
  • Swimming Instructors
    1
  • Compliance Managers
    1
  • Exercise Trainers and Fitness Instructors
    1

Our Alumni Work Here

  • All Star Physical Therapy Inc
    2
  • Loma Linda University
    2
  • Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
    1
  • Baker's Drive Thru Restaurant
    1
  • Fitness 19, LLC
    1
  • Rip Curl, Inc.
    1
  • Brain Balance Achievement Centers
    1

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in addressing discipline-based questions.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills of research principles and methodologies relevant to health and exercise science.
  3. Apply standards, ethics, and expectations of professional communities related to health and exercise science.
  4. Demonstrate learned competencies and skills as part of learning activities and experiences.
  5. Identify, assess, and analyze human movement in different contexts.
  6. Describe the reciprocal relationship between physical activity and the philosop

Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Athletic Trainers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm (visited February 18, 2024).