Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs and Schools in Indiana [2026 Guide]

Exercise science programs in Indiana give you a strong science based pathway into fitness, performance, rehabilitation, and pre health careers.

You can study at large public universities such as Indiana University Bloomington, Ball State University, and Purdue University, or choose focused programs at institutions like Indiana State University and the University of Indianapolis. If you need a flexible option that you can complete from anywhere in Indiana, you can also consider the fully online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Franklin University.

This guide explores some of the popular exercise science programs in Indiana, each of which offers unique benefits for you as a student. Compare and contrast them to see which one is the best fit for your future goals!

Best Exercise Science Programs in Indiana

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Indiana University Bloomington

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science major at Indiana University Bloomington is a 120 credit hour program typically completed in four years of full time study. Housed in the School of Public Health – Bloomington, it provides a science focused curriculum that covers human movement, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and health related behavior to prepare you for both direct entry roles and advanced professional education.

The curriculum begins with university general education requirements and supporting science courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and statistics. This scientific foundation supports later coursework in kinesiology, exercise testing, and clinical or performance applications, so you can understand how the body responds to physical activity in health and disease.

As an Exercise Science major you choose from several career focus areas such as pre health professions, pre allied health or pre athletic training, integrated exercise science, or a professional track. These options help you align required and elective courses with goals like physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant studies, chiropractic, occupational therapy, or strength and conditioning and fitness careers.

Core major courses introduce you to topics like neuromechanics of human motion, anatomy and physiology with labs, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and the role of physical activity in public health. You build quantitative and analytical skills while learning how to collect, evaluate, and interpret data from exercise and movement assessments.

Upper level electives and experiential opportunities allow you to deepen your preparation through research, teaching practica, internships with athletics or wellness programs, and specialized coursework in areas such as special populations, therapeutic exercise, and health promotion. This flexibility helps you create a focused plan of study while staying within the 120 credit bachelor structure.

To graduate, you must complete at least 120 credits that meet general education, school, and major requirements, maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.0 GPA in kinesiology major courses, and satisfy all School of Public Health policies. When you finish, you hold a strong pre professional degree that is widely recognized for preparing students for health, fitness, and clinical graduate programs.

Courses and Curriculum

The first stage of the curriculum emphasizes general education and basic science. Typical early courses include chemistry, introductory biology, introductory psychology, English composition, and quantitative reasoning or statistics, along with an introduction to kinesiology and public health. These classes ensure you have the scientific and analytical background needed to understand later exercise science content.

Once you have completed the supporting science work, you move into the kinesiology core. Required courses focus on human anatomy and physiology with labs, neuromechanics of human motion, physical activity in health and disease, and foundational exercise science concepts. You also complete a statistics or research methods course that teaches you how to interpret scientific literature and analyze data from movement and health studies.

In the advanced portion of the program, you take upper division kinesiology courses such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, movement neuroscience, and specialized electives related to your chosen career focus area. Nontraditional credits like internships, research projects, and teaching practica can count toward major requirements, giving you practical experience as you complete your final semesters.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KIN 100 – Introduction to Kinesiology: Introduces the scope of kinesiology and exercise science, including subfields like biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, and public health. You explore career paths in clinical, fitness, sport, and research settings and begin planning a pathway through the degree and into graduate or professional programs.
• KIN 270 – Anatomy and Physiology I: Provides an in depth study of anatomical structures and physiological functions in systems such as skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratory work uses models and basic measurements to connect structure and function with human movement, posture, and exercise.
• KIN 272 – Anatomy and Physiology II: Continues the anatomy and physiology sequence with focus on cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, and other organ systems critical for exercise performance and health. Lab activities help you see how these systems respond to physical activity, stress, and training.
• KIN 236 – Neuromechanics of Human Motion: Examines how the nervous system and mechanical principles interact to control movement. Topics include motor control, coordination, posture, balance, and gait, with quantitative analysis of human motion and implications for performance and injury prevention.
• KIN 247 – Physical Activity in Health and Disease: Explores the role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. You review epidemiological evidence, guidelines, and public health strategies for promoting activity at individual and population levels.
• KIN 430 – Biomechanics: Applies mechanical concepts like force, torque, momentum, and energy to human movement. You analyze walking, running, lifting, and sport skills using motion data and learn how technique and external loads influence performance and injury risk.
• KIN 470 – Exercise Physiology: Focuses on acute and chronic responses of cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and metabolic systems to exercise and training. Lab work often includes graded exercise testing and measurement of physiological variables used to evaluate fitness and training adaptations.
• KIN 4XX – Capstone, Internship, or Research Experience: Provides a culminating experience such as an internship with athletics or wellness programs, a research project in a kinesiology lab, or a teaching practicum. You integrate previous coursework, apply skills in real contexts, and prepare for professional or graduate level opportunities.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is built into the Exercise Science program at Indiana University Bloomington. Laboratory sections in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, neuromechanics, and exercise physiology give you repeated experience with measurement tools, motion capture, metabolic testing, and other assessment techniques used in both research and applied practice.

Through nontraditional credits and elective options, you can complete internships with campus athletic programs, fitness and wellness centers, or community health organizations. These placements let you apply assessment skills, program design, coaching, and health promotion strategies in supervised real world settings.

You also have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects in areas like movement neuroscience, exercise physiology, and physical activity promotion. These experiences help you develop deeper technical and analytical skills and can strengthen applications to graduate or professional programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor control principles relate to human movement, fitness, health, and performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from exercise and movement assessments using appropriate laboratory and field methods.
• Design safe, effective, and evidence based exercise and physical activity programs for healthy individuals and for people with common risk factors or stable chronic conditions.
• Evaluate scientific literature in kinesiology and related fields and apply research findings to exercise prescription, health promotion, and performance enhancement.
• Communicate scientific and health related information clearly to both professional and lay audiences through written, visual, and oral formats.
• Recognize and address cultural, ethical, and access related issues that influence participation in physical activity and health services.
• Work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams that may include health professionals, coaches, educators, and community partners.
• Demonstrate readiness for entry level roles in health, fitness, and wellness or for graduate and professional programs in physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant studies, athletic training, public health, and related fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science major at Indiana University Bloomington prepares you for diverse roles in fitness centers, corporate and community wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation support, strength and conditioning, and public health promotion. Many graduates work as exercise specialists, wellness coordinators, strength and conditioning coaches, or health educators, while others pursue entry level positions supporting clinical exercise or rehabilitation services.

The program is also structured as a strong pre professional science pathway. With its emphasis on chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, the curriculum can satisfy many prerequisites for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, medicine, and other allied health professions. Advising, internship connections, and research opportunities help you shape your experiences toward your preferred path.

Indiana University Bloomington reports an overall graduation rate of about 81%, providing a strong context for student success and timely degree completion. This supportive environment, combined with the applied and research opportunities in the School of Public Health, contributes to positive employment and graduate school outcomes for Exercise Science majors.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a college preparatory curriculum that includes mathematics, laboratory science, English, and social studies.
• Submission of the Indiana University application (or accepted application platform) with official high school transcripts and any required supplemental materials.
• Initial enrollment in University Division for most first year students, followed by certification into the School of Public Health – Bloomington once specific credit hour, GPA, and course grade benchmarks are met.
• Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours at Indiana University with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and minimum grades of C in designated introductory kinesiology courses before full admission to the Exercise Science major.
• Maintenance of at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.0 GPA in kinesiology major courses, along with completion of all general education and school requirements.
• For transfer students, submission of official transcripts from all previous colleges and evaluation of transferable coursework to meet School of Public Health and university standards.

Application Deadlines

Indiana University Bloomington offers multiple application plans for first year students, including earlier priority deadlines for fall entry. Applying by the priority date improves access to scholarships, housing options, and orientation sessions. Spring and summer entry options are also available with their own timelines.

University of Indianapolis

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at University of Indianapolis is a four-year, 120 credit hour degree. The program is offered via the College of Health Sciences and combines foundational science courses, exercise science core courses, labs, and field experiences to prepare students for careers in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and allied health professions.

From the start, students take human anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, and general education classes. These foundational courses give you a deep understanding of human body structure and function, which supports later coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and nutrition.

Once you enter the major sequence, core courses such as Exercise Physiology and Motor Control & Biomechanics build on that foundation to teach how the body responds and adapts to physical activity, how movement is controlled and optimized, and how to assess and design exercise prescriptions in a scientific manner. The curriculum places emphasis on applied labs to reinforce theory with practical skills.

In later years, students take advanced courses including strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology or performance-oriented tracks, group exercise leadership, sport nutrition, and exercise prescription. These allow flexible specialization depending on career goals – whether you plan to work in fitness, wellness, clinical settings, or prepare for graduate study.

The program includes a required supervised internship or practical experience component. Through practicum placements in gyms, wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics, or community health organizations you apply exercise science knowledge and build real-world competencies before graduation.

Upon completing all requirements (general education, core major courses, labs, electives, and supervised practical experience), you graduate ready for entry-level roles in physical activity, wellness, strength and conditioning, or to pursue advanced degrees or certifications in allied health.

Courses and Curriculum

The first year covers essential general education plus scientific prerequisites. In Semester I you might complete courses such as human anatomy (BIOL 103), college algebra/trigonometry, writing, and introductory wellness/fitness courses. In Semester II you take physiology (BIOL 104), general chemistry with lab, and introduction to kinesiology and sport sciences, along with basic nutrition and other general education courses.

In the sophomore year you begin specialized exercise science classes: Introduction to Exercise Physiology and Performance, Sport/Exercise and Health Behavior, Sports Nutrition, and other courses. Physics may also be part of the prerequisites. These courses build your understanding of how body systems respond to exercise, the role of nutrition, and the behavioral aspects of health and fitness.

In the junior and senior years you take advanced courses such as Exercise Physiology, Motor Control & Biomechanics with lab, Exercise Prescription, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Science Lab, Group Exercise Leadership, and electives or specialization courses (for example clinical exercise physiology or sport performance). The capstone internship or practical experience rounds out the program, providing supervised real-world exposure in fitness, wellness, rehab, or performance settings.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Principles of Human Anatomy (BIOL 103): Introduces musculoskeletal, nervous, and structural anatomy relevant to movement, posture, and exercise. Lab sessions reinforce learning through anatomical models and foundational measurements.
• Principles of Human Physiology (BIOL 104): Covers function of body systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and metabolic systems. Prepares you to understand how exercise impacts system function, adaptation, and health.
• Introduction to Exercise Physiology and Performance (KINS 245): Provides a scientific basis for understanding acute and chronic responses to exercise, energy systems, metabolic adaptations, and performance-related physiology.
• Motor Control and Biomechanics (KINS 410): Applies mechanical and neuromuscular principles to analyze human movement, including joint mechanics, movement efficiency, force production, and motion analysis relevant for performance or rehabilitation.
• Exercise Physiology (KINS 350): Explores in depth how the body responds and adapts to training, including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems. Includes lab work and assessment of physiological variables under exercise stress.
• Strength and Conditioning (KINS 376): Teaches training programming, periodization, resistance training principles, performance development, and safe progression for athletes or active clients.
• Exercise Prescription (KINS 490): Focuses on designing individualized exercise plans based on assessment results, health status, client goals, and evidence-based guidelines for healthy individuals and special populations.
• Exercise Science Internship (KINS 497 or similar): A supervised placement in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, clinical, or community health settings. Allows you to apply assessment, programming, coaching, and professional communication skills under real-world conditions.

Practical Experience

Practical learning plays a central role at University of Indianapolis. Core lab courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology provide hands-on training in movement analysis, physiological testing, performance assessment, and data interpretation – using industry standard tools and protocols.

The required internship connects you to real-world settings – gyms, rehabilitation clinics, wellness centers, athletic training facilities, community health programs, or strength and conditioning departments. Under supervision you apply fitness testing, program design, coaching, and client communication skills while gaining firsthand experience in professional environments.

Many students also take advantage of elective courses to work with special populations, explore therapeutic exercise, or engage in wellness coaching and health promotion – building a versatile and practical skill set that enhances employability or prepares for graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and how these apply to movement, exercise, and health maintenance across different populations.
• Conduct standardized assessments of fitness, body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, flexibility, and functional movement using accepted protocols.
• Interpret assessment and physiological data to inform safe, effective, individualized exercise prescriptions and wellness plans.
• Apply biomechanics and motor control principles to analyze movement, optimize performance, and reduce injury risk.
• Design and program strength and conditioning or rehabilitation-oriented exercise plans suitable for healthy individuals and special populations.
• Integrate nutrition, health behavior, and lifestyle concepts into exercise programming and wellness coaching.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally responsive behavior when working with clients, patients, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Show readiness for entry level roles in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation or performance settings, or for further study in allied health or graduate level programs.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates from the University of Indianapolis Exercise Science program pursue roles such as personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, rehabilitation support staff, corporate wellness specialist, fitness consultant, and community health promoter. Others choose to continue toward graduate or professional programs such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, or exercise physiology graduate programs.

The program’s combination of labs, internships, and electives provides students with a strong applied portfolio and practical skill set that helps with certification readiness and entry-level employment. University of Indianapolis reports a six-year graduation rate of about 56%, reflecting the proportion of students who complete their degree within typical timeframes and indicating institutional support for student success.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in mathematics, English, science (biology or chemistry), and social studies/humanities.
• Submission of a completed undergraduate application to University of Indianapolis along with official high school transcripts and required materials or fees.
• Completion of or readiness for foundational science prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, chemistry or biology) before enrolling in upper-division Exercise Science major courses.
• Willingness and ability to participate in laboratory classes, fitness assessments, and supervised internship or fieldwork placements, which may require health clearances or site-specific requirements.
• For transfer students: submission of official transcripts from all prior institutions for evaluation and approval of transferred credits and prerequisites.

Application Deadlines

University of Indianapolis uses rolling admissions for most undergraduate programs and encourages applicants to submit early, particularly if they intend to begin in fall. Early application improves chances for placement in labs, internship planning, course scheduling, and scholarship consideration.

Ball State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Ball State University is a four year, 120 credit hour degree offered through the College of Health. The program prepares students for careers in fitness, performance, wellness, clinical exercise, and allied health professions. Ball State is nationally recognized for its Human Performance Laboratory, which enhances both classroom learning and research exposure.

Students begin with foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and general education. These courses supply the scientific base needed to understand complex human movement, health, and training responses throughout later coursework.

As you progress through the major, you take specialized classes in exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, health behavior, motor learning, and functional assessment. These strengthen your understanding of how the body responds to exercise and how to evaluate and enhance performance and wellness.

The program integrates laboratory experiences early and consistently, giving you hands on exposure to metabolic measurement, fitness testing, movement analysis, and physiological data collection. These labs reinforce concepts discussed in lecture courses and train you to work with industry standard equipment.

Students can choose elective courses based on their goals, including rehabilitation, sport performance, clinical exercise, corporate wellness, or preparation for graduate studies in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology.

A required internship gives you supervised experience in settings such as strength and conditioning programs, cardiac rehabilitation, outpatient rehab centers, fitness facilities, corporate wellness programs, or community health organizations. This experience prepares you for certification and career placement.

Courses and Curriculum

Your first semesters include courses such as anatomy and physiology, foundational health courses, general education, and scientific reasoning. This early stage builds a strong understanding of biological systems and baseline movement concepts.

Mid level coursework introduces biomechanics, motor learning, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and health behavior. These courses combine theory with practice through labs and skill based assignments.

In your final years, you strengthen your applied skills through advanced assessment courses, program design, clinical or performance based coursework, and internships aligned with your intended career outcome.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 147 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Provides an overview of professional opportunities in exercise science, introduces subfields of the discipline, reviews evidence based physical activity guidelines, and outlines essential scientific and practical skills.
• ANAT 201 – Human Anatomy: Covers major anatomical systems and their relationship to movement, exercise, and functional performance. Includes lab sessions using models and basic measurement tools.
• PHYS 215 – Physiology: Explores physiological function across systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, and endocrine and how they respond to physical activity and training.
• EXSC 301 – Biomechanics: Applies mechanical principles to human movement. Students analyze gait, acceleration, joint torque, posture, lifting mechanics, and sport performance tasks using quantitative methods.
• EXSC 353 – Exercise Physiology: Studies the acute and chronic responses of the body to exercise. Lab work includes aerobic and anaerobic testing, metabolic measurement, and muscular performance evaluation.
• EXSC 369 – Motor Learning and Development: Covers how humans acquire and refine movement skills across the lifespan. Practical assignments include movement assessments and design of motor skill interventions.
• EXSC 410 – Fitness Assessment: Focuses on standardized fitness tests used in clinical, corporate, and athletic settings. You learn assessment protocols for cardiovascular fitness, body composition, muscular performance, flexibility, and functional movement.
• EXSC 479 – Exercise Science Internship: A supervised professional placement in settings such as cardiac rehab, corporate wellness, community health, strength and conditioning programs, or rehabilitation clinics.

Practical Experience

Ball State emphasizes experiential learning through early and repeated lab exposure. Students practice physiological testing, strength and power measurement, movement evaluation, and cardiorespiratory assessment using high level laboratory equipment.

Internships form a central part of the program. Students complete supervised work in performance centers, cardiac rehab units, corporate wellness departments, clinical exercise facilities, community fitness centers, and athletic departments. These experiences help you apply assessment, coaching, risk management, and program design skills with real clients.

Students may also take part in undergraduate research within Ball State’s Human Performance Laboratory, one of the nation’s leading exercise physiology research facilities, further expanding professional competency and graduate school readiness.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor behavior as they relate to exercise and physical performance.
• Conduct and interpret standardized physiological and fitness assessments.
• Design individualized and population specific exercise programs using evidence based guidelines.
• Use movement analysis to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
• Apply behavioral and motivational strategies to support long term physical activity participation.
• Communicate professionally with clients, patients, and health or performance professionals.
• Demonstrate ethical responsibility and cultural competence in exercise science practice.
• Show readiness for professional certification and for graduate level study in allied health disciplines.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Ball State graduates pursue careers in strength and conditioning, fitness and wellness coaching, cardiac rehabilitation support, community health promotion, personal training, and exercise testing or laboratory support roles. Many also continue into graduate programs in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, or clinical exercise physiology.

Internships, faculty mentorship, and access to advanced research facilities support strong career placement and certification readiness. Ball State University reports a six year graduation rate of about 65%, reflecting effective academic support and student progression.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with college preparatory coursework in mathematics, science, English, and social science.
• Submission of an undergraduate application, official transcripts, and any required supporting materials.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and general education before progressing to upper level exercise science courses.
• Transfer students must submit official transcripts for evaluation of transferable credits.
• Participation in required labs and internship placements, including compliance with site specific requirements.

Application Deadlines

Ball State University follows rolling admissions for most undergraduate programs, though earlier application is encouraged for optimal course scheduling, scholarship consideration, and internship planning.

Indiana State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Indiana State University is a four year, 120 credit hour program that prepares students for careers in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation support, and pre allied health fields. Offered through the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, the program combines foundational sciences with extensive applied coursework, laboratory training, and required field experiences.

The degree begins with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and general education. These courses give you a solid understanding of the systems of the human body and how they respond to physical activity, exercise, and training variables.

As you progress, the curriculum moves into specialized exercise science topics including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, strength and conditioning, therapeutic exercise, and fitness evaluation. Lab based classes reinforce lecture concepts by giving you hands on practice with metabolic testing, movement analysis, body composition assessment, and cardiovascular testing.

The program allows you to pursue different career interests through elective choices in clinical exercise, health promotion, corporate wellness, performance science, rehabilitation, or pre professional preparation for physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and chiropractic medicine.

A required internship ensures that you gain supervised professional experience before graduation. ISU’s partnerships with healthcare providers, sport performance centers, corporate wellness programs, and rehabilitation environments provide a wide range of placement options.

Upon completing the 120 credit curriculum, all required field experiences, and department GPA requirements, you graduate prepared for certifications, job placement in health or fitness industries, or advanced study in allied health professions.

Courses and Curriculum

Your first semesters feature courses such as human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychological science, and introductory kinesiology. These foundational courses give you the necessary background in biological and behavioral sciences.

During the middle years, you take kinesiology core courses like biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and health behavior. These courses build the scientific understanding needed to design effective, evidence based training and wellness programs.

Upper level coursework includes advanced assessment, program design, clinical or special populations exercise, strength and conditioning, and applied research or practicum experiences. You complete your program with a professional internship aligned with your career goals.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• ATTR/PE 225 – Human Anatomy for Exercise Science: Studies musculoskeletal, nervous, and structural anatomy as it relates to movement, posture, strength, and performance. Includes lab work with models and applied anatomy activities.
• PE 380 – Physiology of Exercise: Examines acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise. Lab sessions train you to measure cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular variables during exercise testing.
• PE 381 – Exercise Physiology Laboratory: Provides hands on practice with metabolic carts, aerobic and anaerobic testing, body composition tools, and strength and power measurements.
• PE 382 – Biomechanics: Applies physics and mechanical concepts to human motion. Includes analysis of gait, sport movements, lifting mechanics, posture, force production, and movement efficiency.
• PE 385 – Motor Learning and Control: Explores how humans learn and refine movement skills. Topics include neuromotor control, practice structure, feedback, and movement adaptation.
• PE 417 – Fitness Evaluation and Exercise Prescription: Trains you to conduct health and fitness assessments and design individualized exercise programs for healthy adults and select special populations.
• PE 483 – Exercise for Special Populations: Focuses on exercise programming for individuals with chronic conditions, orthopedic issues, cardiovascular disease risk, or metabolic disorders.
• PE 497 – Internship in Exercise Science: A supervised professional placement where you apply skills in fitness assessment, coaching, rehabilitation support, and wellness programming.

Practical Experience

Indiana State University integrates hands on learning throughout the curriculum. Laboratory classes allow you to practice physiological testing, biomechanical analysis, movement screening, and fitness assessments using industry standard equipment.

The required internship gives you real world experience in settings such as cardiac rehab programs, outpatient rehab centers, athletic performance facilities, corporate wellness departments, and community health organizations. Under supervision, you perform assessments, assist with program design, coach clients, and gain experience interacting with diverse populations.

In addition to internships, students may engage in undergraduate research, service learning, or practicum experiences across campus recreation, athletic programs, and community wellness initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles related to movement and exercise.
• Conduct and interpret health, fitness, and physiological assessments using standardized protocols.
• Design safe and effective exercise programs for healthy individuals and for special populations.
• Apply motor learning concepts to improve movement technique, skill acquisition, and performance.
• Integrate evidence based practice, research interpretation, and critical thinking into program design.
• Communicate effectively with clients, patients, interdisciplinary professionals, and community partners.
• Demonstrate ethical and culturally competent behavior in fitness, health, and rehabilitation settings.
• Show readiness for professional certifications and for graduate study in health and human performance professions.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of Indiana State University’s Exercise Science program pursue careers in fitness coaching, strength and conditioning, community and corporate wellness, rehabilitation support, cardiac rehabilitation, and performance training. Some students begin entry level roles immediately, while others continue to graduate programs in physical therapy, physician assistant studies, athletic training, occupational therapy, or exercise physiology.

By completing internships, labs, and applied coursework, students build competitive professional portfolios. Indiana State University reports a six year graduation rate of about 48%, providing context on student completion and success outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with emphasis on college preparatory coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English.
• Submission of undergraduate application, official transcripts, and required materials.
• Completion of foundational science and general education courses before entering upper division exercise science classes.
• Transfer students must submit transcripts for evaluation of prerequisite and general education equivalencies.
• Completion of internship eligibility requirements and any site specific clearances or health documentation.

Application Deadlines

Indiana State University offers rolling undergraduate admission, though early application is recommended for priority scholarship consideration and course scheduling.

Purdue University West Lafayette

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Purdue University West Lafayette is a science intensive, four year, 120 credit hour program designed to prepare students for careers in fitness, performance, wellness, and pre clinical professions. The program is housed in the Department of Health and Kinesiology and is known for its research driven curriculum and advanced laboratory training opportunities.

Students begin with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physiology, psychology, and general education requirements. These courses provide the scientific background needed to understand human movement, adaptation to training, and mechanisms of performance and health.

As you enter major coursework, you study exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, functional anatomy, strength and conditioning, health behavior, and movement analysis. The curriculum provides a structured progression from theoretical foundations to applied assessment and program design.

Purdue emphasizes lab based education. You gain experience with metabolic carts, electromyography, motion analysis systems, body composition analyzers, and other advanced tools used in research and applied performance settings. This exposure builds technical competence and prepares you for certification and graduate study.

Students can tailor the major toward specific goals such as pre physical therapy, pre occupational therapy, pre athletic training, clinical exercise, corporate wellness, performance science, or research preparation. Electives and research opportunities make it possible to strengthen your degree path for specialized professions.

A required internship or practicum experience gives you supervised, hands on experience in clinical, performance, wellness, corporate health, or community settings. These applied experiences connect your academic preparation to real world practice.

Courses and Curriculum

Your early semesters introduce general education courses along with foundational sciences such as human biology, general chemistry, introductory psychology, and statistics. These courses build a base for advanced scientific understanding.

Mid level courses explore human movement at deeper levels. You study exercise physiology, motor development, motor control, biomechanics, and functional anatomy. Each course develops a key aspect of scientific understanding relevant to exercise science and human performance.

Later coursework includes advanced program design, strength and conditioning, assessment and measurement, research methods, and specialized electives. The curriculum ensures you graduate with strong analytical, practical, and applied skills.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• HK 100 – Introduction to Kinesiology: Provides an overview of kinesiology, covering subdisciplines such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, sport performance, and health promotion. Helps students explore career pathways and plan academic trajectories.
• BIOL 203 – Human Anatomy and Physiology: Examines structure and function of major physiological systems with emphasis on movement, neuromuscular function, and cardiorespiratory performance.
• HK 261 – Kinesiology (Functional Anatomy): Studies musculoskeletal structure, joint mechanics, and functional movement. You learn how anatomy influences technique, posture, strength, and performance quality.
• HK 368 – Biomechanics: Applies principles of physics and mechanical analysis to human movement. Students perform gait analysis, movement breakdown, joint torque calculations, and sport or activity based assessments.
• HK 375 – Physiology of Exercise: Covers acute and chronic exercise responses, cardiovascular and metabolic adaptation, training principles, and laboratory testing procedures.
• HK 370 – Motor Control: Examines neural mechanisms controlling movement, coordination, balance, reaction time, and skill acquisition.
• HK 490 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription: Trains you to design individualized programs based on assessment results, health status, goals, and evidence based practice standards.
• HK 492 – Internship in Kinesiology: Supervised internship in settings such as rehabilitation centers, strength and conditioning facilities, wellness programs, or clinical exercise environments.

Practical Experience

Purdue provides high quality laboratory and applied learning opportunities. Students practice using metabolic testing systems, motion analysis software, EMG tools, accelerometry devices, and cardiovascular testing equipment.

Internships allow you to work directly with clients, athletes, patients, or wellness participants under supervision. Placements occur in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, outpatient rehab clinics, corporate wellness programs, community health agencies, strength and conditioning departments, and research laboratories.

Students also have the option to participate in faculty led research studies, giving you deeper insight into scientific inquiry and preparation for graduate programs in physical therapy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, or sports science.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor control concepts to explain human movement and exercise performance.
• Conduct accurate fitness, movement, and physiological assessments using professional tools and standardized procedures.
• Design individualized and population specific exercise programs for performance, wellness, and clinical needs.
• Interpret biomechanical and physiological data to evaluate performance and guide program modifications.
• Integrate behavior change and motivational principles into exercise planning and coaching.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally responsive conduct in health and fitness environments.
• Communicate scientific and health information effectively to clients, coaches, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate readiness for certifications and graduate level academic or clinical programs.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of Purdue’s Kinesiology program enter careers in strength and conditioning, wellness coaching, exercise testing, cardiac rehabilitation support, community health, performance training, and fitness leadership. Many also pursue advanced degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, athletic training, exercise physiology, biomechanics, or public health.

The combination of research exposure, laboratory technology training, and hands on internships prepares students for strong employment outcomes and competitive graduate applications.

Purdue University West Lafayette reports a six year graduation rate of about 83%, reflecting strong institutional support and successful degree completion among undergraduate students.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, with strong preparation in math and science courses.
• Submission of Purdue application, official high school transcripts, and required documents.
• Completion of foundational science courses before progressing into upper level kinesiology requirements.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Transfer applicants must submit all transcripts for credit evaluation.
• Ability to participate in labs and meet internship site requirements.

Application Deadlines

Purdue University uses a firm deadline schedule for fall admissions, with an early action deadline in November and a regular decision deadline in January. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for scholarship consideration and optimal course placement.