Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in Washington State [2026 Guide]

If you want to study how movement, fitness, and performance shape long term health, exercise science programs in Washington offer options at research universities, regional publics, private colleges, and at least one fully online provider.

Popular options include the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Washington State University, the Exercise Science major at Eastern Washington University, the Exercise Science program at Central Washington University, kinesiology pathways at Western Washington University, Whitworth University’s exercise science curriculum, and an online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science that can be completed from anywhere in the state.

These programs blend anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and behavior change with labs, practicum experiences, and internships that prepare you for certifications, graduate school, or direct entry into health, fitness, and sport performance roles.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Washington State

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

• Washington State University – Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
• Eastern Washington University – Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
• Central Washington University – Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
• Western Washington University – Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
• Whitworth University – Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
• Franklin University (Online) – Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

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

Washington State University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Washington State University is designed for students who want a science based understanding of human movement, health, and performance. The degree is structured as a 120 credit hour program, typically completed in four years of full time study on the Pullman campus, with a curriculum that brings together biological sciences, psychology, and applied exercise science.

Early in the major, you move through foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, statistics, and introductory kinesiology that sets the stage for later study of exercise physiology and biomechanics. These classes help you build strong quantitative and lab skills while you begin to explore how physical activity affects disease risk, quality of life, and athletic performance across the lifespan.

As you progress, the curriculum emphasizes the scientific principles behind strength training, motor development, and injury prevention. Courses examine how muscles, bones, and the nervous system respond to acute and chronic exercise, and how to design safe and effective training programs for people with diverse abilities and health backgrounds.

The kinesiology major also integrates behavioral and social science perspectives. You study topics such as motivation, sport and exercise psychology, and the social context of sport, which are crucial for helping clients adopt and maintain active lifestyles in real world settings like corporate wellness, community fitness, or athletic environments.

To support career and graduate school goals, the program allows you to tailor your plan of study through cognate coursework related to pre physical therapy, pre occupational therapy, strength and conditioning, or other health professions. Working with an advisor, you can align your 120 credit plan with admission requirements for professional or graduate programs.

In the final stages, a large scale internship and capstone work bring together your classroom learning with supervised field experience. By the end of the four year, 120 credit path, you have a transcript that reflects both rigorous scientific preparation and significant hands on practice in kinesiology related settings.

Courses and Curriculum

The kinesiology curriculum at Washington State University is built around a clearly sequenced set of core courses that move from basic science to advanced application. You start with introductory classes that explain what kinesiology is as a field, how to interpret research, and how to measure health and fitness variables in a lab or field environment.

As you advance, you enter upper division coursework that focuses on the mechanics and physiology of movement. These courses explore how forces act on the body during sport and daily activity, how energy systems support different types of exercise, and how movement patterns can be analyzed to enhance performance or reduce injury risk. Lab components give you experience using assessment tools such as motion analysis, strength testing, and cardiorespiratory fitness testing.

Throughout the 120 credit hour program, you also complete research focused and writing in the major courses that teach you how to interpret scientific literature, design basic assessments, and communicate findings to clients, coaches, and healthcare professionals. The curriculum culminates in a supervised internship that ties together theory, lab experience, and professional practice in a real world environment.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KINES 138 – Introduction to Kinesiology – Surveys the history, subdisciplines, and career paths within kinesiology while introducing students to professional ethics, certification options, and trends in the health and fitness industry.
• KINES 262 – Human Anatomy – Provides a detailed study of musculoskeletal and nervous system anatomy with a focus on structures most relevant to movement, exercise, and sport injury, often reinforced through lab based models and applied activities.
• KINES 261 – Health and Wellness – Explores lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep, and how these elements interact to influence chronic disease risk and overall well being.
• KINES 264 – Fitness Concepts – Introduces principles of aerobic and resistance training, flexibility, and body composition assessment, with opportunities to design and critique basic personal fitness programs.
• KINES 362 – Qualitative Biomechanics – Uses qualitative motion analysis to examine human movement, emphasizing how joint positions, force production, and technique relate to performance, injury risk, and movement efficiency.
• KINES 380 – Introduction to Exercise Physiology – Examines acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise, including energy systems, cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations, and training responses in different populations.
• KINES 461 – Motor Learning and Control – Studies how the nervous system plans, initiates, and refines movement, and how practice structure, feedback, and environmental factors affect skill acquisition and performance.
• KINES 484 – Exercise Prescription and Medical Conditions – Focuses on developing evidence based exercise prescriptions for individuals with common medical conditions, integrating risk stratification, safety guidelines, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is a defining feature of the Washington State University kinesiology major. Early in the program you participate in lab activities that teach you to collect and interpret data on strength, flexibility, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness using industry standard equipment and protocols.

Later, the KINES 390 practicum places you in supervised settings such as campus recreation, fitness facilities, or community programs where you assist with assessments, program delivery, and client engagement. This experience helps you apply classroom concepts, refine communication skills, and begin building a professional network.

The program culminates in the KINES 485 internship, a 10 to 12 credit experience that typically occurs near the end of the 120 credit degree plan. During this internship, you work closely with a host site and faculty supervisor to gain in depth, real world exposure to roles in coaching, strength and conditioning, clinical exercise settings, or corporate and community wellness.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles that underlie human movement and exercise.
• Design safe, effective exercise programs that account for age, fitness level, health status, and performance goals.
• Conduct and interpret health and fitness assessments using appropriate field and laboratory methods.
• Apply evidence based practice by critically evaluating research and integrating current guidelines into exercise prescription.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, patients, athletes, and interdisciplinary team members in both written and oral formats.
• Exhibit ethical and inclusive practice in diverse health, fitness, and sport environments, respecting cultural, social, and individual differences.
• Reflect on professional responsibilities, including ongoing development, certification, and collaboration with other health and human service providers.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The kinesiology program at Washington State University prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in health and fitness, including roles such as exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, health educator, and fitness director. The strong science foundation and extensive practicum and internship experiences make this degree a solid starting point for certification through organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Many students also use the program as preparation for graduate or professional study in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and other allied health professions. Advising and recommended cognate courses are structured to help you meet common prerequisite patterns for these paths.

Washington State University reports a graduation rate of about 62%, reflecting an environment where a majority of students complete their degree. Combined with internship experience, this completion rate supports competitive placement in entry level positions and admission to further professional training.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a college preparatory curriculum, including coursework in math, lab science, and English that meets Washington State University admission standards.
• Submission of an undergraduate application to Washington State University, including required transcripts and application fee, by the stated term deadline.
• For first year entry, evidence of academic readiness through cumulative GPA of 2.7 and completion of core subjects as outlined by the university’s freshman admission criteria.
• For transfer students, a record of college coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, statistics, and introductory social science that supports upper division study.
• Admission to the kinesiology major typically requires completion of at least 24 semester credits, a grade of C or better in key foundational courses such as KINES 199 and KINES 262, and a minimum cumulative GPA (often around 2.75) as specified in current departmental guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Washington State University uses term based application timelines for first year and transfer applicants. March 31 functions as a priority deadline for fall admission for first year students, with earlier consideration for scholarships and housing. Spring admission commonly uses a November 15 deadline, and some campuses list March 15 as a target date for summer entry.

Eastern Washington University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Eastern Washington University is a science centered program housed in the College of Health Science and Public Health. Because EWU uses the quarter system, the degree requires at least 180 quarter credits in total, which is roughly equivalent to 120 semester credits, and most students complete the program in about four years of full time study.

The major is organized around four options: Exercise Science, Exercise Science – Pre Athletic Training, Exercise Science – Pre Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Science – Pre Physical Therapy. Each track shares a rigorous core in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and program design, then layers on additional coursework tailored to performance or pre professional goals.

From the start you build a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology for non biology majors, general and organic chemistry for the health sciences, statistics, and introductory exercise science. These courses give you the background needed to understand how the body responds to physical stress and how to interpret scientific data that informs safe and effective practice.

The exercise science core then focuses on functional anatomy, exercise testing and prescription, biomechanics with laboratory work, applied nutrition and physical fitness, exercise counseling and behavior change, and the physiology of exercise. Throughout the curriculum, you learn to connect assessment findings with specific training or rehabilitation strategies for athletes, general fitness clients, and people with medically controlled conditions.

Students who choose one of the pre professional options follow an enhanced science sequence that supports future applications to graduate programs in athletic training, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. In addition to exercise science courses, you complete targeted work in physics, psychology, medical terminology, and practicum experiences aligned with your intended field.

All options culminate in a senior capstone and a substantial professional internship where you spend several hundred hours in supervised field settings. By the time you finish the required 180 quarter credits, you have a transcript that reflects both rigorous scientific preparation and extensive real world experience in wellness, performance, or clinical environments.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with supporting science and general education. Across the first two years you complete a three quarter sequence in human anatomy and physiology for non biology majors, a three quarter general and organic chemistry series designed for health science students, statistics, and foundational university requirements in communication, humanities, and social sciences. During this period you also take EXSC 301 Introduction to Exercise Science, which helps you understand the profession, build academic skills, and explore career paths.

Once prerequisites are in place, you move into the heart of the major. Core exercise science classes include functional anatomy and lab, exercise testing and prescription and lab, biomechanics and lab, physiology of exercise, health fitness management, applied nutrition and physical fitness, exercise counseling and behavior change, and principles of program design. These courses combine lecture, lab, and applied activities so you learn not only the theory but also how to use equipment, interpret data, and communicate results.

Upper division work lets you tailor the degree. You choose from electives such as care and prevention of injuries, nutrition in sport and exercise, physical activity and mental health, clinical biomechanics, research and analysis, electrocardiology interpretation, group exercise instructor training, and strength and conditioning prolab. A required senior capstone integrates your learning through a service learning project, and the professional internship gives you a 400 hour field experience that transitions you toward professional practice or graduate study.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 301 – Introduction to Exercise Science: A one credit course that introduces the exercise science major, academic expectations, and professional opportunities. You work on skills such as resume writing, effective use of the library and scientific databases, and planning a course sequence that matches your goals.
• PHED 349 and 349L – Functional Anatomy and Functional Anatomy Lab: Detailed study of musculoskeletal structure with an emphasis on how bones, joints, and muscles contribute to movement. The lab component helps you identify anatomical landmarks, relate structure to function, and connect anatomy to exercise technique and injury mechanisms.
• PHED 350 and 350L – Exercise Testing and Prescription and Lab: Introduces standards and techniques for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. You practice administering tests, ensuring client safety, and using results to design individualized exercise prescriptions.
• PHED 352 and 352L – Biomechanics and Biomechanics Lab: Examines mechanical principles of human movement, including kinematics and kinetics of joints, forces, torque, and lever systems. In lab you use motion analysis and other tools to evaluate movement patterns and to understand how technique affects performance and injury risk.
• EXSC 460 – Physiology of Exercise: A four credit course that explores how cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems respond to acute exercise and adapt to training. Environmental influences on performance, such as heat, altitude, and hydration, are also addressed.
• EXSC 390 – Principles of Program Design: Focuses on connecting assessment data with training interventions. You learn to set goals, select exercises, manipulate volume and intensity, and monitor progress for programs aimed at health improvement, performance enhancement, or rehabilitation support.
• EXSC 420 – Principles of Program Design for Special Populations: Concentrates on clients with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and orthopedic limitations. The course covers pathophysiology, risk stratification, and strategies for adapting exercise programs to medical constraints and clinical guidelines.
• EXSC 440 – Exercise Counseling and Behavior Change: Uses health behavior theories to teach counseling and communication skills that support physical activity adoption and adherence. You practice motivational interviewing, goal setting, and educational strategies suitable for diverse clients and community settings.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXSC 355 Care and Prevention of Injuries
• EXSC 380 Nutrition in Sport and Exercise
• EXSC 411 Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Cognition
• EXSC 452 Clinical Biomechanics
• EXSC 455 Research and Analysis
• EXSC 481 Electrocardiology Interpret

Practical Experience

Practical learning is built into the structure of the Eastern Washington University exercise science degree. Lab based courses in functional anatomy, exercise testing and prescription, biomechanics, and physiology of exercise require you to work directly with equipment such as metabolic carts, ECG units, motion analysis systems, strength testing devices, and body composition tools. These experiences help you become comfortable with standardized protocols and data interpretation.

Students in pre professional tracks complete EXSC 388 Exercise Science Practicum, which provides structured observation and early hands on exposure in settings related to athletic training, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. The practicum is designed to clarify career goals and to help you understand day to day responsibilities in allied health professions.

All students in the Exercise Science option complete EXSC 488 Professional Internship, a 400 hour field experience that can be divided among up to three sites. Under the supervision of professionals and monitored by a faculty advisor, you apply assessment, counseling, and program design skills in environments such as fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation units, performance training facilities, or community health organizations.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and nutritional factors influence human movement, exercise response, and adaptation across the lifespan.
• Perform valid and reliable assessments of health related fitness, functional capacity, and movement quality using appropriate field and laboratory methods.
• Interpret assessment and research data to design safe, effective, and evidence based exercise programs for healthy individuals, athletes, and clients with medically controlled conditions.
• Apply principles of program design, including goal setting, progression, and modification, to improve health, performance, and quality of life in diverse populations.
• Use counseling and behavior change strategies to support adoption and maintenance of physically active lifestyles in clinical, community, and performance settings.
• Demonstrate ethical, professional, and culturally responsive behavior when working with clients, patients, colleagues, and community partners in health and wellness environments.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature in exercise science and related disciplines and integrate current evidence and professional guidelines into practice.
• Collaborate effectively with professionals in allied health, education, and public health to promote physical activity and manage chronic disease risk.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science major at Eastern Washington University is designed to prepare you for employment in commercial fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, hospital and clinic based rehabilitation, sport performance facilities, and community health organizations. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, group exercise leader, rehabilitation aide, or health educator.

The four track structure also supports students who intend to apply to graduate programs in athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other allied health professions. Pre professional options build in the physics, psychology, and additional practicum experiences that many programs expect, while the core curriculum aligns with competencies emphasized by major professional certification bodies.

Eastern Washington University reports a graduation rate of about 59%, providing context for overall student completion as you evaluate fit and plan your academic path. As an exercise science major you can use academic advising, career services, and internship supervision to map out certification plans, build professional networks, and prepare for employment or advanced study after graduation.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Eastern Washington University general admission standards for first year or transfer students.
• Submission of an application for undergraduate admission, official transcripts from all previous schools, and any required test scores or supporting documents according to current university policies.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and statistics, along with general education requirements specified in the undergraduate degree requirements.
• Declaration of the Exercise Science major and, if applicable, selection of one of the four options in consultation with an academic advisor.
• Minimum grade requirements in core and supporting courses, commonly a C or C plus or better depending on track, including specified standards for pre professional options and statistics courses.
• For practicum and internship placements, ability to meet site specific expectations such as health clearances, background checks, and scheduling commitments.

Central Washington University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Central Washington University is a degree requiring approximately 120 semester credits (equivalent to 180 quarter credits under CWU’s calendar), designed for completion in about four years of full time study. The program combines foundational science, exercise science coursework, and supervised practical experiences to prepare students for fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, or allied-health paths.

The program is built around a strong scientific core: you study human physiology, gross anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and the principles of exercise physiology and movement science. This foundation helps you understand how body systems respond to exercise, adapt over time, and how nutrition, lifestyle, and movement interact to influence health, performance, and rehabilitation outcomes.

CWU offers a dual-path approach: the standard Exercise Science path and an alternative Clinical Physiology concentration for students interested in rehabilitation, therapy, or medical-related professions. This gives flexibility depending on whether your goal is performance and wellness, or clinical care, physical therapy, or allied health. You can tailor your coursework to match your intended career or graduate-school goals.

The curriculum places strong emphasis on applied learning and hands-on training. Through laboratory courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise testing, you work with real data, measurement tools, and movement analysis equipment to build technical competence. These lab experiences are supplemented by structured practical placements such as practicums and internships to bring classroom learning into real-world settings.

In the final phase of the degree, you complete a 360-hour internship (or practicums) in approved fitness, wellness, clinical, or sport settings, giving you supervised experience with client assessment, program design, exercise supervision, and professional communication. This capstone helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and real-life professional practice.

By graduation, you complete a program that blends scientific knowledge, practical skills, nutritional understanding, and professional experience – making you eligible for entry-level roles in fitness, wellness, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation support, or to apply for graduate or professional programs in allied health.

Courses and Curriculum

The early part of the program builds foundational knowledge. You begin with core courses such as human physiology, gross anatomy (with lab), and basic biology or chemistry as needed. These courses develop your understanding of organ systems, musculoskeletal anatomy, homeostasis, and how body systems respond to stress and recovery – which is essential for later coursework in exercise response and movement science.

As you move into the main exercise science sequence, courses such as Physiology of Exercise (with lab), Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (with lab), Sports Biomechanics, Movement Analysis, and Sports Nutrition provide scientific and applied perspectives on exercise, performance, and health. In labs you learn to conduct physiological testing, measure body composition, analyze movement patterns, and design fitness plans. These classes emphasize evidence-based practice and safe, effective programming across different populations.

In upper-division semesters, the curriculum includes advanced courses and electives, along with required practical experiences. Specialized study in injury prevention and treatment, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation support, wellness management, and exercise program leadership allow students to tailor their professional focus. A significant portion of the final terms is devoted to a professional internship or practicum, giving real-world experience in fitness centers, rehab facilities, sport settings, or community health environments.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• BIOL 201 – Human Physiology: Focuses on the function and regulation of major organ systems, their responses to stress including exercise, and mechanisms of adaptation. Provides foundational physiological knowledge critical for understanding exercise science.
• IHP 350 – Gross Anatomy (with Lab): Explores musculoskeletal, nervous, and organ system structure in detail using cadaveric or model-based labs. Helps you link anatomy to movement mechanics, exercise technique, and injury prevention.
• EXSC 450 – Physiology of Exercise (with Lab): Examines acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise – including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular adaptations. Lab sessions include monitoring and analysis of exercise responses such as heart rate, oxygen uptake, and energy expenditure.
• EXSC 455 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (with Lab): Teaches standardized protocols to assess aerobic fitness, strength, body composition, flexibility, and functional movement. You learn to interpret data and design customized exercise plans for different populations.
• EXSC 471 – Sports Biomechanics: Applies mechanical and kinematic analysis to human movement. Topics include force production, joint mechanics, motion analysis, movement efficiency, and injury risk – foundational for performance programming and rehabilitation.
• EXSC 371 – Movement Analysis: Emphasizes observation and evaluation of movement patterns, posture, gait, and functional tasks using video, force platforms, or motion tracking. Helps build skills in detecting biomechanical inefficiencies or risks.
• EXSC 480 – Science of Resistance Exercise: Focuses on principles and programming of resistance training for strength, power, endurance, and conditioning. You learn about periodization, training variables, adaptation, and safe progression for clients across abilities.
• EXSC 495 – Practicum / Internship in Exercise Science: A culminating supervised placement (approximately 360 hours) in approved fitness, wellness, rehab, or sport performance settings. You apply assessment, programming, and client interaction skills in real world environments under professional supervision.

Practical Experience

Laboratory components are woven throughout the program. In anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise testing, and movement analysis labs you get hands-on practice with cadaveric models, motion capture, metabolic carts, strength testing and body composition tools. This helps you learn accurate assessment techniques, measurement protocols, and safe practice standards in a controlled university setting.

The program culminates with a required internship or practicum of roughly 360 hours. During this time, you are placed in real world settings such as fitness centers, community wellness programs, rehabilitation clinics, sport performance or strength and conditioning facilities, and supervised training environments. Under qualified professionals you conduct assessments, design exercise programs, lead sessions, monitor progress, communicate with clients, and reflect on professional practice. This capstone helps you transition from academic training to entry-level professional competence.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics underlying movement, exercise response, and adaptation across age groups and populations.
• Perform valid and reliable assessments of fitness, body composition, movement quality, and functional capacity using laboratory and field protocols.
• Interpret assessment data and apply scientific principles to design individualized, evidence-based exercise prescriptions and program plans.
• Apply biomechanical and movement analysis to identify potential injury risks, improve movement technique, and optimize performance or rehabilitation outcomes.
• Integrate nutritional, behavioral, and lifestyle factors into comprehensive fitness, wellness, or rehabilitation programs.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally responsive behavior when working with clients, patients, or community populations.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, health professionals, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Translate academic knowledge into practical readiness and readiness for certification or graduate-level study in allied health, fitness, or human performance fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Exercise Science program at Central Washington University are prepared for a variety of career paths including strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, fitness and wellness coach, rehabilitation aide, corporate wellness coordinator, community health promoter, and fitness center manager. The program also supports students who wish to continue into graduate or professional education in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, clinical exercise physiology, or related allied health fields.

The scientific foundation, broad curriculum, and supervised practicum or internship experiences help build a strong candidate profile for national certifications from organizations specializing in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, health coaching, or rehabilitation. The hands-on labs, biomechanical training, and exposure to special populations further enhance employability in diverse settings such as fitness centers, hospitals, rehab clinics, sports organizations, corporate wellness programs, and community health agencies.

Central Washington University reports a graduation rate of about 50%, which gives context to overall student completion and may reflect institutional support and student persistence. This rate provides a benchmark as you weigh program strengths, resources, and outcomes when planning your academic and professional path.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets CWU admission standards including completion of college prep coursework in mathematics, science, and English.
• Submission of a completed undergraduate application to CWU, including official transcripts and any required fees or supporting documents.
• Completion of prerequisite courses as required by the program for anatomy, physiology, and basic sciences before entering upper-division exercise science courses (depending on catalog year and major track selected).
• Consent to participate in labs, practicums, or internship placements which may require ability to meet health or site-specific clearances.

Application Deadlines

CWU follows the standard undergraduate admissions cycle, with primary entry for first-year and transfer students aiming for the fall term. Prospective Exercise Science students should apply several months before intended start to allow adequate time for transcript evaluation, placement into prerequisite courses, and planning for lab and internship scheduling.

Western Washington University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science Specialization

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science specialization at Western Washington University is a four year program built around approximately 180 quarter credits. The major focuses on human movement from mechanical, physiological, and pathological perspectives and is intended for students who want to work in the fitness and exercise industry or pursue graduate study in allied health fields.

The Exercise Science specialization emphasizes how the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems respond to physical activity and training. You study the science of movement, learn how exercise can prevent and manage chronic disease, and explore how performance can be optimized in sport and everyday life.

Coursework in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics forms the core of the specialization, supported by classes in motor control and learning, statistics, and research design. Supporting courses in biology, chemistry, physics, communications, and health education deepen your understanding of human structure and function and prepare you for advanced work in clinical or performance settings.

The program is designed as a structured two year sequence after you are admitted to the kinesiology major. Many key Exercise Science courses are offered on an alternating year schedule, so planning with an advisor is important to stay on track and complete the specialization in a timely way.

Students who choose the Exercise Science specialization often intend to work as exercise professionals in community, clinical, and performance environments or to use the degree as a pathway toward physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, or other health related graduate programs.

By the time you complete the 180 quarter credit curriculum, you will have combined advanced coursework in movement science with hands on labs, research experiences, and field based learning that prepare you for certifications, entry level employment, or further professional study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with general university requirements and supporting science coursework. In the first two years you typically complete introductory biology and chemistry, mathematics or statistics, psychology, and general university requirements, along with initial kinesiology courses that introduce the discipline, professional expectations, and basic concepts in health and physical activity.

After admission to the kinesiology major, you move into the Exercise Science specialization sequence. This includes a concentrated set of courses in Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Control and Learning, Exercise Testing and Prescription, and related areas. Lab based classes give you repeated opportunities to measure physiological responses to exercise, evaluate movement patterns, and become comfortable with the equipment and protocols used in professional practice.

In the final phase of the program you complete research focused coursework, advanced topics that integrate biomechanics and physiology, and structured field experiences or internships. These advanced classes emphasize evidence based practice, data interpretation, program design for different populations, and professional communication skills that you will use in fitness, clinical, and performance settings.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Introduction to Kinesiology: Provides an overview of the kinesiology field, core subdisciplines, and career pathways. You explore how Exercise Science fits within broader health and human development, review professional standards, and begin mapping a four year academic plan that aligns with your goals.
• Human Anatomy for Kinesiology: Covers skeletal, muscular, and nervous system structure with emphasis on movement. You learn anatomic terminology, study joint and muscle function, and connect anatomy to exercise technique and injury mechanisms through applied activities and lab based exploration.
• Human Physiology for Exercise Science: Introduces the function of major organ systems and how they respond to physical and environmental stress. Content on cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and neuromuscular regulation provides the physiological foundation needed for advanced exercise physiology and clinical application.
• Exercise Physiology: Examines acute and chronic responses to exercise, including energy system contributions, oxygen transport, thermoregulation, fatigue, and training adaptations. Laboratory sessions typically include graded exercise tests, submaximal protocols, and analysis of heart rate, oxygen uptake, and blood pressure responses.
• Biomechanics of Human Movement: Applies mechanical principles to human movement. You study kinematics and kinetics, force production, levers, torque, and joint loading, and you use motion analysis and related tools to evaluate technique, efficiency, and injury risk in sport and daily activities.
• Motor Control and Learning: Focuses on how the nervous system plans, coordinates, and refines movement. Topics include feedback, practice structure, motor development across the lifespan, and factors that influence skill acquisition, all of which inform coaching and rehabilitation strategies.
• Exercise Testing and Prescription: Covers protocols for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and functional capacity. You learn to interpret data, classify risk, and develop individualized exercise prescriptions for healthy and medically stable populations using current professional guidelines.
• Research Design and Statistics in Kinesiology: Introduces research methods and statistical concepts used in Exercise Science. You learn how to evaluate research literature, design basic studies, manage data, and apply findings to assessment and program design in fitness, wellness, and performance environments.

Practical Experience

Laboratory based courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise testing are central to the Exercise Science specialization at Western Washington University. In these labs you gain direct experience with equipment such as metabolic carts, ECG monitors, force plates, motion capture systems, and strength testing devices while practicing standardized assessment protocols and data interpretation.

Field based experiences may include structured practicum or internship placements in fitness centers, community wellness programs, sport performance facilities, schools, or clinical environments depending on your interests and available sites. Under supervision you assist with assessments, lead or support exercise sessions, help with client education, and observe the day to day operations of health and fitness programs.

These practical elements are designed to complement classroom learning, strengthen your professional communication and leadership skills, and help you build a record of applied experience that supports certification, employment, or applications to graduate and professional programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychosocial factors influence human movement, exercise responses, and adaptations across different populations.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of health related fitness, movement quality, and functional capacity using appropriate laboratory and field techniques.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings to design safe, effective, and evidence based exercise programs for healthy individuals, athletes, and clients with stable chronic conditions.
• Apply principles of biomechanics and motor control to improve technique, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk in physical activity and sport settings.
• Incorporate nutrition, behavior change, and health promotion strategies into exercise programming to support long term adherence and positive health outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally responsive behavior while working with diverse individuals and communities in health, fitness, and performance environments.
• Communicate clearly in written and oral formats with clients, colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams, including the ability to explain assessment results and program rationales in accessible language.
• Prepare for entry level employment in exercise science related fields and for graduate or professional study in allied health, human performance, or research oriented programs.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science specialization in kinesiology at Western Washington University prepares you for positions in fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, community health organizations, sport performance facilities, and clinical support roles in hospitals or rehabilitation clinics. Common entry level job titles include exercise specialist, health fitness professional, strength and conditioning assistant, wellness coordinator, and rehabilitation aide.

The program also serves as a strong academic foundation for graduate study in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, public health, and related disciplines. Supporting coursework in sciences, statistics, and research methods helps you meet typical prerequisite patterns while building the analytical skills expected in competitive graduate and professional programs.

Western Washington University reports a six year graduation rate of about 66%. As an Exercise Science student you can use academic advising, tutoring, and career services to plan your course sequence, identify appropriate practica and internships, and prepare for professional certifications or further study after graduation.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Western Washington University general admission standards, including a college preparatory background in English, mathematics, and laboratory sciences.
• Submission of an application for undergraduate admission to Western Washington University, with official transcripts and any required supporting documents according to current university policies.
• Enrollment at Western Washington University and completion of at least 75 quarter credits before applying to the kinesiology major, with those credits recorded on your WWU transcript or transfer equivalency report.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of around 2.50 across all college level coursework to be eligible to apply for a kinesiology specialization, including Exercise Science, as outlined in current department application procedures.
• Selection of a single kinesiology specialization at the time of application, since students normally apply to one specialization rather than multiple options simultaneously.
• Ability to meet any additional department expectations related to progression in the major, such as maintaining required grades in key kinesiology and supporting science courses and completing lab and fieldwork components.

Application Deadlines

Western Washington University follows a term based admission cycle with primary entry in the fall and additional opportunities for winter or spring starts depending on space. Priority deadlines for fall admission typically occur several months before the start of the academic year, and early application improves access to advising, course registration, and campus housing.

Because key Exercise Science courses are offered on a two year rotation and the specialization sequence takes a minimum of two years to complete after admission to the major, it is important to apply to the university and to the kinesiology program as early as you are eligible.

Franklin University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Online)

The online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Franklin University offers a flexible 120-credit curriculum designed for working adults and nontraditional students. The program combines foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and exercise theory with applied training and field-based experience so you can earn a full degree without relocating or attending campus full time.

The program emphasizes practical application. Through lab-style assignments (often using remote or local facilities), and a required hands-on field placement, students learn how to assess body composition, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, prescribe exercise programs, and monitor progress for different populations (healthy adults, older adults, special populations).

Courses cover both general health and fitness promotion and clinical or corrective exercise – preparing you for roles in wellness, personal training, strength and conditioning, or as a stepping stone toward graduate-level or allied health studies.

The online format includes guided instruction from practitioners, asynchronous coursework flexibility, and support for transfer credits to help accelerate completion. Many students complete the degree in about four years if studying full time, while others pace it according to work or life commitments.

By the time you earn the degree you will have combined theoretical understanding, data analysis skills, movement science knowledge, nutritional awareness, and field-based experience, positioning yourself for certification preparation or entry-level roles in health, fitness, and wellness sectors.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational courses covering human anatomy, physiology, basic biology, nutrition, and introduction to exercise science. Early courses aim to build a strong understanding of how organ systems function, how they respond to stress (such as exercise), and how nutrition and lifestyle interplay with movement and health.

As you progress, core exercise science courses deepen into exercise physiology, biomechanics, exercise testing, strength and conditioning, exercise prescription, and programming for special populations. Lecture content is complemented by practical, field-based assignments – you might conduct fitness assessments, design training plans, or analyze movement patterns depending on course requirements and local resources.

The final stages of the program include applied or practicum-based courses where you complete a required field experience. This gives you hands-on exposure to real clients or participants under supervision, simulating real-world fitness, wellness, or rehabilitation environments. This combination of theory, labs (where feasible), and fieldwork helps integrate academic learning with practical competence.

• EXS 201 – Designing Exercise Programs: Covers principles of planning exercise programs for both healthy individuals and those with disabilities or special needs. Emphasis on ACSM-based guidelines, progression, safety, and adherence strategies.
• EXS 203 – Contemporary Issues in Sport: Provides exposure to current topics in sport and exercise science and includes a practical component requiring at least 80 hours of supervised work in wellness or fitness settings. Helps bridge classroom learning with real-world experience.
• EXS 252 – Exercise Physiology: Explores acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic adaptations. Teaches how to monitor and interpret physiological data for program design.
• EXS 335 – Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning: Focuses on resistance training, strength and conditioning principles, program variables, exercise technique, and periodization for different populations.
• EXS 351 – Kinesiology / Biomechanics: Studies mechanics of human movement including anatomy, joint function, leverage, muscle function, and how to apply biomechanical principles in designing safe and effective exercise or rehabilitation plans.
• EXS 400 – Exercise for Special Populations: Examines program design and exercise considerations for clients with chronic conditions, older adults, or other special populations. Emphasis on safety, adaptation, and individualized planning.
• EXS 420 – Wellness & Fitness Management or Program Design Course: Covers principles of wellness promotion, behavior change, fitness program leadership, and long-term lifestyle support strategies. Helps prepare for roles in corporate wellness, community health, or personal training with a holistic approach. :
• Practicum / Field Experience (80+ hours or equivalent): A supervised placement in a wellness, fitness, rehabilitation, or community setting, where you apply exercise testing, programming, coaching, and client interaction under professional oversight. This hands-on experience helps bridge academic knowledge with real-life practice.

Practical Experience

Even though Franklin University’s Exercise Science degree is offered online, it includes a mandatory field-based practical experience. Students are required to complete a supervised placement in a wellness center, fitness facility, rehabilitation clinic, sport performance center, or other approved site.

During this placement, you practise assessments, plan and lead exercise sessions, monitor client progress, and learn professional behavior, communication, and safety -preparing you for real-world fitness, wellness, or clinical roles.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and nutritional principles influence human movement, exercise response, and adaptation in healthy, athletic, and clinical populations.
• Perform valid and reliable assessments of fitness, body composition, cardiovascular and muscular function, flexibility, and functional movement using appropriate protocols and equipment or supervised placement facilities.
• Interpret assessment and research data and apply established guidelines to design safe, individualized exercise and wellness programs for diverse clients including special populations.
• Apply strength and conditioning, aerobic training, and rehabilitative exercise programming principles in wellness, sport performance, or clinical contexts.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, patients, coaches, and health professionals. Demonstrate ethical behavior and professionalism in client interactions and program delivery.
• Apply behavior change and wellness promotion strategies to support long-term adherence to physical activity and healthy lifestyles across populations.
• Translate scientific literature and research findings into evidence-based practice when prescribing exercise or wellness programs for individuals and communities.
• Prepare for national certification exams in fitness, strength and conditioning, or exercise physiology, or for further graduate or professional study in allied health, rehabilitation, or performance science fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science bachelor degree at Franklin University prepares graduates for roles such as personal trainer, strength and conditioning assistant, wellness coach, corporate wellness specialist, health and fitness coordinator, rehabilitation support staff, and community health promoter. For those aiming toward allied health or clinical rehabilitation, the degree helps build foundational knowledge and credentials before applying to graduate or professional programs.

Franklin University reports a six-year graduation rate of about 32%, reflecting the broader challenges and nontraditional student population that the university serves while offering flexibility and support for degree completion.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or satisfactory prior college credits if transferring from another institution.
• Submission of completed online application for admission to Franklin University’s undergraduate program.
• Official transcripts from high school or previous colleges to demonstrate prerequisite completion or eligibility.
• For transfer or adult-learner applicants: review of prior coursework for transfer credits; potential reduction in required credits based on accepted transfer work.
• Consent to complete required field experience at an approved site as part of the degree plan.

Application Deadlines

Franklin University offers flexible enrollment with multiple start dates throughout the year. Because the program is online, applications are accepted on a rolling basis.