Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in Ohio [Updated for 2026]

Exercise science programs in Ohio give you multiple options to study human performance, health, and fitness at campuses such as Kent State University, the University of Akron, Ohio University, Otterbein University, Cleveland State University, and the fully online B.S. in Exercise Science at Franklin University.

Across these degrees you can complete about 120 credits over four years, combining anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, testing, and program design to prepare for careers in fitness, cardiac rehab, strength and conditioning, wellness, and graduate allied health programs.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Ohio

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering exercise programs in Illinois:

• Kent State University
• Franklin University (Online)
• University of Akron
• Ohio University
• Otterbein University
• Cleveland State University
• Aurora University

To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.

Kent State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Kent State University is a 120 credit hour program that focuses on the scientific study of human movement and exercise. Offered through the College of Education, Health and Human Services, the degree is designed to be completed in four years of full time study on the Kent campus and includes 39 or more upper division credits.

The major prepares you to understand how physical activity affects health, performance, and disease risk by combining coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition. You learn how to evaluate fitness, movement, and health status, and how to translate that information into practical exercise prescriptions for different populations, from healthy adults to people with controlled medical conditions.

Kent State’s curriculum is structured around a set of core exercise science courses that every major completes, plus concentration options such as pre physical or occupational therapy, pre professional health routes, and strength and conditioning. This lets you align required courses with goals like professional certification, graduate school, or immediate entry into fitness and wellness roles.

Hands on learning is a consistent emphasis. You spend significant time in teaching labs and applied courses using equipment for body composition analysis, metabolic measurement, cardiovascular testing, and movement assessment. These experiences make you comfortable with the tools that employers and clinical sites use every day.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and recognized by national strength and conditioning education bodies. This external review helps ensure that the content, lab work, and internship opportunities match the competencies expected for exercise science professionals and certification exams.

By the time you complete the 120 credit hours in major requirements, Kent Core general education, and electives, you graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Kent State University and a foundation strong enough for entry level employment or further study in fields such as exercise physiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health disciplines.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with introductory coursework that orients you to health and medical sciences and builds your science base. Early classes cover careers in health and medical sciences, human anatomy and physiology, general chemistry, general psychology, and core Kent State general education. These courses give you the biological and behavioral background needed for more advanced exercise science content.

As you move into the middle of the degree you take core major courses such as biomechanics, physiology of exercise, statistics for the exercise scientist, psychological foundations of sport and exercise, and science of human nutrition. Many of these include laboratory experiences where you practice taking measurements, running tests, and analyzing data related to fitness, performance, and health.

In the upper division portion of the program you complete advanced physiology of exercise, exercise leadership for older adults, exercise programming, exercise testing or electrocardiography for the exercise physiologist, and options such as internship, research in exercise science, and advanced strength and conditioning. You also add concentration specific courses if you follow a pre physical or occupational therapy, strength and conditioning, or other focused pathway.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 15003 – Careers in Health and Medical Sciences: Introduces the range of professions linked to exercise science and health, helps you explore potential career paths, and provides an overview of academic planning, professional expectations, and certification options in the field.
• ATTR/EXSC 25057 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Covers structure and function of major systems such as skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, with a laboratory component that uses models and hands on activities to connect anatomical knowledge to human movement.
• ATTR/EXSC 25058 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Continues the study of body systems with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine systems, and examines how these systems support physical activity and respond to exercise.
• EXSC 35054 – Biomechanics: Applies mechanical principles to human motion, exploring forces, torques, levers, and joint loading. Laboratory work may include video analysis and force measurements that link theory to posture, gait, and sport skills.
• EXSC 35080 – Physiology of Exercise: Focuses on acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise in the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and metabolic systems. You learn how training changes these systems and how to interpret physiological data from tests.
• EXSC 35068 – Statistics for the Exercise Scientist: Introduces statistical concepts and procedures commonly used in exercise science research and practice, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, and basic study design, with applications to real data sets.
• EXSC 45065 – Exercise Testing: Emphasizes practical skills in administering exercise and fitness tests such as graded exercise tests, muscular strength and endurance assessments, flexibility measures, and functional assessments, along with risk screening and safety.
• EXSC 45081 – Advanced Physiology of Exercise: Builds on earlier physiology coursework by examining advanced topics such as cellular adaptations to training, hormonal responses, environmental influences, and the application of physiological concepts to performance and clinical settings.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXSC 35040 – Practical and Applied Concepts of Strength and Conditioning
• EXSC 40612 – Exercise Leadership for the Older Adult
• EXSC 43098 – Research in Exercise Science
• EXSC 45492 – Internship in Physical Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation
• SEPP 20026 – Psychological Foundations of Sport and Exercise
• NUTR 23520 – Sports Nutrition

Practical Experience

Practical learning is built into the Kent State exercise science curriculum through lab courses, applied classes, and field based options. In anatomy and physiology labs you learn to measure physiological variables and link them to movement and health outcomes. In biomechanics and exercise physiology you collect and interpret data from motion analysis, strength testing, and metabolic assessments.

Students can pursue research projects with faculty through courses such as Research in Exercise Science, gaining experience in study design, data collection, and scientific communication. Those interested in direct client contact can complete internship experiences in fitness centers, cardiac rehabilitation programs, strength and conditioning facilities, or other applied sites.

These hands on activities are intended to help you practice professional behaviors, build confidence in using testing and training tools, and create a record of experience that you can share with employers and graduate program admissions committees.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical systems support human movement and adapt to activity, training, and inactivity.
• Use appropriate laboratory and field based tools to assess physical fitness, movement quality, and health related risk factors in a variety of populations.
• Interpret data from exercise and fitness assessments and apply current guidelines to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions.
• Evaluate and apply research findings in exercise science to practical questions about performance, health promotion, and disease prevention.
• Integrate psychological and behavioral principles when planning programs that encourage long term physical activity participation and adherence.
• Communicate clearly with clients, patients, and professional colleagues about assessment results, program goals, and expected outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, ethical decision making, and respect for individual differences in exercise and health related settings.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Kent State University prepares you for roles such as exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, cardiac rehabilitation assistant, wellness coordinator, health coach, and fitness manager. The curriculum also supports prerequisites for graduate programs in areas like exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and other allied health professions.

Advisors and faculty help you plan internships, research experiences, and elective choices that fit your intended career path. You can also take courses that align with national certifications in exercise science and strength and conditioning, improving your readiness for professional credentials and entry into the health, fitness, or performance workforce.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Kent State University first year admission standards for the Kent campus.
• Submission of an application, official high school transcript, and any optional standardized test scores according to current university policy.
• For current Kent State or transfer students, at least 12 credit hours completed and a minimum overall Kent State or transfer GPA (typically at least 2.0) to declare a major in the College of Education, Health and Human Services.
• Completion of required prerequisite courses and maintenance of minimum grades specified by the School of Health Sciences to progress into upper division exercise science coursework.

Application Deadlines

Kent State University offers multiple application terms, with fall semester being the primary entry point for many students.

Franklin University (Online)

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Franklin University is a fully online degree designed for busy adults, structured around a 120-credit-hour requirement including six credits of required applied field experience. The programme emphasises convenience, transfer credit, and flexible pacing.

The curriculum covers wellness, fitness, health promotion, nutrition, biomechanics, movement analysis and program design. Students learn to evaluate physiological status (for example cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, body composition) and apply that knowledge to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions for a wide variety of clients including healthy adults, older populations, and those with controlled medical conditions.

Because the programme is fully online, students engage with interactive modules, virtual labs, case studies, and local field experience placements coordinated by advisors. This allows working professionals or non-traditional students to complete coursework asynchronously while meeting deadlines and maintaining flexibility.

The online format includes a tuition guarantee that locks in the per-credit cost from the first term through graduation, and a generous transfer-credit policy to accelerate completion for students with prior college or professional training. These features support an accelerated path to the degree.

The 120-credit structure includes general education, major core and elective coursework, six credits of field experience in a real-world setting, and supplemental online resources and support services. Successful completion results in the B.S. in Exercise Science and readiness for careers in fitness, wellness or graduate study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational online courses such as Introduction to Exercise Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Foundations of Wellness. These establish the scientific and behavioural basis of exercise science, and introduce you to key assessment and program design tools.

Mid-programme you progress into courses like Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics and Movement Analysis, Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription, Behaviour Change for Physical Activity, Strength & Conditioning Principles and Field Experience Preparation. These courses combine lecture, virtual lab assignments, client-case simulation and local applied practice to deepen your applied competence.

The final phase includes upper-division electives aligned with specific career interests (such as special populations, sport performance, corporate wellness or older adult programming), plus the six-credit Field Experience where you complete supervised hours in a local fitness, wellness or performance setting. A capstone or e-portfolio component integrates your learning across the degree.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Introduction to Exercise Science – Surveys the field, career pathways, roles of exercise scientists and professional standards in fitness and wellness.
• Anatomy & Physiology for Exercise Science – Covers structure and function of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in relation to movement and training.
• Exercise Physiology – Examines acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise, fitness adaptations, metabolic regulation and training responses.
• Biomechanics and Movement Analysis – Applies mechanical and motion-analysis principles to human movement, force production, joint mechanics, injury risk and performance enhancement.
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health – Explores how nutrition and physical activity intersect throughout the lifespan, including strategies for weight management, performance and health promotion.
• Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription – Teaches how to design and administer fitness and movement assessments, interpret results and create individualized exercise programmes.
• Behaviour Change for Physical Activity – Focuses on psychology of motivation, adherence, behaviour change models and coaching strategies for all types of populations.
• Field Experience in Exercise Science – A supervised practicum of six credits where you apply your coursework to real clients or groups under professional supervision in a local setting.

Elective Courses

• Strength & Conditioning for Performance
• Exercise for Special Populations
• Corporate Wellness Programme Design
• Technology in Fitness and Human Performance
• Leadership in Wellness Organisations
• Advanced Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation

Practical Experience

Practical experience in Franklin University’s online programme is delivered through the six-credit Field Experience course wherein you select or are placed into a local fitness, performance or wellness setting. You complete assessment, programme design and client interaction tasks under supervision, document your progress and reflect on your professional development.

Additionally, many courses provide virtual lab modules and case-based assignments that require you to analyse movement data, design exercise programmes, monitor client progress, and communicate outcomes—so even though you study online you build applied skills relevant to real-world settings.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact in response to exercise and physical activity.
• Apply standardized assessment methods to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, body composition and movement quality in diverse populations.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings to design safe, evidence-based, individualized exercise programmes for healthy and special-population clients.
• Integrate principles of nutrition, wellness coaching and behaviour change into exercise and physical-activity interventions.
• Utilize technologies and communication tools to monitor client progress, adapt programmes and report outcomes to clients or stakeholders.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical decision-making, inclusivity, and readiness for certification or graduate study in exercise science, wellness, or allied-health fields.
• Design and complete a supervised practica experience, reflect on professional learning and transition into employment or advanced study in exercise science, wellness, or human-performance contexts.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the online B.S. in Exercise Science from Franklin University are prepared for careers such as personal trainer, wellness director, strength & conditioning assistant, fitness assessment specialist or corporate health coach. The programme also supports preparation for graduate or professional study in allied-health areas like exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy or physician assistant studies.

Franklin University reports an overall undergraduate graduation rate of about 19%, indicating the proportion of first-time, full-time students who earn a bachelor’s degree within six years. This is typical for adult-oriented, transfer-friendly online institutions and reflects a unique student profile.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent or associate degree and/or transfer credit from an accredited institution.
• Submission of online application, official transcripts from high school and any previous college coursework.
• Demonstrated readiness for online learning—including access to technology, reliable internet, and ability to manage online coursework and deadlines.

Application Deadlines

Franklin University offers multiple start dates throughout the year for its online programmes (fall, spring and summer). Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to ensure that transcripts and transfer credit evaluations are completed in time for their preferred start date.

University of Akron

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at University of Akron requires a full sequence of general education, science prerequisites, major coursework and electives, typically totalling 120 credit hours. The Applied Exercise Physiology concentration emphasises human performance, health promotion and prepares students for both employment and graduate or professional study.

Within this major you explore how exercise, movement and physical activity influence physiological systems, health outcomes and performance across diverse populations. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, behavior change and measurement techniques, giving a strong foundation for applied roles in fitness, rehabilitation or performance settings.

You will engage in applied-laboratory and field experiences starting in early coursework. These experiences use measurement devices for body composition, metabolic testing, cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal analysis and strength assessment so that you become familiar with industry-standard tools and protocols.

The curriculum aligns with national professional certification pathways – for example the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist credential and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. This means your coursework can help you prepare for certification alongside your degree.

Academic advisors work with you to select electives and sequence courses effectively, and you may complete accelerated entry options or pathways into graduate programs. The major is designed so that students leaving with a B.S. are well positioned for employment in exercise performance, wellness, clinical fitness, or to continue into graduate or professional allied health programmes.

Completing the major gives you the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from University of Akron and a portfolio of applied experience, lab work and internship readiness that supports either immediate entry into the workforce or further study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics and introductory movement science including anatomy and physiology. These early courses provide the scientific base on which major and applied coursework build.

Mid‐level coursework includes classes such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and fitness assessment. Lab or practicum components in these courses allow you to collect and analyse data, perform movement and fitness tests, and design basic exercise programmes for healthy and special populations.

Upper‐division courses focus on advanced topics and professional practice. You complete classes in advanced strength and conditioning, clinical exercise testing and prescription, research methods, ethics and supervision of exercise programmes. The major culminates in an internship or capstone field experience where you apply your knowledge in a real‐world setting and document professional skill development.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 150 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Surveys careers in exercise science, health and performance, introduces major concepts and movement science terminology.
• EXSC 250 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab: Examines the anatomy and physiology of major systems—musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine—with lab work to connect structure to movement.
• EXSC 350 – Physiology of Exercise: Focuses on acute and chronic physiological responses to physical activity, including cardiovascular, metabolic and neuromuscular adaptations.
• EXSC 360 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Applies mechanical principles to human motion, including joint kinetics, kinematics, force analysis and movement screening in lab settings.
• EXSC 370 – Nutrition & Physical Activity: Explores how nutrition, body composition and physical activity interact across the lifespan, with emphasis on performance, health and recovery.
• EXSC 430 – Exercise Testing and Prescription: Teaches how to design, administer and interpret fitness and movement assessments and to develop safe, customised exercise programmes for diverse clients.
• EXSC 480 – Research Methods in Exercise Science: Introduces research design, data collection, statistical interpretation and communication of findings in exercise science contexts.
• EXSC 490 – Internship in Exercise Science: A supervised field placement in fitness, wellness, performance or clinical settings where you apply assessment, programming and professional communication skills.

Practical Experience

The University of Akron’s exercise science major embeds practical experience via laboratory courses and the final internship. Laboratory courses provide hands-on practice with metabolic carts, body composition tools, motion analysis systems, force plates, ECG monitors and strength testing. These build technical competency and professional confidence.

The internship (EXSC 490) places you in a professional environment such as a cardiac rehab clinic, sport performance facility or corporate wellness programme. Under supervision you carry out assessments, design exercise interventions, deliver programmes and document progress—this field work helps you transition from academic learner to practitioner.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems respond to physical activity and training adaptation.
• Use valid and reliable methods and tools to assess physical fitness, movement quality and health-related risk factors in varied populations.
• Design safe, effective and individualised exercise programmes for healthy individuals, older adults and clients with controlled chronic conditions.
• Interpret assessment and research data to make evidence-based decisions in exercise science practice.
• Apply principles of nutrition, behavior change and wellness promotion in planning exercise interventions for performance or health outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical decision-making and effective communication with clients, colleagues and health professionals.
• Prepare for professional certification, entry-level employment or graduate study in allied health, performance or fitness-related fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at University of Akron are prepared for roles such as clinical exercise physiologist assistant, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme specialist, fitness assessment coordinator, corporate or community health coach and health-promotion consultant. The curriculum also supports entry into graduate and professional programmes such as physical therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies or exercise physiology.

The University of Akron reports an overall undergraduate graduation rate of about 61%, demonstrating institutional completion outcomes that support student success.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent meeting University of Akron freshman admission requirements.
• Submission of the university application and official high school transcripts, as well as any required test scores or placement assessments per current policy.
• Completion of foundational science courses in high school (biology, chemistry) and mathematics recommended for success in the major.
• Once admitted you must earn a grade of C or better in all major coursework to satisfy programme progression requirements.

Application Deadlines

The University of Akron recommends applying for fall semester entry by February 1 for best consideration of admission and scholarships.

Ohio University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at Ohio University is a 120-credit hour program delivered through the College of Health Sciences and Professions. The degree is designed for full-time completion in approximately four years and emphasises physiological responses to physical activity, wellness, performance enhancement and allied health pathways.

The major begins with supporting natural science coursework – biology, chemistry, physics and statistics – to give you a solid foundation in the functional systems of the human body. These courses are followed by core exercise physiology content that explores energy systems, cardiovascular responses, neuromuscular adaptation and measurement of physiological variables.

You will engage in laboratory work, field measurement and applied projects from early in your coursework. Classroom theory is reinforced by lab experiences measuring oxygen uptake, heart‐rate responses, lactate, body composition, movement analysis and strength testing. These applied opportunities help you become comfortable with professional assessment tools.

The curriculum offers optional concentrations such as Fitness and Wellness or Pre-Professional Allied Health, so you can tailor your elective courses and practicum experiences toward specific career tracks like strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation or preparation for graduate programmes in physical therapy, athletic training and physician assistant studies.

Academic advising supports you in mapping your courses, selecting electives and completing a senior practicum experience where you apply your skills in a professional setting. Upon successful completion of all requirements you earn the B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University with a foundation of knowledge, applied experience and readiness for next-step careers or study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with general education and science prerequisite courses (for example Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs, General Chemistry, Statistics), which help you understand human structure, function and measurement procedures that underpin exercise physiology.

Mid-level courses include Exercise Physiology I and II (with labs), Fitness Assessment and Prescription, Biomechanics of Human Movement, and Physiology of Aging. These courses pair lecture and lab so you measure physiological responses, interpret data and design interventions in real time.

Upper-division coursework includes Exercise Physiology III (Advanced Topics), Exercise for Special Populations, Research Methods in Exercise Science, and a Capstone Practicum where you apply your skills in an approved professional setting. You also choose electives aligned with your career goals and may participate in undergraduate research.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXPH 2000 – Introduction to Exercise Physiology
  Introduces the field of exercise physiology, careers, and the role of physical activity in health, disease prevention and performance.
• EXPH 3200 – Exercise Physiology I
  Examines acute physiological responses to exercise including cardiovascular adjustments, muscle metabolism and ventilation; lab work involves measuring VO₂, heart-rate and lactate.
• EXPH 3300 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
  Teaches screening, test administration and interpretation of fitness measurements (cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility, body composition) and designing safe exercise programmes.
• EXPH 3350 – Biomechanics of Human Movement
  Studies the mechanical and neuromuscular basis of human movement and relates it to training, performance and injury prevention.
• EXPH 4200 – Exercise Physiology II
  Focuses on training adaptations to exercise, metabolic regulation, endurance and strength programming and advanced laboratory measurement techniques.
• EXPH 4400 – Exercise for Special Populations
  Covers exercise testing and prescription for older adults, individuals with chronic disease, athletes and other special populations.
• EXPH 4600 – Research Methods in Exercise Science
  Prepares you to design and conduct research in exercise physiology, includes work with human subjects, data analysis and presentation of findings.
• EXPH 4900 – Practicum in Exercise Physiology
  A supervised field placement in a fitness, performance or rehabilitation setting where you apply assessment, programming, monitoring and professional documentation skills.

Practical Experience

Laboratory courses in the major include hands-on experience with metabolic testing, heart-rate monitoring, body-composition assessment, motion analysis and strength measurement so you become comfortable with applied measurement and interpretation tasks used in clinical and performance settings.

The practicum (EXPH 4900) provides extended exposure in a real world environment where you might apply exercise testing, program delivery, client assessment and behaviour change facilitation under supervision. These professional placements help you build your résumé, connect with industry professionals and transition effectively into employment or graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how human physiological systems respond to and adapt from acute and chronic exercise in healthy and special-population clients.
• Use valid assessment tools and measurement techniques to evaluate physical fitness, movement quality and health-related risk factors.
• Design evidence-based exercise programmes tailored to individual goals, performance levels and health status.
• Apply knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, nutrition and behaviour change to optimise performance, health and wellness outcomes.
• Interpret and communicate assessment results, programme rationale and expected outcomes to clients, patients and professionals.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical decision-making and readiness for certification or graduate study in exercise physiology, allied health, wellness or performance fields.
• Prepare for entry-level roles in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation or performance settings or for advancement into graduate or professional study in allied health areas.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Physiology at Ohio University move into roles such as exercise physiologist assistant, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme advisor, fitness assessment specialist and rehabilitation technician. Many also apply to graduate and professional programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or exercise science research.

The university reports an overall graduation rate at the bachelor level of approximately 64%, indicating solid completion and persistence outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory coursework including biology, chemistry and mathematics.
• Submission of application to Ohio University with official high school transcripts and any required test scores or placement information. The university may consider ACT/SAT or university-determined placement criteria.
• Minimum cumulative GPA as defined by the College of Health Sciences and Professions (2.7).

Application Deadlines

For fall semester admission Ohio University first year applicants should submit the application and all required materials by December 15 to ensure priority consideration for admission and scholarships.

Otterbein University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion at Otterbein University is designed for approximately 120 credit hours of combined general education, science prerequisites, major core coursework and electives. Students typically complete the degree in four years of full-time study.

The major prepares you to assess, design and lead exercise, wellness and movement programmes across healthy, special-population and performance-oriented clients. Courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise testing and programming form the foundation. An optional Strength & Conditioning concentration provides enhanced study for those interested in athletic performance, military or clinical performance roles.

Lab and applied learning experiences begin early. As a sophomore or junior you will serve as a personal trainer or group-exercise instructor in the on-campus OtterFit facility. This offers you more than 300 hours of hands-on experience working with clients, applying your learning in real-world settings, and building a professional portfolio.

The curriculum also embeds opportunities to earn national certifications such as the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and ACSM Group Exercise Instructor as part of your coursework. For students choosing the Strength & Conditioning concentration the programme supports eligibility for the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist credential.

In your senior year you may choose to complete an internship (ranging from 42 to 630 hours depending on credit assignment) in a commercial fitness centre, clinical setting, corporate wellness programme or athletic-training environment. This capstone experience, together with your coursework and hands-on training, prepares you for employment or graduate-school entry.

Upon completion of all requirements, you receive the B.S. in Exercise Science & Health Promotion from Otterbein University and leave with applied experience, professional credential readiness and academic preparation for next steps in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation or allied-health fields.

Courses and Curriculum

The programme begins with foundational science and movement courses such as human anatomy & physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and kinesiology. These early courses ensure you understand how the human body moves, responds to exercise and how to assess those responses.

In the middle years you delve into courses like exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and wellness programme design, combining lectures and lab work to study how to evaluate clients, measure movement and design training or wellness programmes accordingly.

In the upper division you complete advanced electives in strength and conditioning or performance, special-population exercise programming, leadership and research methods, as well as your internship. The curriculum emphasises applied learning, real-world testing, data interpretation and professional communication.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I – Introduces musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems; lab component helps you relate structure to movement and exercise.
• Exercise Testing & Prescription – Covers assessment protocols for fitness, body composition, cardiovascular and strength tests and the development of individualized exercise programmes.
• Biomechanics – Applies mechanical principles to human movement, studies joint forces, motion capture, force plate data and how to translate findings into training or rehabilitation programmes.
• Nutrition, Health & Physical Activity – Examines nutrient metabolism, body composition, dietary strategies for performance or health, and how to integrate these into exercise programming.
• Strength & Conditioning (optional concentration) – Focuses on athlete-based training, power and speed development, periodisation, monitoring and advanced resistance training techniques.
• Group Exercise & Wellness Leadership – Teaches how to lead group fitness, design wellness initiatives, manage client behavior and plan health-promotion programmes.
• Research Methods in Health & Sport Sciences – Introduces research design, data collection and interpretation specific to exercise science, wellness or performance settings.
• Internship in Exercise Science – Practicum experience where you apply assessment, programming, client interaction and professional documentation in a field setting over many hours.

Practical Experience

Hands-on learning is a core feature of Otterbein University’s Exercise Science major. From a sophomore year you work in the OtterFit facility as a personal trainer or group instructor, giving you client exposure and applied assessment experience while still on campus.

The senior internship gives you a placement in the broader Columbus area or beyond—internship sites have included commercial gyms, corporate wellness divisions, athletic-training programmes, rehabilitation clinics and national sport programmes providing hundreds of hours of applied experience and networking opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems support human movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid assessment tools and interpret data for fitness, movement quality and performance in healthy and special-population clients.
• Design safe and effective exercise or wellness programmes tailored to individual needs and goals in fitness, health, performance or rehabilitation contexts.
• Integrate nutrition, physical activity and behavior-change strategies into comprehensive wellness and training programmes.
• Apply strength and conditioning, performance or wellness programming principles using evidence based methods and professional tools.
• Communicate assessment results, programme rationale and outcomes clearly with clients, coaches, wellness professionals and allied-health colleagues.
• Prepare for professional certifications and entry-level employment in exercise science, wellness, strength and conditioning or graduate study in allied-health and human-performance fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of Otterbein University’s Exercise Science & Health Promotion programme are prepared for careers such as personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, corporate wellness coordinator, exercise physiologist assistant, fitness assessment manager or wellness-programme director; and many progress to graduate or professional study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or exercise science research programmes. T

he university reports an overall graduation rate of about 51%, indicating the proportion of students who complete their bachelor’s degree at the institution.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent meeting university undergraduate admission requirements.
• Submission of online application and official high school transcripts. SAT or ACT scores are optional depending on current admission policies.
• Recommended completion of high school units in biology, chemistry, mathematics and English to support success in the major’s science and applied coursework.
• Maintenance of satisfactory academic progress once admitted; you must complete all major prerequisites with grades of C or better and adhere to departmental progression policies.

Application Deadlines

Otterbein University recommends first-year applicants to apply by January 15 for fall term admission.