Exercise science programs in Texas give you access to large public universities, regional campuses, and growing online options that prepare you for careers in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and human performance.
In this guide, you’ll find key details on leading programs at Texas State University, Texas A&M University (College Station), the University of Houston, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio so you can compare credit hours, curriculum, clinical experience, and graduation outcomes.
Best Exercise Science Programs in Texas
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Texas State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise and Sports Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science at Texas State University is a 120-credit-hour undergraduate degree that blends basic sciences with applied exercise and sports science. The curriculum is structured as a traditional four-year program for full-time students, with options to choose general, clinical exercise science, pre-rehabilitation, or teacher-certification pathways.
Across the major, you study the effects of physical activity on health, performance, and quality of life. Core work connects anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, and exercise testing with real-world practice in health, fitness, and sport settings.
Depending on your concentration, the degree can be oriented toward careers in health and fitness management, clinical exercise science, pre-rehabilitation professions, or physical education. This flexibility lets you align course choices with long-term goals in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, strength and conditioning, or coaching.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice. You engage with research-informed coursework, learn to interpret exercise science data, and connect classroom concepts with lab and field experiences. Supporting classes in psychology, statistics, and nutrition broaden your understanding of human behavior and performance.
Texas State also offers integrated 3+2 and pathway options that link the B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science with graduate study in athletic training or related fields, helping you prepare for master’s-level professional training if that fits your plans.
By the time you complete the 120 required credit hours, you earn the B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University with a foundation suited for direct employment in exercise-related roles or for continued study in exercise physiology, biomechanics, or allied health programs.
Courses and Curriculum
The Exercise and Sports Science curriculum begins with core university requirements alongside foundational science courses in biology, chemistry, and statistics. Early ESS coursework introduces you to the profession, basic movement science, and the role of physical activity in health and performance, setting the stage for more advanced study.
As you advance, you move into upper-division ESS courses that focus on exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, fitness assessment, and exercise programming for healthy and clinical populations. These classes combine lecture content with laboratory and applied activities so you can practice collecting and interpreting real human performance data.
In the latter part of the degree, you take prescribed ESS electives and a required internship or practicum course that involves a substantial number of hours in the field. This phase allows you to apply exercise testing, program design, and coaching or counseling skills while working under supervision in a fitness, performance, or clinical environment.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- ESS 1101 – Seminar in Exercise and Sports Science: Introduces the ESS major, professional expectations, career pathways, and academic planning so you understand how your coursework connects to future roles in health and performance.
- ESS 1179 – Beginning Weight Training: Provides hands-on experience with resistance-training techniques, safety principles, and basic program design, giving you a practical foundation in strength training.
- ESS 3317 / ESS 3117 – Exercise Physiology with Lab: Explores how the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and metabolic systems respond to acute and chronic exercise, with the lab component focused on VO₂ testing, lactate, body composition, and other physiological measurements.
- ESS 3320 – Biomechanics: Examines mechanical principles of human movement, including force, leverage, torque, and motion analysis, and shows how these concepts guide technique, injury prevention, and performance improvement.
- ESS 3329 – Introduction to Motor Learning: Investigates how motor skills are acquired and refined, the role of feedback and practice structure, and how learning principles are applied to coaching, rehabilitation, and skill instruction.
- BIO 2430 – Human Physiology and Anatomy: Provides a systems-level overview of human structure and function, emphasizing musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems as they relate to exercise, movement, and training adaptation.
- ESS 4317 – Fitness Assessment and Programming for Healthy Populations: Focuses on health-related fitness testing and exercise prescription for generally healthy adults, covering protocols, screening, risk stratification, and design of individualized programs.
- ESS 4660 – Exercise and Sports Science Internship: A 400-hour culminating internship where you work at an approved agency (such as a corporate fitness facility, performance center, or health club) applying health-fitness management and exercise science principles in a supervised setting.
Popular Elective Courses
- ESS 3325 – Resistance Training and Conditioning
- ESS 4318 – Exercise Testing Practicum
- ESS 4320 – Exercise Prescription for Special Populations
- ESS 4323 – Physical Activity Programs for Youth
- NUTR 3362 – Nutrition and Health
- ESS 4100 – Professional Development in Health and Fitness Management
Practical Experience
Practical learning is a central feature of Texas State’s Exercise and Sports Science program. Laboratory courses in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and fitness assessment allow you to practice using metabolic carts, ECGs, body composition tools, and movement-analysis techniques commonly used in professional settings.
The required ESS 4660 internship places you at a partner site – such as a corporate wellness program, strength and conditioning facility, clinical exercise setting, or community fitness center – for approximately 400 hours. Under the supervision of professionals and faculty, you participate in day-to-day operations, conduct fitness assessments, assist with program design, and complete a structured project that may involve business planning, program evaluation, or community health initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain how physical activity and exercise influence health, fitness, and performance across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as they apply to movement and exercise prescription.
- Use appropriate field and laboratory protocols to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body composition, and functional movement.
- Design safe, effective exercise and physical-activity programs for diverse populations, including healthy adults, youth, and individuals with risk factors or chronic conditions.
- Interpret exercise testing and monitoring data to adjust programs, communicate progress, and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Apply principles of motor learning, behavior change, and communication when coaching or educating clients and participants.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethical conduct, and readiness for entry-level roles or graduate study in exercise science, allied health, or related fields.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
This degree prepares you for roles such as exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, fitness director, clinical exercise technician, and coach or physical-education professional (with the teacher-certification option). Many graduates also use the program as preparation for advanced study in exercise physiology, biomechanics, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or physician-assistant programs.
Texas State reports an overall bachelor’s graduation rate of about 56% within 150% of normal time to completion. The combination of a 120-credit-hour curriculum, required internship, and optional pre-professional concentrations supports a clear pathway into both workforce roles and graduate-school opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma (or equivalent) and eligibility for undergraduate admission to Texas State University.
- Submission of a Texas State application (via Common App or ApplyTexas), official high school transcript, and any required supporting documents by the stated deadlines.
- Completion of Texas State core curriculum courses and required supporting science/math courses as outlined in the degree plan.
- Minimum overall GPA (and, for some internships or concentrations, higher GPA thresholds) as specified by the Department of Health and Human Performance.
- For students pursuing teacher certification or specific ESS concentrations, meeting additional requirements set by the Office of Educator Preparation and the department.
Application Deadlines
For first-year (freshman) applicants, typical deadlines for Texas State University are:
- Fall (Priority): December 1
- Fall (Final): July 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: May 1
Transfer and international applicants follow similar timelines with some earlier final dates.
Texas A&M University (College Station)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science Track
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science Track at Texas A&M University is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study and centers on a rigorous science foundation that supports multiple professional pathways.
Under this track you will study core sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics, alongside human movement sciences including biomechanics and motor behaviour. The curriculum emphasises understanding how the body adapts to exercise and physical training in various populations.
You will have options within the track such as the Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration, which is tailored for careers in clinical exercise physiology and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Another option, the Basic Exercise Physiology Concentration, supports preparation for graduate or professional health school-entry.
The program layout includes a suggested semester-by-semester plan enabling completion in four years without summer sessions.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with general education and major prerequisite courses that include introductory biology, chemistry, statistics, and movement science. These foundational subjects ensure you understand the biological and physical bases of human movement and exercise responses.
As you move into upper-division work, you take major courses in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behaviour, measurement and evaluation of human performance, and applied human movement labs. These courses emphasise both conceptual understanding and practical lab/field components that mirror professional work.
In the final phase you often select a concentration, engage in independent study or capstone research, and complete field/practicum experiences that help translate your academic knowledge into professional or research settings.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- KINE 107 / KINE 107 – Zoology (or equivalent biology): Provides broad biological context for later human physiology and movement coursework.
- KINE 3320 – Biomechanics: Investigates mechanical principles underlying human movement, including force, motion and lever systems relevant to exercise and athletic performance.
- KINE 3317 – Exercise Physiology with Lab: Explores the physiological systems involved in exercise, with lab components measuring responses to training, metabolic cost, and adaptation. :
- KINE 350 – Motor Learning & Motor Control: Examines how individuals acquire movement skills, how practice and feedback influence performance and how these principles apply to coaching and rehabilitation.
- KINE 460 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription: Focuses on testing and measuring fitness, interpreting results, and designing exercise programmes for healthy individuals and those with risk-factors.
- KINE 311 – Research Methods in Kinesiology: Introduces research design, statistics and methods relevant to movement science and prepares you for evidence-based practice or graduate work.
- KINE 432 – Special Pops Exercise Prescription: Teaches how to design interventions for populations with chronic disease, older adults or rehabilitation needs.
- KINE 493 – Internship/Capstone Experience: Provides supervised field experience in a fitness, rehab or athletic environment that integrates your coursework with applied practice.
Practical Experience
Hands-on labs and field-based practicum are embedded in the Texas A&M exercise science curriculum. In biomechanics and physiology labs you may test movement patterns, strength, metabolic responses and neuromuscular adaptations. These experiences give you direct exposure to professional measurement tools and settings.
During the internship or capstone you will work in an approved setting – such as a corporate fitness facility, athletic training room, clinical exercise physiology facility or strength and conditioning centre. This supervised placement allows you to apply assessment, design, programming and communication skills in real-world contexts and build your professional readiness.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems are integrated in human movement and exercise training.
- Apply fundamental research methods and statistical tools to evaluate exercise science data and inform programme decisions.
- Use appropriate assessment tools to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body composition and movement quality.
- Design, implement and evaluate exercise programmes for healthy and at-risk populations based on measurement findings.
- Interpret movement and performance data and make evidence-based recommendations for training and rehabilitation.
- Communicate findings, programme design and professional recommendations clearly to a variety of stakeholders including clients, coaches and healthcare professionals.
- Prepare for advanced study or entry-level roles in exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning or allied health professions.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
This programme prepares graduates for roles such as clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme manager, fitness assessment specialist, and athletic training or performance coach. It also supports further study in graduate or professional programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, and biomechanics.
The university reports a six-year graduation rate of approximately 84% for full-time first-time students, which highlights the strong completion outcomes at Texas A&M University.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of Texas A&M admission criteria.
- Submission of application materials (such as test scores, transcripts) by the stated deadline for freshman or transfer entry.
- Completion of prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics as required by the kinesiology major.
Application Deadlines
First-year applicants should apply to Texas A&M by the regular deadline of November 1 for fall admission. Transfer applicants should consult the university admissions website for current deadlines and requirements.
University of Houston
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at University of Houston is built around a 120-credit-hour curriculum that prepares students for careers in fitness, performance, health-promotion and for graduate-level health professional programmes. The degree is offered in two main tracks: the Primary Option and the Health Profession Option.
In the Primary Option you focus on strength and conditioning, wellness, athletic performance and general exercise science applications. The Health Profession Option is geared towards students aiming for physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy or similar postgraduate programmes and includes science prerequisites and assessment courses accordingly.
Key areas of study include biomechanics, motor behaviour, exercise physiology, fitness assessment, measurement of human performance and laboratory experimentation. Across both tracks you engage in coursework designed to deepen your understanding of human movement, adaptation to exercise and health-related physical activity.
The programme offers substantial lab-based work through research centres such as the Laboratory of Integrated Physiology and the Centre for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research where you can engage with applied measurement, data analysis and human performance investigation.
Beyond the core, students can choose electives and directed studies aligned to their interests in rehabilitation, sport performance, wellness or allied health preparation. This flexibility ensures the degree supports either immediate employment or graduate study preparation.
Upon successful completion of the required 120 credit hours of general education, major core, electives and track-specific courses you are awarded the B.S. in Exercise Science from University of Houston and are ready to pursue roles in exercise science, wellness or related professional pathways.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with foundational science courses and kinesiology prerequisites that ensure you understand anatomy, physiology, human movement science and measurement. Early classes establish the base on which advanced exercise science work is built.
Mid-programme you progress into upper-division major courses focused on exercise physiology with lab, biomechanics, motor behaviour and field measurement techniques. These courses combine lecture, lab and field-based components so you apply theory to real movement and performance data.
The latter part of the degree emphasises application and professional preparation. You engage in internship or practicum experiences, take directed electives aligned with your track, and complete advanced assessment, prescription and programme-design courses that mirror professional practice.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- KIN 2344 – Introduction to Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology: Focuses on methods for assessing physical activity, fitness, movement patterns and provides a foundation for data-driven exercise science practice.
- KIN 3365 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Investigates how forces, motion and mechanical principles apply to human movement, injury prevention, performance and rehabilitation.
- KIN 3318 – Exercise Physiology with Laboratory: Examines physiological systems under exercise stress, adaptations to training and includes laboratory work in metabolic testing, ECG, body composition and cardiovascular response.
- KIN 3323 – Motor Behaviour: Studies how people acquire, refine and maintain movement skills, how feedback and practice influence performance, and the implications for coaching and rehabilitative settings.
- KIN 3364 – Applied Strength and Conditioning: Focuses on designing and implementing strength and conditioning programmes, periodization, exercise technique, monitoring and athletic performance principles.
- KIN 4341 – Exercise Prescription and Wellness Promotion: Covers screening, testing, risk stratification and programme design for healthy and special-population clients in wellness, corporate fitness and clinical settings.
- KIN 4399 – Internship in Kinesiology: Provides supervised professional experience in a fitness, sport performance, wellness or rehabilitation setting where you apply assessment and programme-design skills.
- KIN 4311 – Research Methods in Kinesiology: Introduces research design, statistics, data analysis and evidence-based practice applications within exercise and movement science.
Popular Elective Courses
- KIN 4330 – Special Populations in Exercise Science
- KIN 4320 – Sport Performance Laboratory
- KIN 4350 – Neuromuscular Adaptations to Exercise
- KIN 4360 – Advanced Cardiorespiratory Testing
- KIN 4370 – Corporate Wellness & Health Promotion
- KIN 4380 – Biomechanics Technology & Motion Analysis
Practical Experience
University of Houston integrates lab-based coursework and applied practicum throughout the Exercise Science programme. In the Biomechanics and Physiology labs you may conduct metabolic, neuromotor and movement-analysis testing using advanced equipment and instrumentation, applying theoretical knowledge to real human performance.
The internship (KIN 4399) places you in a professional environment such as a wellness centre, strength and conditioning facility, clinical exercise setting or sport performance lab, under supervision. You complete field hours, carry out assessments, programme design and often a completed project related to professional practice or research.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, motor behaviour and biomechanics as they relate to physical activity and exercise programmes.
- Use measurement, evaluation and data-analysis techniques to assess human movement, fitness and exercise responses.
- Interpret assessment results and movement data to design safe, effective exercise and wellness interventions for healthy and at-risk populations.
- Apply evidence-based principles and ethical standards when prescribing and monitoring exercise programmes.
- Communicate professional exercise-science findings, programme design and research outcomes effectively to clients, coaches and health professionals.
- Engage in professional practice or research settings and demonstrate readiness for entry-level employment or graduate-level study.
- Plan and implement strength, conditioning, rehabilitation or wellness programmes that reflect current research and best practices in exercise science.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at University of Houston prepares graduates for roles as strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, wellness programme specialist, fitness assessment coordinator, sport-performance technician or rehabilitation technician. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training or sports medicine.
University of Houston reports a six-year graduation rate of about 69% for full-time first-time students, which reflects solid completion outcomes for its undergraduate students.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of University of Houston admission criteria.
- Submission of application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores if required, and review of academic preparation.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics as outlined in the degree plan.
- Minimum cumulative GPA and “C” or better grades in major prerequisite courses as required by the Department of Health and Human Performance.
Application Deadlines
First-year applicants should apply by November 1 for fall admission; transfer and international applicants should consult the University’s admissions site for current deadlines and requirements.
Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Clinical Exercise Science Concentration
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Science at Sam Houston State University spans approximately 120-126 credit hours, including core curriculum, major foundation, concentration courses and a supervised internship. The program is designed for full-time completion over four years of study.
This curriculum integrates movement science, human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and fitness assessment to build a strong scientific base. Students explore how the body responds to physical activity, how to evaluate movement and performance and how to apply exercise interventions in health and clinical settings.
The Clinical Exercise Science Concentration is particularly suited for students planning postgraduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or other allied health professions. It has a structured set of courses geared toward those paths while still serving students who aim for employment in fitness, rehabilitation or wellness roles.
Lab work, movement measurement, exercise testing and field-based experiences are embedded across the major so students gain applied competencies in real settings. The department offers dedicated research labs and teaching labs where you can engage in human movement analysis, strength and conditioning testing and clinical exercise protocols.
Upon completion of all requirements, you earn the B.S. in Kinesiology (Clinical Exercise Science) from Sam Houston State University and are prepared either for direct entry into exercise-related careers or for advanced study in allied health, performance science or rehabilitation fields.
Courses and Curriculum
The sequence begins with foundational science and movement courses. Early coursework includes human anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry or physics, and introductory kinesiology concepts. This groundwork ensures you understand the bodily systems and mechanics underpinning movement and exercise.
As the major unfolds you will take concentration-specific classes such as physiology of exercise, motor learning, measurement in kinesiology, adapted physical activity and applied strength training. These courses combine classroom instruction with laboratory and field components so you engage with data collection, movement assessment and real-world application.
In the final phase you complete prescribed electives aligned with your career goals, often within health, fitness or clinical settings, as well as a capstone-level internship experience (approximately 400 contact hours) where you apply a full cycle of assessment, programme design, exercise prescription and professional communication.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- KINE 1331 – Foundations of Kinesiology: Introduces the discipline of kinesiology, explores major trends, professional paths and foundational terminology and concepts.
- KINE 3362 – Functional Kinesiology: Examines movement patterns, muscle action, posture, gait and introduces biomechanical and motor control frameworks relevant to exercise interventions.
- KINE 3363 – Assessment in Kinesiology: Focuses on measurement techniques, fitness testing protocols, movement screening and interpretation of data to inform programme design.
- KINE 3373 – Physiology of Exercise: Investigates how human physiological systems respond and adapt to exercise stress, including cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems.
- KINE 4377 – Principles of Exercise Testing and Prescription: Provides advanced instruction in designing, implementing and evaluating exercise programmes for both healthy individuals and those with medical conditions or rehabilitation needs.
- KINE 4393 – Adult Fitness Management: A field-practicum style course where you complete 200 contact hours supervised in an agency setting assessing fitness and designing programmes for adult clients.
- KINE 4394 – Internship I: The first part of a 400-hour internship series where you apply lab knowledge in professional fitness, wellness or clinical settings under supervision.
- KINE 4395 – Internship II: The second part of internship experience (200+ hours) that deepens your professional exposure and focuses on service delivery, programme evaluation and real-world exercise science practice.
Popular Elective Courses
- KINE 3364 – Motor Learning
- KINE 4314 – Advanced Strength Training
- KINE 4364 – Fitness Education
- KINE 4365 – Directing Wellness Programs
- KINE 4335 – Sport and Exercise Psychology
- KINE 4332 – Adapted Physical Activity
Practical Experience
Students in this program gain practical experience early in labs that include movement analysis, strength testing, fitness assessment and adapted physical activity settings. The two-semester internship sequence (KINE 4394 and KINE 4395) spans about 400 contact hours and places students in agencies such as fitness centres, rehabilitation clinics or strength-conditioning facilities where they conduct assessments, implement programmes and reflect on professional practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems underpin human movement and exercise adaptation.
- Select and apply valid measurement and evaluation tools to assess fitness, movement quality, and exercise responses.
- Interpret assessment outcomes and movement-analysis data to design safe and effective exercise interventions for diverse populations.
- Integrate evidence-based practice, ethically apply research findings and articulate professional recommendations in exercise science settings.
- Communicate professionally with clients, coaches, health professionals and peers about exercise assessment, prescription and outcomes.
- Demonstrate readiness for employment or graduate study by completing a supervised internship and engaging in real-world exercise science practice.
- Develop and implement exercise testing and prescription programmes for clinical, fitness or performance settings aligned to client needs and professional standards.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for roles such as exercise physiologist, fitness director, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme specialist or rehabilitation technician. Many students use this degree as a pathway into allied health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or athletic training.
The university reports a six-year graduation rate of about 68% for full-time first-time undergraduates.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and meeting general admission requirements for Sam Houston State University.
- Submission of official high school transcripts, possibly standardized test scores, and a completed application by the stated deadline.
- Completion of required prerequisite science coursework (e.g., biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry or physics) and foundational major courses early in the programme.
- Minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.0 or higher for progression into upper-division major and internship courses.
Application Deadlines
First-year (freshman) applicants should submit their application by August 1 for fall semester entry.
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