California offers a wide range of exercise science programs designed to prepare you for careers in fitness, rehabilitation, health promotion, and human performance. Schools such as CSU Los Angeles, CSU Stanislaus, CSU Sacramento, California Lutheran University, and California Baptist University provide strong exercise programs in California.
These programs emphasize hands-on training, modern labs, and evidence-based learning to help you build practical skills for graduate study or entry-level roles in clinical and wellness settings. This guide outlines key programs, curriculum features, and outcomes to help you choose the best option in California.
Best Exercise Science Programs in California
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering exercise programs in California:
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Dominguez Hills
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, Stanislaus
- California Lutheran University
- California Baptist University
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at California State University, Los Angeles requires a total of 120 units (credit hours) and is typically structured to be completed in four years of full-time study. The major portion comprises approximately 74-75 units of core kinesiology plus 6-7 units of directed electives within the major.
You will build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and will complete directed coursework in human movement, exercise science, human performance, and biomechanics.
You will progress from general, foundational science to applied movement and performance science. You will learn about how the human body responds to exercise, how movement is analysed, and how training and rehabilitation strategies are developed and applied.
You will engage with coursework that emphasises human movement across the lifespan, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and wellness. The programme is designed so that you graduate not only with an exercise science degree but also with strong preparation for allied health graduate study or for entry into roles in fitness, performance, or rehabilitation.
Courses will include lab work, research methods, and applied measurement of human performance so that you are equipped to interpret movement data, prescribe exercise interventions, and understand the physiological basis of training. The major’s directed electives give you some flexibility to tailor your interests toward sport performance, rehabilitation, or wellness programming.
At the end of the programme you will receive the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science credential from Cal State LA, positioning you for roles in human performance, fitness, rehabilitation or further graduate work in allied health and movement science.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum for the B.S. in Exercise Science at Cal State LA is structured to guide you from foundational science through advanced applied exercise science and research. Early in your study you will complete general education and science prerequisite courses (such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics) that build the scientific base necessary for understanding human movement and physiological responses to exercise.
Mid-programme you will progress into major-specific kinesiology and exercise science courses – such as biomechanics, physiology of exercise, human movement analysis, and laboratory-based methods of assessing human performance. You will also complete directed electives that align with your interests and career goals, which might focus on sport performance, rehabilitation, or wellness programming.
In upper-division work you will engage in applied measurement of human performance, research methods and analysis, and experiences that integrate theory and practice (for example labs, field assignments and possibly internship or supervised practical experience). This applied focus helps you translate academic knowledge into hands-on understanding of exercise, movement and human performance.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- KIN 3100 – Written Communication for Kinesiology: Develops your ability to research, write and present professional-level content specific to kinesiology and exercise science contexts – helping you communicate findings and recommendations in health-science settings.
- KIN 3400 – Applied Biomechanics: Explore biomechanical principles of human movement, how forces act on the body during exercise, and how that informs training and rehabilitation.
- KIN 3600 – Physiology of Exercise and Lab: Understand the physiological responses and adaptations of the human body during physical activity, exercise training, and recovery.
- KIN 3000 – Foundations and Analysis of Human Movement: Introduces movement science, analysis of exercise movement, and foundational principles of human kinetics and motor control.
- KIN 446/L – Research in Exercise Physiology and Lab: This course offers practical laboratory research experience in exercise physiology, helping you link science to practice and data collection.
- BIOL 382/L – Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab: Covers anatomy and physiology of the human body systems relevant to movement and exercise, providing foundational science for exercise science study.
- PHYS 100A – General Physics I: Introduces basic physics principles such as mechanics, force, motion and energy, which are relevant to biomechanics and human movement.
- CHEM 111A – General Chemistry: Provides a chemistry foundation (including laboratory) for understanding biochemical reactions and physiological processes in exercise science.
Popular Elective Courses
- KIN 432 – Applied Motor Learning
- KIN 462 – Advanced Strength & Conditioning
- KIN 465 – Clinical Exercise Electrocardiography
- KIN 466 – Biochemical & Hormonal Adaptations to Physical Activity
- KIN 488A – Fundamentals in Sport Training & Research
- KIN 494 – Exercise Science Internship
Practical Experience
You will engage in hands-on labs, movement analysis, biomechanics investigations, exercise physiology experiments and possibly internship or supervised field experience as part of the major. The programme emphasises applied science and real-world experience in preparation for health and allied health careers.
You will gain practical exposure to human performance testing, exercise prescription for special populations, performance coaching scenarios and rehabilitation settings. These experiences bridge your classroom learning with professional practice and enhance your readiness for graduate school or employment in exercise science fields.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor behaviour as they relate to exercise and movement.
- Apply scientific principles and measurement techniques to assess and prescribe exercise interventions.
- Interpret and analyse movement, exercise and training data and reflect on how adaptations occur across populations.
- Design and implement safe, effective exercise programmes and protocols for healthy and special-population clients.
- Communicate findings and recommendations in professional formats within exercise science and allied health contexts.
- Prepare for graduate study or professional allied health programmes with a strong science foundation.
- Engage in research or applied investigation within exercise science and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
You will be positioned for roles in fitness assessment, wellness programming, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, clinical exercise settings, cardiac rehabilitation, and as preparation for further study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programmes or medicine.
Cal State LA reports a six-year graduation rate of about 53% for full-time first-time students. The strong science basis and broad major units make the degree a spring-board into allied health graduate work or careers focused on human movement and exercise science.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and meeting general admission criteria for Cal State LA.
- Completion of required prerequisites in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
- Meeting minimum GPA as required for admission to the university and to the major.
- Submission of application and transcripts via the CSU system (e.g., CalStateApply).
- Meeting any major-specific performance or preparatory coursework expectations (e.g., grade “C” or better in certain science courses).
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at California State University, Dominguez Hills requires a total of 120 credit hours, including 70 units of major-specific coursework. The program is structured for completion in approximately four years of full-time study.
This program builds a comprehensive understanding of how the human body moves, adapts to physical activity, and responds to rehabilitation. Foundational courses in biological, chemical and physical sciences are integrated with movement-analysis, measurement, and applied exercise science.
Later in the programme there is emphasis on motor learning, biomechanics, nutrition for performance, and assessment/prescription of exercise for both healthy and clinical populations.
Experiential and internship opportunities are embedded so that you gain practical insights in wellness, sport performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation contexts. The intent is to equip you for graduate-level work or employment in human movement, exercise physiology, health-fitness and allied-health settings.
Graduation leads to the B.S. in Exercise Science credential from CSUDH – a degree tailored for roles in fitness and wellness, sport performance, clinical exercise settings, or as a launching pad for professional fields such as occupational therapy, physical therapy or athletic training.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum at CSUDH guides you through foundational sciences, kinesiology and exercise science core topics, then into advanced application and internship. To begin, you’ll complete lower-division major prerequisites such as general biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry and physics, ensuring you have the scientific base to understand human movement.
As you progress, upper-division major courses focus on tests and measurements in physical education, principles of human movement, exercise physiology, motor learning, and biomechanics of human movement. These courses emphasize analytical skills, applied laboratory work, and exercise prescription across populations.
In your final years you will engage in specialized coursework such as nutrition for performance, therapeutic exercise, exercise for healthy and special populations, sport performance training and an exercise science internship. This stage helps you integrate knowledge and practice in real-world settings and prepares you for professional entry or advanced study.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- BIO 102 – General Biology: Introduces core biological concepts foundational to movement and physiology.
- BIO 103 – General Biology Laboratory: Laboratory component reinforcing the biological principles covered in BIO 102.
- KIN 290 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Explores anatomical structures and physiological systems relevant to exercise science.
- CHE 110 – General Chemistry I: Provides chemical principles necessary for understanding biochemical reactions during exercise.
- KIN 303 – Exercise Physiology: Examines how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity and training.
- KIN 306 – Biometric of Human Movement: Studies quantitative measurement of human movement and its implications for performance and rehabilitation.
- KIN 472 – Exercise for Healthy and Special Populations: Focuses on exercise prescription and programming for diverse groups including those with health conditions.
- KIN 493 – Internship in Exercise Science: Capstone field experience where you apply theory in real-world fitness, sport, or rehabilitation environments.
Popular Elective Courses
- KIN 305 – Motor Learning
- KIN 471 – Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
- KIN 330 – Sport and Exercise Psychology
- KIN 475 – Complementary and Integrated Healthcare
- KIN 473 – Principles of Sport Performance Training
- KIN 360 – Prevention & Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is central to the CSUDH B.S. in Exercise Science. You will work in laboratory settings measuring human movement, physiological responses and biomechanics. The programme’s internship requirement (KIN 493) places you in fitness, sport performance, wellness or rehabilitation settings under supervision, allowing you to apply assessment, programming and exercise prescription skills. This practical component strengthens your readiness for professional roles or further graduate study.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as they apply to movement and exercise.
- Use measurement techniques and statistical tools to assess human performance and exercise responses.
- Interpret movement, exercise and biomechanics data to inform design of exercise programmes.
- Develop safe and effective exercise interventions for healthy individuals and special populations.
- Communicate exercise science concepts and findings clearly to diverse audiences.
- Engage in evidence-based practice within exercise science through research, assessment and application.
- Prepare for entry into graduate-level study or allied health professional programmes related to exercise, wellness and rehabilitation.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
The degree prepares graduates for employment in roles such as exercise physiologist, fitness and wellness specialist, strength and conditioning coach, rehabilitation technician or sport performance analyst. It also sets foundational preparation for graduate professional study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or physician assistant fields.
The institution reports a six-year graduation rate of approximately 46% for first-time, full-time students.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent plus meeting the general admission criteria for California State University, Dominguez Hills.
- Satisfy general education and university graduation writing requirement.
- Completion of lower-division major prerequisite courses in biology, human anatomy & physiology, chemistry and physics.
- Minimum GPA and grades (“C” or better) in major prerequisite coursework as specified in the catalog.
- Submission of the application and official transcripts to CSUDH by the university’s specified deadline.
Application Deadlines
Applications are submitted via the CSU apply portal. Typically fall admission deadlines are in late November to early December for the following academic year.
California State University, Stanislaus (CSU Stanislaus)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at California State University, Stanislaus requires a minimum of 120 units, including at least 40 upper-division units, and is designed for completion in about four years of full-time study.
This degree emphasizes how physical activity, sport performance and rehabilitation relate to human health and movement across the lifespan. Foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology prepares you to understand the science of movement and training.
Upper-division classes engage you in measurement of human movement, exercise testing and prescription for healthy individuals and special populations. The curriculum also allows you to develop leadership and professional skills in fitness, sports performance and health promotion settings.
Laboratory experiences, field assignments and a capstone or internship component help you link theory and practice, reinforcing your readiness for careers or graduate study in allied health, clinical exercise physiology or sport performance roles.
By completing this program you earn the B.S. in Exercise Science from CSU Stanislaus – equipping you for roles in fitness, strength and conditioning, wellness, or as a solid foundation for entry into fields such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum is organised to move you from foundational science and movement courses into applied labs, research and professional experiences. In the first two years you encounter general education and major prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, kinesiology and anatomy – ensuring the scientific grounding needed for exercise science specialisation.
As you progress into the major you will engage in courses like biomechanics of human movement, exercise physiology, motor learning, laboratory methods, and applied measurement of human performance. These courses emphasise both analytical thinking and hands-on lab or field work so you understand not just theory but practice.
In your final years you often select directed electives or complete a practicum/internship, allowing you to apply your skills in real environments (e.g., fitness labs, sport performance settings or rehabilitation programmes). This progression ensures you arrive at graduation ready for professional entry or further study.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- KINS 3100 – Introduction to Human Movement: Introduces fundamental concepts of human movement, motor control and kinesiology, setting the stage for advanced study of biomechanics and exercise physiology.
- KINS 3200 – Anatomy & Physiology for Movement Science: Focuses on the structure and function of the human body systems most relevant to exercise, giving you a clear understanding of how anatomy supports movement and performance.
- KINS 3400 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Explores quantitative analysis of human motion, including forces, levers, joint mechanics and how these apply to exercise, rehabilitation and sports performance.
- KINS 3600 – Exercise Physiology: Examines physiological responses and adaptations to physical activity, including cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems under exercise stress.
- KINS 4100 – Motor Learning & Performance: Investigates how individuals acquire and refine motor skills, the role of feedback, practice structure and the neurological basis of movement changes.
- KINS 4300 – Measurement & Evaluation in Kinesiology: Teaches methods for assessing physical fitness, human performance, movement patterns and interpreting results to design programmes or interventions.
- KINS 4700 – Exercise Prescription for Health & Disease: Guides you in designing exercise interventions for both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions or rehabilitation needs.
- KINS 4900 – Internship or Capstone in Exercise Science: Provides supervised practical experience in a real-world setting such as a fitness centre, sport performance lab or rehabilitation clinic, reinforcing your applied skills.
Popular Elective Courses
- KINS 4500 – Strength & Conditioning for Sport Performance
- KINS 4620 – Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology
- KINS 4650 – Clinical Exercise Testing & Rehabilitation
- KINS 4800 – Nutrition for Athletic Performance
- KINS 4930 – Movement Analysis & Technology
- KINS 4950 – Research Methods in Kinesiology
Practical Experience
This program offers a significant practical-component where you participate in labs, movement measurement, exercise testing and internship-style experiences. Through the capstone or internship course (e.g., KINS 4900) you gain supervised exposure in fitness, performance or health-promotion contexts. These hands-on opportunities let you apply assessment, prescription and communication skills in real environments and build professional readiness.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as they relate to exercise and movement.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative measurement techniques to assess human performance and exercise responses.
- Interpret and synthesise movement, exercise and performance data to inform programme design.
- Design safe, effective exercise and movement interventions for healthy and special-population clients.
- Communicate exercise science concepts and findings clearly to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Engage in evidence-based practice and apply current research in exercise science settings.
- Prepare for graduate-level study or allied health professional programmes with a solid science and applied movement foundation.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates find employment in roles such as personal fitness trainer, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme coordinator, exercise physiologist, or sport performance technician. The degree also supports entry to graduate or professional programmes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic medicine.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and fulfilling the general admission criteria for California State University, Stanislaus.
- Completion of major prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology and mathematics as outlined in the catalog.
- A minimum cumulative GPA as specified by the university and major at the time of admission.
- Submission of application and official transcripts by the university’s deadlines.
- Meeting any major-specific performance or preparatory coursework requirements (such as grades of “C” or better in prerequisite science courses).
Application Deadlines
Applications are submitted via the CSU Apply portal; for fall admission the deadline typically falls in November of the previous year.
California State University, Sacramento (Sac State)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at California State University, Sacramento requires a total 120 units (credit hours) for completion, normally over four years of full-time study. The major component involves 60 units in the Exercise Science major, including required core and concentration courses.
This degree emphasises the scientific foundations of human movement, physiology, biomechanics and how the body responds to exercise across the lifespan. You will study biological, chemical and physical science systems integrated with movement and exercise science content.
Two distinct concentrations are available: one in Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Specialist (for those aiming toward clinical roles and graduate professional programmes) and one in Health Fitness/Strength Conditioning Specialist (for those seeking careers in performance, wellness, corporate fitness or strength & conditioning). The curriculum adapts accordingly to support your target path.
The programme places importance on lab-based measurement, movement analysis, exercise prescription and applied testing in both healthy and special populations. You’ll move progressively through foundational science, major coursework and applied experiences to build your professional readiness.
Upon fulfilling all requirements, you will earn the B.S. in Exercise Science from Sac State, positioning you either for immediate employment in exercise, wellness or rehabilitation settings, or for further study in allied health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports performance fields.
Courses and Curriculum
The course offerings at Sac State begin with essential natural-science and anatomy/physiology prerequisites, which are required before you formally declare the major. These preparatory courses ensure you understand human biology, chemistry, physics and the systems of movement.
In the major’s lower-division and early upper-division phase you will complete foundational kinesiology and exercise-science courses such as human anatomy and physiology, measurement and evaluation in kinesiology, exercise physiology, motor behaviour, biomechanics of human movement, and statistical methods relevant to performance and research.
In the final years you will select your concentration courses and complete applied electives, field-based experiences, and capstone or internship-style learning that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts – whether in fitness, rehabilitation, sport performance or wellness. Below are eight illustrative courses with expanded descriptions:
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- BIO 10 – Basic Biological Concepts: Introduces core biological principles (cellular and systemic) foundational for understanding how human bodies function in movement, exercise and health contexts.
- BIO 22 – Introductory Human Anatomy: Focuses on human anatomical structures and their relationships to movement, providing a basis for applied kinesiology and exercise science work.
- CHEM 1A – General Chemistry I: Covers chemical principles including reactions, molecular structure and lab work – important for understanding biochemistry in exercise physiology.
- BIO 131 – Systemic Physiology: Examines how body systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular) respond to exercise stress, adapt over time, and influence human performance and health.
- KINS 151 – Kinesiology: An overview of human movement science, including muscle systems, motor control and movement principles – serving as a gateway into advanced exercise science topics.
- KINS 340 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Studies forces, levers, joint mechanics and motion patterns as applied to exercise, sport performance and rehabilitation settings.
- KINS 360 – Exercise Physiology: Delves into physiological adaptations to exercise, training responses, metabolism, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems under various exercise loads.
- KINS 490 – Internship or Capstone in Exercise Science: Offers supervised professional experience in a fitness, wellness, sport performance or rehabilitation setting, enabling practical application of assessment and prescription skills.
Popular Elective Courses
- KINS 420 – Sport Performance Training
- KINS 430 – Exercise Testing & Clinical Applications
- KINS 450 – Strength & Conditioning Laboratory
- KINS 460 – Nutrition for Performance
- KINS 470 – Exercise Rehabilitation Techniques
- KINS 499 – Independent Study in Exercise Science
Practical Experience
Laboratory courses and applied measurement classes are embedded throughout the Sac State Exercise Science curriculum to ensure you gain hands-on experience in movement analysis, physiological testing and biomechanics.
The internship/capstone course provides you placement in real-world settings – such as rehabilitation clinics, fitness centres or sports performance labs – where you apply your training in assessment, prescription and program design.
These experiences help you build transferable professional skills and make connections that support future career or graduate-study goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control as they relate to exercise and human movement.
- Use measurement and evaluation tools to assess human performance, movement patterns and physiological responses.
- Interpret data from exercise testing, biomechanics and movement analysis to inform exercise prescription and intervention.
- Design safe and effective exercise protocols tailored to healthy individuals and special-population clients.
- Communicate scientific concepts, assessment findings and program recommendations clearly to clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Integrate evidence-based research into practice, critically evaluate literature and apply scientific principles in exercise science settings.
- Prepare for professional pathways including graduate study or allied health professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or clinical exercise physiology.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
The Sac State program prepares you for careers such as clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme specialist, sport performance technician, fitness assessment specialist, and entry into rehabilitation or allied-health professional pathways. By following the structured coursework and applied experiences you will graduate ready to contribute in fitness, wellness or health-science environments.
Admissions Requirements
- Completed high school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of California State University, Sacramento general admission criteria.
- Completion of pre-major (pre-Exercise Science) coursework including biology, human anatomy/physiology, general chemistry and possibly physics, as outlined in the catalog.
- Minimum cumulative GPA and grade-“C-” or better in pre-major courses required to transition into the major.
- Submission of official application via CSU Apply and official transcripts by the specified deadlines.
- Declaration of major concentration (Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Specialist or Health Fitness/Strength Conditioning Specialist) after completing pre-major requirements.
Application Deadlines
Applicants should submit their application through the CSU Apply portal; for fall admission the deadline generally falls in the November-December period of the previous year.
California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at California Lutheran University requires a minimum 66-69 credits for the major, plus supporting courses, and is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study.
The program emphasises interdisciplinary study of human movement, integrating anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and nutrition with a foundation in biology and chemistry.
Three distinct emphasis areas are offered, Health Professions, Human Performance, and Pedagogy/Teaching Physical Education, allowing you to tailor the degree to your career or graduate-school path.
Laboratory experiences, research opportunities and an independent capstone or internship help you apply theory in real-world contexts, such as sport performance labs, wellness centres or allied-health settings.
Ultimately you earn a B.S. in Exercise Science, equipping you for immediate employment in exercise-related fields or for further study in allied health, physical therapy, athletic training or other graduate programmes.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with foundational supporting courses in biology, chemistry, physics and movement science to establish the scientific base for all upper-division work. Early in your programme you’ll gain exposure to human anatomy, physiology and the basic principles of movement and exercise.
During the intermediate phase you will progress into core exercise science coursework: biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behaviour, exercise prescription, and laboratory methods. These courses emphasise both conceptual understanding and hands-on experimentation with human performance measurement and analysis.
In the final phase of the degree you select an emphasis area, complete an independent research or capstone project, and may choose an internship or field experience that aligns with your interests. This phase consolidates your knowledge and helps you build practical, career-ready skills.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- EXSC 202 – Exercise Physiology: Covers structure, function and regulation of muscular, metabolic, cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems important to exercise, physical education and sport.
- EXSC 300 – Exercise Prescription: Involves design, implementation and evaluation of exercise and physical-activity programmes for children, adults and older adults across sport and health settings.
- EXSC 302 – Motor Development Across a Life Span: Studies the interaction of motor skills and the environment from birth through older adulthood, with focus on movement, skill acquisition and lifespan changes.
- EXSC 340 – Motor Learning & Control: Examines the theoretical and clinical basis of human movement, feedback, practice structure and modalities used in assessment and intervention.
- EXSC 401 – Advanced Biomechanics: Explores three-dimensional mechanical aspects of human movement: gait analysis, inverse dynamics, tissue mechanics, ergonomics and postural control.
- EXSC 461 – Exercise Psychology: Looks at applied and theoretical issues related to physical-activity behaviour, motivation, exercise adherence, body-image, injury psychology and performance psychology.
- EXSC 202L – Exercise Physiology Lab: Laboratory work associated with EXSC 202, focusing on practical measurement and experimentation of physiological responses to exercise.
- EXSC 493 – Internship in Exercise Science: A capstone-level, supervised field placement in a fitness, wellness, sport-performance or rehabilitation setting where you apply assessment, programming and communication skills.
Popular Elective Courses
- EXSC 330 – Nutrition for Performance
- EXSC 350 – Strength & Conditioning Techniques
- EXSC 370 – Clinical Exercise Testing
- EXSC 380 – Sport and Exercise Epidemiology
- EXSC 420 – Advanced Human Performance Laboratory
- EXSC 450 – Teaching Sport Science & Physical Education
Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is woven throughout the Cal Lutheran Exercise Science programme. You engage in lab-based measurement of movement mechanics, physiology and biomechanics, and then move into internships or capstone research depending on your emphasis area. These experiences provide applied exposure to wellness centres, sport performance labs or allied-health settings, helping you demonstrate professional competence before graduation.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor behaviour as they relate to exercise and movement.
- Apply measurement tools and laboratory methods to assess human performance and movement patterns.
- Interpret data from exercise testing, biomechanics and motor analysis to inform programme design.
- Design safe and effective exercise prescriptions for healthy individuals and special-population clients.
- Communicate exercise science concepts, findings and recommendations clearly to clients, peers and stakeholders.
- Integrate evidence-based research into exercise science practice and critically evaluate relevant literature.
- Prepare for graduate study or entry into allied-health professional programmes such as physical therapy, athletic training or clinical exercise physiology.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
The degree at Cal Lutheran prepares graduates for roles such as exercise physiologist, strength & conditioning coach, wellness programme coordinator, sport performance analyst, and specialised laboratory technician. It also supports postgraduate pathways into graduate or professional studies in allied health fields. The institution reports a four-year graduation rate of around 62 % under its “4-to-Finish” guarantee programme, and a six-year rate of approximately 74%.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and general admission criteria for California Lutheran University.
- Completion of required supporting courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics as outlined in the catalogue.
- Minimum cumulative GPA as required by the university and the Exercise Science major.
- Submission of application, official transcripts and test scores (if required) by the university deadline.
- Declaration of the Exercise Science major and possibly meeting major-specific prerequisites or grade requirements as indicated in the programme catalogue.
Application Deadlines
Applicants apply via the Cal Lutheran admissions portal; for fall semester admission the regular deadline is typically January 1.
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