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

Exercise science programs in Pennsylvania give you structured training in human movement, health, and fitness so you are ready for roles in coaching, strength and conditioning, cardiac rehab, and wellness.

Leading options include the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Slippery Rock University, the exercise science program at the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University’s Exercise and Sport Science major, and regional choices at East Stroudsburg University, Penn State campuses, and the fully online exercise science degree through PennWest University.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Pennsylvania

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Slippery Rock University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Slippery Rock University is a four year program that requires at least 120 credit hours, with most students completing between 121 and 122 credits through major requirements, general education, science prerequisites, and electives. The curriculum is designed so that foundational statistics, physics, biology, and writing courses support your upper division exercise science work.

Within the major, you complete 57 credits of exercise science coursework that build from introductory content to advanced clinical and performance applications. Rock Studies 2 requirements and college wide math and science courses add another 59 credits, giving you a broad background in communication, humanities, and quantitative reasoning alongside your technical training.

The program emphasizes evidence based approaches to health, fitness, disease prevention, and human performance. You learn how to evaluate health risk, interpret assessment results, and design exercise and wellness programs for general populations as well as for clients with chronic conditions or special needs. Professional content prepares you to sit for nationally recognized certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, and clinical exercise roles.

Laboratory based learning is central to the degree. Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and fitness assessment courses all include hands on lab components so you can collect data, analyze movement, and practice exercise leadership skills in realistic scenarios. Class sizes in upper division courses are typically moderate, which allows frequent interaction with faculty and peers.

As you progress into the senior year, you take capstone classes that integrate coaching, behavior change, and program management with advanced exercise prescription. The department also offers linked pre professional tracks that connect the exercise science bachelor’s degree with graduate preparation in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and chiropractic care.

The curriculum and experiential requirements are structured to support multiple goals, whether you plan to work directly in fitness and wellness settings after graduation or to move into clinical and professional graduate programs. By the end of the degree, you will have a clear record of supervised practice, classroom performance, and professional development activities that you can present to employers and admissions committees.

Courses and Curriculum

The exercise science curriculum at Slippery Rock University begins with foundational coursework in exercise science careers, applied anatomy, statistics, physics, and the university’s Rock Studies 2 core. These courses help you understand how quantitative methods, scientific writing, and human biology connect to later work in exercise testing and program design.

In the second and third years, the focus shifts toward exercise physiology, biomechanics, research methods, and leadership courses that teach you to plan and lead aerobic and resistance training sessions. You spend time in teaching labs, fitness spaces, and assessment rooms learning how to use heart rate monitors, metabolic carts, force platforms, and related technology to evaluate performance and health status.

Upper division courses emphasize clinical and specialized applications, including wellness coaching, clinical exercise physiology, special populations, senior synthesis, and nutrition and exercise. The program culminates in a full time internship experience that carries 12 credits and requires you to apply your skills in a professional setting under the supervision of credentialed practitioners.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXER 100 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Careers and Content: This early course introduces the scope of the exercise science profession, including health and fitness careers, clinical roles, and graduate school pathways. You review key professional organizations, certification options, and ethical guidelines while beginning to build a plan for your academic and career goals.
• EXER 101 – Applied Anatomy/Lab: Applied anatomy focuses on the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and nervous systems as they relate to human movement. In the lab you identify bones, joints, and muscles, examine how anatomical structures support posture and motion, and practice palpation and movement analysis skills.
• EXER 201 – Exercise Physiology with Lab: This course examines acute and chronic responses to exercise, including cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular adaptations. Laboratory sessions involve measuring oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, and lactate responses to different exercise intensities, helping you connect theory to real data.
• EXER 202 – Biomechanics with Lab: Biomechanics uses physics principles to analyze human movement. You study kinematics and kinetics, forces and torques at joints, and mechanical efficiency during activities such as walking, lifting, and jumping. Lab experiences may include motion capture, force plate analysis, and video based movement assessment.
• EXER 300 – Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research methods teaches you how to design, conduct, and interpret exercise science studies. Topics include hypothesis development, research design, sampling, measurement reliability, statistical concepts, and ethical considerations. You typically complete a small scale project that prepares you for later capstone work.
• EXER 301 – Aerobic Exercise Leadership: 
  This course focuses on planning, cueing, and leading safe and effective aerobic exercise sessions for varied populations. You learn how to structure classes, select appropriate intensity ranges, adapt programs for different fitness levels, and manage groups in both studio and field settings.
• EXER 302 – Exercise Leadership: Resistance Training: Resistance training leadership emphasizes strength and power program design, exercise technique, and spotting and safety strategies. You practice coaching major resistance exercises, learn how to progress and regress movements, and link programming decisions to client goals and needs.
• EXER 400 – Wellness Coaching and Program Management: In this advanced course you study behavior change strategies, motivational interviewing, and program planning for wellness initiatives. Content covers budgeting, staffing, risk management, and evaluation so you can manage fitness and wellness programs in community, corporate, or clinical settings.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXER 230 – Stress Management
• EXER 250 – Medical Terminology
• EXER 304 – Current Issues in Esports Health and Society
• EXER 305 – The Truth About Weight Loss
• Human Diversity and Well Being Rock Studies elective
• Cultural Literacy and Community Building Rock Studies elective

Practical Experience

Practical experience is built into the curriculum through labs, skill based leadership courses, and a culminating internship. Many EXER courses include structured lab sessions so you can practice assessment techniques, lead exercise sessions, and become familiar with professional equipment in a supervised environment.

In the senior year, you complete EXER 412, a senior synthesis course that integrates previous coursework, professional behavior expectations, and preparation for the internship. This class helps you refine your resume, practice interviewing, and review documentation and risk management issues related to field placements.

The program concludes with EXER 450, a 12 credit internship that is typically taken in the final semester. During this full time experience you work in a setting such as a cardiac rehab program, corporate wellness center, strength and conditioning facility, or community fitness center. You apply your skills in assessment, exercise prescription, and behavior change while receiving feedback from both site supervisors and faculty.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate health behaviors and risk factors using appropriate screening tools, medical history forms, and fitness assessments.
• Design evidence based exercise and wellness programs that address cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
• Implement exercise prescriptions safely for healthy individuals and for clients with stable chronic conditions or special considerations.
• Communicate clearly with clients, peers, and health professionals in written, verbal, and presentation formats.
• Demonstrate professional behavior, including preparedness, engagement, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity in all academic and field settings.
• Use critical thinking skills to interpret assessment data, solve problems in clinical and performance environments, and adjust programs based on client response.
• Engage in professional development and be prepared to pursue national certifications and graduate education in related health and human performance fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Slippery Rock University exercise science program prepares you for roles in personal training, strength and conditioning, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate and community wellness, and health coaching. The curriculum also aligns with prerequisites commonly required for graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, athletic training, and clinical exercise physiology.

Students gain exposure to professional certification standards and practice exam style questions that support readiness for credentials through organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The required internship and senior synthesis course help you build a clear portfolio that documents your skills, practical experiences, and professional accomplishments.

Slippery Rock University reports six year graduation rates that are roughly in the mid to upper 60 percent range, reflecting strong student persistence and completion compared with many public institutions of similar size. This overall graduation performance supports the program’s emphasis on academic support, advising, and structured progression through the exercise science major.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a college preparatory background in English, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Overall high school GPA that typically meets or exceeds university expectations, with many successful applicants above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completion of recommended high school courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to support success in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.
• Submission of an online application for undergraduate admission and payment of the required application fee or an approved fee waiver.
• Official high school transcripts (and any college transcripts if you have taken dual enrollment or college level coursework).
• SAT or ACT scores are considered if submitted, but the university maintains a test optional policy for many applicants.
• For transfer students, a minimum cumulative GPA of around 2.0 or higher, with some majors expecting stronger academic records for direct entry.

Application Deadlines

Slippery Rock University uses a rolling admissions process for new first year students, so applications are reviewed as they are completed. The university encourages students seeking fall semester entry to apply during the preceding fall and early winter to maximize scholarship and housing options.

External admissions guides often list a regular decision priority date in mid November for fall term consideration, with rolling review continuing into the spring as space allows. Transfer students are generally advised to submit summer or fall applications between January and March, and winter or spring applications between September and October.

PennWest Global Online

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Wellness and Human Performance Concentration)

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is a 120-credit hour fully online degree designed for students who want flexibility in their schedule without sacrificing academic quality. It supports both new students and working adults by offering asynchronous courses and online support services.

The online curriculum emphasizes human performance, wellness, and the science of physical activity. You cover anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, fitness assessment and program design in the context of promoting health and improving performance for a wide range of clients—from athletes to older adults.

Unique to this program is the option to earn industry-recognized certifications while enrolled. For example, you can become eligible for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer credential and the National Association of Speed & Explosion (NASE) Certified Speed Specialist credential as part of the coursework.

The programme also integrates business, marketing, and management content so that graduates understand not only exercise science, but how to operate in wellness or performance organisations—making you more competitive in roles such as fitness director or wellness entrepreneur.

Even though the curriculum is online, you are encouraged to complete applied assignments such as fitness assessments or program design projects in your local community—under faculty guidance—and you benefit from online success coaches, career services, and transfer-friendly structures to help you complete the degree fast. According to the institution, students can finish the online Bachelor’s in three years if they enter with relevant credits.

Upon completion of the required 120 credits you earn your Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from PennWest Global Online, positioning you for roles in fitness, wellness, strength and conditioning, or for further study in exercise physiology, training and allied health professions.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational science courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology) and core exercise science introduction classes. These early modules equip you with a strong understanding of how the body works and how physical activity influences health.

You then progress into major classes in kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition and assessment techniques. Since the programme is online, course delivery includes video demonstrations, interactive modules, virtual labs and assignments where you conduct tests or program design work in your local context and submit analysis and reflections online.

In the final phase you select major electives aligned with wellness and human performance, complete capstone-style projects, and may complete applied practicum or assessment projects locally. These elements focus on translating your knowledge into professional readiness, including certification preparation and career pathway mapping.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Introduction to Exercise Science – Surveys the profession, exercise science foundations, career pathways and gives an overview of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology relevant to fitness and wellness.
• Anatomy & Physiology for Exercise Science – Covers human body systems (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory) and how these systems adapt to exercise across healthy and special populations.
• Exercise Physiology – Explores acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise, metabolic pathways, training effects and fitness-outcome assessment.
• Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis – Applies mechanical and movement principles to human motion, analyses patterns, examines force, torque, joint mechanics and how to design safe movement and training programmes.
• Nutrition, Health and Physical Activity – Examines how nutrition, body composition and physical activity interact over the lifespan and how to design programmes that integrate diet and movement for wellness and performance.
• Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription – Teaches how to administer and interpret fitness and movement tests, develop individualized exercise plans and track progress in realistic settings.
• Business and Marketing of Wellness Programmes – An online course introducing business planning, marketing, facility operations, coaching ethics and management in fitness/ wellness organisations.
• Capstone in Wellness and Human Performance – A culminating online project where you apply your knowledge in a real or simulated professional setting, design a full exercise-wellness programme, assess outcomes and present your findings.

Practical Experience

While the programme is fully online, you complete applied assignments locally under faculty supervision. For example, you might conduct a fitness assessment with a local client, analyse the data, programme training sessions and reflect in your online module. This gives you hands-on experience even without a physical campus attendance.

The programme also offers success coaches, online tutoring and career planning support tailored for online learners. These services help you manage your schedule, balance work or other commitments, and stay on track toward completion in as few as three years if you transfer eligible credits.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact to support movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid assessment tools and interpret data for fitness, movement quality and performance in diverse populations.
• Design safe and effective exercise and wellness programmes that meet the needs of healthy individuals and those with controlled chronic conditions.
• Integrate nutrition, physical activity and behavior-change principles in comprehensive wellness and performance programmes.
• Apply business, marketing and management concepts as they relate to fitness, wellness or human-performance organisations.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour, ethical judgement and readiness for certification and employment in fitness, performance or wellness industries.
• Show preparedness for graduate or professional study in exercise science, strength and conditioning, allied health professions or wellness programme leadership.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from PennWest Global Online prepares graduates for careers as certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness programme coordinators, and exercise specialists. It also lays a foundation for further study in graduate or professional health programmes such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, physician assistant and sports performance.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent or successfully completed associate degree from an accredited institution.
• Submission of online application for PennWest Global Online with official transcripts from high school and any college work.
• Online orientation and technology readiness check to ensure that you can succeed in a fully online environment.
• Transfer students may submit military or professional certification credits; PennWest offers credit for certain fitness certifications and prior learning assessments in some cases.

Application Deadlines

PennWest Global Online admits new students year-round for fall, spring and summer terms. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to submit all transcripts to take advantage of transfer credit evaluation and accelerated pathways.

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at the University of Pittsburgh is a minimum 120 credit program offered through the School of Education. It is delivered in an in person format and is planned so that most students complete the degree across four years of full time study, including general education coursework and specialized exercise science training.

Students officially enter the exercise science major after earning at least 48 college credits, which typically happens in the junior year. This structure gives you time to finish biology, chemistry, physics and psychology prerequisites before you step into the upper division sequence in exercise science.

The curriculum is built around the application of exercise science to the prevention and management of chronic disease, enhancement of human performance and promotion of health and well being. You examine how physical activity interacts with cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems and how targeted programs can improve health outcomes for both clinical and general populations.

Pittsburgh’s program holds national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, which reflects a detailed external review of the curriculum, faculty expertise and laboratory resources. This accreditation signals that your coursework aligns with expectations for allied health preparation and professional credentialing in the field.

Strong emphasis is placed on hands on learning. Throughout the degree you spend significant time in human performance labs using equipment for physiological testing, movement analysis and health risk appraisal. Classroom concepts are reinforced through structured labs, case studies and guided practice in assessment and exercise leadership.

By completing the 120 credit requirement you earn the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh and are prepared for employment in health, fitness and clinical settings or for graduate study in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, public health or advanced exercise physiology.

Courses and Curriculum

The exercise science curriculum blends liberal arts and sciences with specialized major coursework. All students complete roughly 50 to 52 credits in communication, quantitative reasoning, humanities, natural sciences and social science. These courses give you a broad base in writing, critical thinking and scientific literacy that supports the technical demands of upper level exercise science study.

On top of this foundation, you complete about 67 to 75 credits in core exercise science content. Required blocks cover biophysical foundations, behavioral and sociocultural aspects of health, research methods and practicum, health and wellness foundations, natural science electives and a set of focused exercise science courses that anchor the major. Topics range from human anatomy and physiology to biomechanics, chronic disease, behavior change and advanced exercise prescription.

The program includes dedicated research and field experiences. You take coursework in research methods for sport and exercise and complete practicum and internship placements in health clubs, hospitals, rehabilitation settings and wellness programs. These experiences help you integrate scientific principles with real client needs, while building professional confidence and networks in the Pittsburgh region.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• HHD 1011 – Applied Human Anatomy: Focuses on structural anatomy of the musculoskeletal and related systems with emphasis on joints, muscle attachments and movement patterns that underlie exercise technique and functional activities.
• HHD 1033 – Human Physiology: Introduces how major organ systems function at rest, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems, and lays the groundwork for understanding how these systems respond during exercise.
• HHD 1042 – Physiology of Exercise: Examines acute physiological responses and chronic adaptations to exercise, such as changes in oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, hormonal responses and metabolic regulation across training programs.
• HHD 1044 – Biomechanics: Applies mechanical principles to human motion, exploring forces, torques and lever systems at joints. You analyze gait, lifting and sport skills to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
• HHD 1485 – Nutrition and Health: Explores relationships between nutrient intake, body composition, chronic disease risk and exercise performance. You learn how to integrate basic nutrition concepts into health promotion and training programs.
• HHD 1487 – Chronic Disease and Obesity: Reviews the development and consequences of chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and considers how structured physical activity can be used in prevention and management.
• HHD 1224 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription: Provides structured training in cardiorespiratory, muscular fitness, flexibility and body composition testing. You interpret test results and design individualized exercise prescriptions for healthy adults and low risk clinical populations.
• HHD 1996 – Clinical Internship: Serves as a culminating supervised placement in a clinical or advanced fitness setting. You apply your assessment and program design skills with real clients or patients while receiving feedback from both site and faculty supervisors.

Popular Elective Courses

• HHD 1486 – Behavior Change Strategies
• HHD 1031 – Research in Sports Science
• HHD 1226 – Assessment and Prescription for Special Populations
• HHD 1169 – Health Fitness Practicum 1
• HHD 1172 – Group Fitness Instructor
• HHD 1174 – Yoga and Pilates Instructor

Practical Experience

Practical learning is deeply woven into the University of Pittsburgh’s exercise science program. Early in the major you complete health and fitness practicum courses that place you in campus or community settings where you assist with screenings, basic fitness assessments and supervised exercise sessions. Instructor level courses in resistance training and group fitness further refine your coaching and leadership skills.

The clinical internship near the end of the program gives you extended exposure to a professional environment such as cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, hospital based wellness, sports performance or corporate fitness. Over the course of this placement you gain experience with client communication, documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration and day to day program operations.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical and physiological systems respond and adapt to acute and chronic exercise in healthy and clinical populations.
• Apply biomechanical principles to analyze human movement and to modify exercise technique in ways that enhance performance and decrease injury risk.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of health related and performance related fitness components using field and laboratory methods.
• Design and adjust exercise prescriptions that address cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition and functional capacity.
• Integrate concepts from nutrition, behavior change and health promotion when developing long term physical activity and wellness plans.
• Interpret exercise science research and professional guidelines and use this evidence to inform decisions in fitness, wellness and clinical practice.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, cultural sensitivity, ethical decision making and effective communication in classroom, laboratory and field settings.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The University of Pittsburgh’s exercise science program prepares you for a wide range of roles in health and fitness. Graduates pursue positions such as exercise specialist, clinical exercise physiologist assistant, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation staff member, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator and health coach. The program is also structured as a strong pre professional route into physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programs, public health and related graduate fields.

The School of Education reports strong student achievement outcomes for recent cohorts of exercise science majors, including high rates of clinical internship completion, graduate school admission and post graduation placement in jobs or advanced study. At the institutional level, the University of Pittsburgh reports an overall graduation rate of about 84%, reflecting solid student persistence and completion across undergraduate programs.

Admissions Requirements

• Completion of at least 48 undergraduate credits prior to entry into the exercise science major.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 at the time of application to the program.
• Successful completion of prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and psychology with grades of C or higher recommended.
• Submission of the School of Education online application that includes a resume or curriculum vitae, a goal statement and contact information for three professional references.
• Provision of official academic transcripts and satisfaction of all general University of Pittsburgh and School of Education undergraduate admission policies.

Application Deadlines

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science admits students for the fall term. The priority application deadline for fall entry is March 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials well in advance of this date so prerequisite coursework and credit totals can be reviewed in time for program admission decisions.

Temple University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Temple University consists of 120 credit hours and is offered through the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within the College of Public Health. Students choose one of two emphases: Exercise Physiology (working with healthy or medical-risk populations) or Sports Performance (working with athletes and performance-oriented clients).

The curriculum emphasizes both scientific knowledge and practical skills. Early coursework covers anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and research methods so you understand how the body moves, responds to training and adapts to stress. From there you progress into applied coursework where you learn to assess clients, monitor performance, interpret data and design safe exercise programmes.

Hands-on learning experiences are central: the programme requires two internships and extensive lab-based courses so you build actual professional experience before you graduate. These applied components help you transition from student to practitioner, whether your goal is to enter the workforce or attend a graduate or professional allied-health programme.

Because the major is aligned with credentialing organisations, graduates are eligible to pursue certifications such as the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. The dual emphasis structure allows you to tailor your degree to your intended career—clinical, wellness or performance.

Your completion of the 120 credits—including general education, major core, electives and professional experiences—results in the awarding of the B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Temple University, and positions you for employment in healthcare, fitness, performance or graduate-study settings.

Courses and Curriculum

The programme begins with foundational science and health courses, such as human anatomy & physiology I and II, introduction to exercise science and social determinants of health. These early courses equip you with the fundamental knowledge required for upper-division coursework.

Midway through the major you take courses like biomechanics of physical activity, exercise assessment and programming, advanced physiology of exercise and program management for fitness professionals. These courses combine lecture and lab components so you practise assessment tools, movement analysis, fitness tests and programme design in real contexts.

In the final year you complete specialised electives along your chosen emphasis, two internships and a research-writing course that prepare you for professional practice. The internship courses allow multiple weeks of supervised fieldwork in fitness, clinical or performance settings where you apply assessment and programming skills and integrate your technical knowledge and professional behaviours.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KINS 1203 – Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science: Surveys the field of exercise and sport science, career pathways, ethical and professional issues and prepares you for major-level coursework.
• KINS 1223 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I: A four-credit course with lab that focuses on musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems, with emphasis on movement-relevant anatomy.
• KINS 2203 – Physiology of Physical Activity: Examines cardiorespiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular responses to exercise with lab sessions measuring physiology during exercise.
• KINS 3202 – Biomechanics of Physical Activity: Applies mechanical and movement-analysis principles to human motion, sport skills, and injury prevention strategies.
• KINS 3203 – Exercise Assessment and Programming: Teaches how to select and administer fitness tests, interpret results and develop individualised exercise programmes for healthy and special-population clients.
• KINS 4311 – Advanced Physiology of Exercise: Detailed study of how the body adapts to exercise training, covering metabolic regulation, neuromuscular adaptation and cardiovascular function.
• KINS 4364 – Business Management for Exercise Professionals: Focuses on leadership, marketing, facility operations and human-resource management in fitness and wellness settings.
• KINS 4385 – Exercise and Sport Science Internship I: The first part of the professional practicum sequence in which you complete supervised hours in a field environment applying your knowledge and skills.

Practical Experience

Temple’s programme requires two internships (internship I and internship II) that place you in real world settings such as cardiac-rehabilitation clinics, sport-performance units, corporate wellness programmes or community fitness centres. You spend multiple hours per week across the semester working with clients or athletes under supervision, applying assessment, programming and professional communication. These field experiences are designed to solidify your professional identity and prepare you to transition into the workforce or graduate school.

Laboratory courses complement internships by offering hands-on practice with metabolic carts, body-composition measurement, force plates, movement capture, ECG monitoring and strength-testing equipment. This combination of lab and field experience helps you build technical confidence and professional readiness.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how physical activity and exercise affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems in healthy and special-population clients.
• Apply biomechanical and motor-behaviour principles to analyse movement, optimise training technique and minimise injury risk.
• Select and perform valid assessments of fitness, body composition, functional movement and performance in varied populations.
• Design safe and effective exercise and wellness programmes that address cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition.
• Interpret assessment data, research evidence and professional guidelines to develop evidence-based training plans and behaviour-change strategies.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical decision-making and effective communication with clients, athletes, colleagues and allied-health professionals.
• Prepare for professional certification and for graduate or professional study in exercise science, allied health or sport-performance fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science at Temple University are equipped to work as exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness programme directors, fitness assessment specialists, sport-performance analysts or health-promotion coordinators. Many alumni move into graduate programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, sports medicine and human-performance research.

The programme has strong alignment with professional credentialing, and students often complete certifications such as ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist soon after graduation, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of Temple University freshman admission standards.
• Submission of online application, official high school transcripts and any required test scores or proof of test-optional status.
• Satisfactory completion of preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics recommended for success in the major.
• Maintenance of a minimum major GPA (2.75 or higher) throughout the upper-division sequence and completion of required internship courses to graduate from the major.

Application Deadlines

For fall semester entry, Temple University encourages students to apply by February 1 for best consideration.

East Stroudsburg University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at East Stroudsburg University requires 120 credit hours and is typically planned for four years of full-time study. Students select one of three concentrations: Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Conditioning, or Therapeutic Sciences.

The Exercise Physiology concentration emphasises laboratory-based measurement, physiological adaptation to training, and prepares students for advanced study or clinical roles. The Sport and Exercise Conditioning concentration focuses on athlete-preparation, strength-conditioning, performance enhancement and wellness leadership. The Therapeutic Sciences concentration is tailored for students aiming for graduate-level professional programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy or physician assistant studies.

The department holds national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and receives endorsement by major professional organisations. This recognises the rigorous curriculum, lab-based experiences and strong alignment with credentialing expectations.

Laboratory instruction begins early in the programme and practical experiences are integrated in each year—this ensures you move from foundational science to applied measurement, programme design and supervised field placements. Students also have the option of a 3-year accelerated track for those who meet admission criteria and wish to complete the degree more quickly.

By the time you complete the required major core, concentration courses and supporting science and general education credits, you will earn your B.S. in Exercise Science and be ready for employment in fitness, performance or clinical exercise settings, or for graduate-level study in allied health professions.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational natural science, mathematics, general education and an introduction to exercise science (e.g., Introduction to Exercise Science, Kinesiology – Applied Anatomy). These first-year courses build your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and professional roles in exercise science.

During the middle years you take courses like Exercise Physiology I & II, Strength and Conditioning Theory, Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment and Exercise Programming, and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Many of these include lab or practicum components in the department’s Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories where you work with measurement equipment, motion-analysis software and metabolic testing devices.

In the final years you complete advanced electives aligned to your chosen concentration, independent research or internship experiences, and a capstone or field placement course that puts together your testing, programming and coaching or therapeutic skills in a real-world environment. This phase helps you transition from student to practitioner.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 100 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Surveys the profession, career pathways, basic movement science concepts and provides orientation to labs and assessment tools.
• EXSC 202 – Kinesiology: Applied Anatomy: Focuses on anatomical structures of human movement, joint and muscle function, and applies this knowledge to exercise technique and injury prevention.
• EXSC 310 – Exercise Physiology I: Examines acute physiological responses to exercise, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems, with laboratory testing of oxygen consumption and heart-rate responses.
• EXSC 322 – Strength and Conditioning Theory: Teaches principles of resistance training, periodised programmes, power development, spotting and progression for athletic and general-population clients.
• EXSC 330 – Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment and Exercise Programming: Covers testing protocols for fitness components, interpretation of results and design of individualized exercise programmes for healthy and special-risk clients.
• EXSC 441 – Environmental Exercise Physiology: Studies how extreme environments (heat, altitude, cold) affect physiological response to exercise and how training programmes adapt accordingly.
• EXSC 447 – Sports Nutrition: Examines nutrient metabolism, dietary strategies for performance and recovery, weight-management techniques and their application to athletes and clients.
• EXSC 486 – Field Experience and Internships: A supervised practicum/placement where you apply your cumulative skills in a professional fitness, performance or therapeutic setting under faculty and site supervision.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXSC 452 – Exercises and Weight Control Workshop
• EXSC 453 – Clinical Exercise Physiology Workshop
• EXSC 342 – Power Training for Sport Performance
• EXSC 470 – Introduction to Research Methods in Health Sciences
• EXSC 402 – Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• EXSC 450 – Seminar in Health Coaching

Practical Experience

At East Stroudsburg University you engage in hands-on labs from early semesters. The Human Performance Lab, Biomechanics Lab and Applied Physiology Lab provide equipment such as force plates, motion-capture systems, BOD-pod body composition units, metabolic carts and ECG test systems. These labs give you applied measurement skills typically reserved for graduate-level coursework at other institutions.

Field placements begin in sophomore year with an Early Internship component and continue into senior-level internship or field experience where you spend multiple weeks working in approved agencies—such as hospital wellness centres, strength and conditioning facilities, sports performance settings or rehabilitation programmes. These supervised placements develop client-assessment, programme-design, coaching and documentation skills and help you build your professional network before graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact to support human movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid and reliable assessment tools to evaluate health-related and performance-related fitness components in diverse populations.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings to design safe and effective exercise and training programmes for healthy individuals and clients with special needs.
• Apply strength and conditioning, sport-performance or therapeutic-exercise programming principles to help clients achieve fitness, performance or rehabilitation goals.
• Communicate assessment results, programme rationale and training progress clearly to clients, patients and or interdisciplinary professionals.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, ethical decision-making and preparedness for certification or graduate-level education in exercise science and allied health fields.
• Prepare for entry-level employment in fitness, performance or rehabilitation settings or for admission into graduate professional programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant or exercise-science related fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at East Stroudsburg University enter roles such as exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, performance training technician, fitness assessment manager or rehabilitation aide. Many also continue into graduate education in clinical exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy or sports medicine.

East Stroudsburg University reports that more than 90 percent of students in the Exercise Science major pass the department’s culminating knowledge assessment and place into internships or graduate study, demonstrating strong outcomes for alumni and program readiness.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent meeting East Stroudsburg University freshman admission standards.
• Submission of application, official high school transcripts and any required test scores or placement assessments by the university deadline.
• Completion of required preparatory coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physical education during high school is strongly recommended.
• Minimum cumulative GPA as per university freshman admission and maintenance of major-specific GPA (minimum 2.50) and grade-“C” or better in all 400-level major courses for continuation in the major.
• For students entering the accelerated 3-year track: high school GPA above 3.0, SAT math score above 550 or equivalent, and approval by the department for the accelerated track.

Application Deadlines

East Stroudsburg University uses rolling admissions for many programs, but to receive full consideration for the Exercise Science major and associated internships it is recommended to apply by March 1 for fall semester entry.