Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in Michigan [2026 Guide]

With Applied Exercise Science major at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor to kinesiology and exercise science degrees at Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, and Oakland University, you can match your academic interests to the setting you prefer.

Michigan students who need additional flexibility can also look at the University of Michigan-Flint, which offers exercise science courses in formats that include online learning.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Michigan

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

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science at the University of Michigan is housed in the School of Kinesiology and is structured as a four year, full time program that typically requires at least 120 credit hours to complete. The curriculum is designed to blend strong scientific foundations with practical skills so that you can work confidently with clients and communities in a variety of performance and health settings.

From the start, the program introduces you to how movement, exercise, and physical activity influence health across the lifespan. You study how the body responds to training, how to measure fitness safely, and how to design programs that match different ages, goals, and medical histories. Early coursework builds your understanding of anatomy, physiology, and human movement while also helping you develop strong written and oral communication skills.

As you move into the core of the major, you take applied exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control courses that connect scientific theory to real training environments. Laboratory experiences show you how to use treadmills, metabolic carts, and strength testing equipment so that you can interpret data and adjust exercise prescriptions in responsible ways.

The program also emphasizes behavior change and health promotion. You examine why people adopt or avoid active lifestyles, learn strategies to support long term adherence, and discuss the social and environmental factors that shape physical activity choices. These themes give you a broader view of how exercise science can support both individual and community wellness.

Another feature of Applied Exercise Science at the University of Michigan is its attention to the fitness and wellness industry. Courses introduce you to topics such as program management, legal and ethical issues in exercise settings, and the basics of marketing health services. This business awareness supports students who plan to work in corporate wellness, open a training studio, or move into related leadership roles.

Throughout the degree, you are encouraged to connect classroom learning with professional credentials and future study. The sequence of courses aligns with knowledge areas tested by major certification bodies in exercise science, and many graduates continue into physical therapy, athletic training, strength and conditioning, public health, and other advanced programs.

Courses and Curriculum

The Applied Exercise Science curriculum weaves together general education, science foundations, and major specific coursework in a planned progression. During your first two years, you complete math, writing, and social science requirements while starting the AES core, which includes introductory movement and exercise science courses. This early structure helps you build strong quantitative and communication skills that you will rely on in upper level labs and projects.

In the middle of the program, you spend more time in the School of Kinesiology, completing human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor control. Many of these courses include dedicated lab sections where you collect and analyze data, use professional grade equipment, and practice safe testing procedures. You also explore emergency response and risk management so that you can respond appropriately in exercise and sport environments.

Later in the degree, the focus shifts toward more advanced application. You study exercise prescription for different populations, strength and conditioning principles, and health promotion program design. Capstone style courses and field experiences ask you to design complete training plans, evaluate research, and reflect on ethical issues in exercise science. By the time you graduate, you will have worked through a curriculum that connects theory, research, and day to day practice.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• AES 100: Introduction to Applied Exercise Science – This course provides an overview of the exercise science profession, including major career paths, common work settings, and current issues in the field. You become familiar with core scientific concepts and begin to think about how movement and physical activity shape health across the lifespan.
• MVS 110: Bases of Human Movement – In this class you study how bones, muscles, and joints work together to produce movement. You review basic biomechanics, discuss posture and gait, and start to connect mechanical principles to exercise technique and injury prevention.
• AES 218: Emergency Response – This course prepares you to recognize and respond to injuries and medical emergencies that can occur during physical activity. Topics include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the development of emergency action plans for fitness and sport facilities.
• AES 220: Exercise Physiology – Here you examine how the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems respond and adapt to acute and chronic exercise. Lab sessions help you practice measuring heart rate, oxygen consumption, and lactate responses so that you can interpret training effects in real clients.
• AES 221: Exercise Physiology Laboratory – This companion course focuses on hands on testing protocols. You gain experience administering graded exercise tests, submaximal assessments, and strength and flexibility measures while learning how to maintain safety and collect accurate data.
• Biomechanics of Human Movement – In biomechanics you apply physics principles to human motion, including force, torque, and leverage. Case studies of walking, running, lifting, and sport skills show you how technique changes can improve performance and reduce injury risk.
• Health Promotion and Behavior Change – This course explores psychological and social factors that influence physical activity behavior. You review major behavior change theories and practice counseling strategies that support motivation, goal setting, and adherence in diverse populations.
• Program Design in Applied Exercise Science – In a culminating design course, you integrate knowledge from earlier classes to create full exercise and wellness programs. You learn to plan sessions, periodize training, set measurable goals, and adjust programs based on progress and client feedback.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is a central part of the Applied Exercise Science degree. Many courses include laboratory components where you administer assessments, practice coaching cues, and interpret test results under faculty supervision. These lab experiences help you gain confidence using the tools and technology that are common in fitness centers, human performance labs, and clinical settings.

Beyond the classroom, students often complete internships or practicum experiences with campus recreation programs, strength and conditioning units, hospital based wellness centers, community fitness facilities, or corporate wellness programs. These placements let you work directly with clients or patients while applying what you have learned about assessment, program design, and communication.

Opportunities to assist with faculty research or join student organizations in the School of Kinesiology provide additional experience. Whether you are interested in performance, community health, or preparation for graduate school, the program encourages you to pursue practical roles that align with your goals.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply fundamental concepts in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor control to explain human movement and exercise responses.
• Conduct safe and valid fitness and performance assessments, interpret the results accurately, and communicate findings in clear language to clients and colleagues.
• Design evidence informed exercise and physical activity programs that address the needs of diverse populations, including youth, adults, and older adults with varying health statuses.
• Demonstrate effective coaching, communication, and behavior change strategies that support long term engagement in physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
• Recognize and address ethical, legal, and professional issues that arise in exercise and fitness settings, including risk management and scope of practice.
• Critically evaluate research in exercise science and translate key findings into practical recommendations for training and health promotion.
• Collaborate effectively with professionals in health care, sport, and community organizations to support integrated approaches to wellness and performance.
• Reflect on personal strengths, professional interests, and career goals to plan appropriate certification, internship, and graduate education pathways.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Applied Exercise Science program are prepared for roles in fitness and wellness centers, strength and conditioning programs, community health organizations, corporate wellness, and related entry level positions. The curriculum also provides a strong foundation for advanced study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, and public health.

Career development support in the School of Kinesiology includes advising, workshops on resumes and interviews, and networking with alumni and employers. Coursework aligned with national certification bodies helps you prepare for credentials in personal training, strength and conditioning, or clinical exercise settings, which can expand job options after graduation.

The University of Michigan reports a graduation rate of around 94%, reflecting strong student support and successful degree completion across many majors, including programs in the School of Kinesiology. This level of student success can be reassuring as you plan a long term path in exercise science and related health professions.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record, including college preparatory coursework in English, math, science, and social science.
• Completion of the Common Application with the University of Michigan specific questions and required application fee or approved fee waiver.
• Official high school transcript showing performance through the end of junior year and any available senior year grades.
• One teacher evaluation and a school report from your counselor or designated school official.
• SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them, following the university test optional policy in effect for your entry term.
• For non native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, MET, or another accepted exam.
• Any additional materials requested for School of Kinesiology applicants, such as short answer responses or program specific questions.

Application Deadlines

The School of Kinesiology follows the general first year application timelines for the University of Michigan. The typical schedule for fall term admission is:

• November 1 – Early Decision application deadline
• November 1 – Early Action application deadline
• February 1 – Regular Decision application deadline for fall term
• February 1 – Application deadline for the summer half term

Early Action and Early Decision applicants usually receive decisions by late December or late January, while Regular Decision applicants typically receive notifications by early April. Enrollment deposits for fall term are generally due by May 1. Transfer and international applicant timelines can differ, so you should review the most recent dates if you are applying from another college or from outside the United States.

Michigan State University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Michigan State University requires a total of 120 credit hours, including general education requirements, major core courses, electives and a required cognate or minor. This full-time degree is typically completed over four years of study.

The program explores human movement, physical activity, health, performance and wellness from a multidimensional perspective – anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, neurological, psychological and social. Students study how exercise and movement affect the body, behavior and quality of life.

The curriculum offers flexibility through a required cognate or minor and gives students the option to shape their studies in directions such as sport medicine, athletic training, strength and conditioning, wellness leadership or preparation for allied health or clinical graduate programs.

Practical learning is embedded via lab-based courses in anatomy, physiology, movement science, biomechanics, exercise physiology and measurement, and through supervised experiential options such as internships, fieldwork or research. These experiences help students apply theoretical knowledge and prepare for real-world roles in health, fitness, rehabilitation or sport.

The major is designed both for students aiming for immediate entry into fitness, wellness or performance-oriented work and for those planning graduate or professional education in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation or sport sciences.

Upon completing all degree requirements – integrative studies, major core, cognate or minor, and elective credits – you graduate with a B.S. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, ready for entry-level employment or further study in exercise science and allied health fields.

Courses and Curriculum

The program begins with foundational courses in chemistry, human anatomy, physiology, human movement, and introductory kinesiology topics. Specifically, students take courses such as general chemistry, human anatomy & physiology and foundational kinesiology courses to build a scientific base in biology, physiology, movement science and basic health concepts.

As you move into the core of the major you take courses covering exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport and exercise psychology, human movement, growth and motor behavior. These classes are often paired with labs that allow you to collect data, analyse human movement, physiology responses, and understand how theory translates into real human performance or wellness assessments.

In upper division study you also complete a cognate or minor, giving flexibility to specialise – for example in coaching, sport nutrition, psychology, or health promotion – alongside required major tracks. The curriculum concludes with an experiential learning component: you choose among supervised internship, physiologically-based internship, fieldwork, undergraduate research, or observation-based athletic-training experiences for your practical credit.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KIN 210 – Principles of Exercise Physiology: Introduces physiological responses to physical activity, including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular systems, and begins to examine how exercise influences health and performance over time.
• KIN 216 – Applied Human Anatomy: Covers anatomical structure, musculoskeletal and skeletal-muscle function in relation to movement and human performance.
• PSL 250 – Introductory Physiology: Provides deeper understanding of physiological systems and prepares you for advanced exercise science and movement analysis courses.
• KIN 310 – Physiological Bases of Physical Activity: Explores adaptations of the human body to exercise, training effects, metabolic regulation, and long-term health impacts of physical activity.
• KIN 330 – Biomechanics of Physical Activity: Applies biomechanical principles to human motion, explores forces, leverage, joint mechanics, movement efficiency and injury prevention in exercise and sport contexts.
• KIN 345 – Sport and Exercise Psychology: Examines psychological, social and behavioral factors that influence physical activity, motivation, adherence, performance, and wellness across populations.
• KIN 360 – Physical Growth and Motor Behavior: Studies developmental, neurological and behavioral aspects of movement, motor learning, motor development and human movement across the lifespan.
• KIN 411 – Laboratory Experiences in Exercise Physiology:  Provides practical training in fitness and health assessment, including testing aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility and program design under supervision.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is built into the major through lab-based courses and an experiential learning requirement. In labs you use tools to measure body composition, cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, movement patterns, and neuromuscular function, mirroring what is used in clinical or sport-performance settings.

For the experiential learning component, you may choose from internships, physiologically-based internships, fieldwork, undergraduate research or athletic-training observation. This flexibility allows you to gain experience in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, clinical, athletic training or sport administration contexts depending on your career interests.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, neurological and psychosocial systems support and adapt to physical activity, movement and exercise across various populations.
• Perform valid and reliable assessments of fitness, movement, body composition, strength, flexibility and physiological response for healthy and special-population clients.
• Interpret assessment data and use scientific evidence to design safe, effective and individualized exercise, health or performance programmes.
• Apply biomechanical, physiological, psychological and behavioral principles to optimize movement efficiency, performance, rehabilitation or wellness across lifespan.
• Communicate assessment results, programme plans and health advice clearly with clients, coaches, health professionals and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate ethical, professional behaviour and cultural sensitivity when working in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, clinical, or performance environments.
• Engage in research or evidence-based practice by analysing scientific literature and applying findings in practical settings or further study.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University are prepared for roles such as fitness and wellness coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiology assistant, movement specialist, rehabilitation aide, athletic training assistant, sport-performance support staff, corporate wellness consultant, or community health and wellness practitioner. The major also provides solid preparation for graduate or professional education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, biomedical research, sport sciences or medicine.

Michigan State University reports a six-year graduation rate of around 82% for its undergraduate programmes, indicating a strong record of student completion.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and meeting Michigan State University’s general admission standards for first-year or transfer students.
• Completion of required integrative studies, writing and preparatory science and mathematics coursework (such as chemistry, algebra, physiology prerequisites) as outlined in the advising guide.
• Minimum grade requirement in foundational and major prerequisite courses (often a grade of C or better) to qualify for upper-division major coursework.
• Declaration of a cognate or minor (12 credit cognate requirement) as part of degree planning to meet program requirements.

Grand Valley State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Grand Valley State University is a four year undergraduate program built around approximately 120 credit hours of study. You complete the university’s general education requirements along with a substantial exercise science core and one of several emphasis areas, so your studies stay strongly focused on movement science while still covering a broad academic base.

The curriculum is aligned with current accreditation expectations in exercise science and is organized so that every student first completes a common set of core courses in human movement, physiology, assessment, and research. After that shared core, you select one emphasis area such as Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance, Physical Activity and Health, or Exercise Science in Health Care, depending on whether you are more interested in athletic performance, community wellness, or preparation for clinical and professional schools.

Core coursework introduces you to anatomy, movement science, exercise physiology, psychosocial aspects of physical activity, evidence based practice, and exercise testing and prescription. These scientifically grounded topics are paired with opportunities to practice leadership, coaching, and communication, so you grow into a well rounded professional who understands both data and people.

The emphasis areas then allow you to build depth. For example, the Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance emphasis adds advanced sport science, strength and conditioning, environmental exercise physiology, and sport performance electives. The Physical Activity and Health emphasis leans toward public health, wellness, health across the lifespan, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The Exercise Science in Health Care emphasis supports students aiming at physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, or physician assistant programs by strengthening their biological and physical science background.

Across the full program, you learn how to read and critique research, plan training and wellness programs, and apply evidence based methods in performance or health related settings. The degree is intentionally structured so that it supports paths into immediate employment in fitness and wellness, as well as accelerated or combined degree options with fields like public health or athletic training if you decide to continue at the graduate level.

After you finish the required core, emphasis courses, general education and free electives, you graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University, backed by lab work, field experiences, and internship hours that you can present to employers or graduate admissions committees.

Courses and Curriculum

The Exercise Science curriculum begins with introductory courses that orient you to the field and establish a strong scientific foundation. You take classes in general biology and chemistry, then move into human movement and basic exercise science where you explore how physical activity relates to health, performance, and chronic disease risk. Early courses also introduce psychosocial aspects of physical activity, so you understand how motivation, culture, and environment shape exercise behavior.

As you progress, you enter the core sequence in exercise physiology, biomechanics of human movement, exercise testing and prescription, and evidence based practice. This is where you start working more intensively in laboratories, practicing fitness assessments, interpreting data, and learning how to translate test results into training or rehabilitation plans. The core is designed so you repeatedly apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

Upper level work shifts into emphasis specific courses and integrative experiences. Depending on your emphasis, you might study sport science, public health and physical activity, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, or advanced physiology and clinical exercise applications. Alongside those courses, you complete fieldwork or internship credits that bring everything together in supervised, real world settings. Throughout the curriculum you build toward independent thinking, responsible decision making, and readiness for certification or further study.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXS 195 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Provides an overview of the exercise science profession, typical career paths, professional organizations, and the scientific foundations of the discipline. You begin to understand how exercise science connects performance, health, and disease prevention.
• EXS 200 – Psychosocial Aspects of Exercise and Physical Activity: Examines motivation, self efficacy, social support, and cultural influences on physical activity. You explore how psychological and social factors affect exercise participation, adherence, and health behavior change.
• EXS 209 – Evidence Based Practice in Exercise Science: Introduces you to reading research articles, understanding study design, interpreting statistics in context, and applying evidence to exercise prescription and program design decisions.:
• EXS 210 – The Science of Human Movement and Exercise: Focuses on the foundational biomechanics and motor control principles behind everyday movement and exercise. You look at joint function, movement patterns, and how forces interact with the body during physical activity.
• EXS 220 – Exercise Instruction and Leadership: Develops practical skills in leading exercise sessions, cueing proper technique, managing groups, and communicating clearly with participants. Emphasis is on safety, professionalism, and inclusive leadership in fitness and wellness settings.
• EXS 320 – Exercise Testing and Prescription: Covers protocols for assessing fitness and health metrics such as aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and body composition. You learn how to use test results to design individualized exercise programs that align with current guidelines.
• EXS 321 – Exercise Testing Laboratory: A lab based course that accompanies testing and prescription, where you administer tests, operate assessment equipment, handle data collection, and refine your ability to interpret real client results.
• EXS 390 – Fieldwork in Exercise Science: Places you in an early field setting where you begin applying classroom knowledge in a supervised environment. You observe professionals, assist with programming, and reflect on how academic content translates into real practice.

Practical Experience

Practical experience is a major strength of the Exercise Science program at Grand Valley State University. Many core and emphasis courses include dedicated lab components where you measure body composition, cardiovascular responses, muscular strength, movement patterns, and functional performance using equipment common in clinical and performance environments.

Beyond labs, you complete structured fieldwork and an internship where you work directly with clients, patients, or performance populations. Internship sites can include hospital based rehabilitation and cardiopulmonary programs, corporate wellness initiatives, community fitness centers, athletics and strength and conditioning settings, or public health organizations.

These experiences help you develop professional communication skills, learn how organizations function day to day, and assemble a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to apply exercise science in real situations.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychosocial systems interact to influence human movement, physical activity, and training adaptations.
• Use valid and reliable testing procedures to assess fitness, movement quality, body composition, and functional capacity in a variety of populations.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings to design safe, effective, and individualized exercise and physical activity programs.
• Apply principles of exercise physiology, sport science, and public health to improve performance, prevent injury, and promote health across the lifespan.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, patients, athletes, and members of interprofessional teams in wellness, clinical, and performance settings.
• Demonstrate ethical decision making, cultural sensitivity, and professional conduct in all exercise science practice environments.
• Evaluate scientific literature, participate in evidence informed practice, and prepare for professional certification or graduate study in related fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science major at Grand Valley State University prepares you for careers such as strength and conditioning specialist, exercise physiologist assistant, wellness coach, cardiac rehabilitation support staff, community health and activity specialist, and fitness program coordinator.

Emphasis areas let you tailor your preparation toward athletic performance, public health and wellness, or pre professional health care pathways. Combined and accelerated options with graduate programs such as public health or athletic training give additional routes if you plan to continue your education.

Grand Valley State University reports a six year graduation rate of about 69%, which reflects strong overall student completion and can give you added confidence in the support and structure available as you work toward your degree.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Grand Valley State University’s general admission standards for first year students or transfer admission requirements for students coming from another college.
• Submission of an application for undergraduate admission, official transcripts from all previous schools, and any required test scores according to current university policy.
• Completion of university general education and basic skills requirements, including foundational coursework in areas such as writing, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Satisfactory completion of prerequisite science and movement courses specified for the Exercise Science major, typically with a minimum grade requirement in key biology, chemistry, and movement science classes.

Application Deadlines

Grand Valley State University accepts applications for fall, winter, and spring/summer entry. Priority deadlines for fall term are typically in the early winter months, with rolling review continuing as space allows. Because the Exercise Science curriculum follows a planned sequence, you are encouraged to submit your application and transcripts well before your intended start term so that advising, course placement, and any internship planning can be completed on time.

Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Central Michigan University is structured around 120 total credit hours (general education, prerequisites, major core, electives and optional cognate), with the core Exercise Science major requiring 52-58 credit hours depending on the track (Clinical Exercise Science, Health Fitness & Performance, or Kinesiology). Students typically complete the degree over four years of full-time study.

The program provides a science-based foundation in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and movement science. Through foundational courses and labs you examine how the body responds to exercise over time, how nutrition, activity levels and physical training influence health and performance outcomes, and how to design safe, effective exercise interventions for individuals or groups.

Early in the curriculum, you also explore general biology, chemistry, emergency response skills, and introductory exercise science topics to prepare you for more advanced work. This gives you a well-rounded understanding of the body’s structure and function and the basics of health fitness, wellness and human movement.

Once you enter the major core, you choose one of the three options (Clinical Exercise Science, Health Fitness & Performance, or Kinesiology), which shape the rest of your coursework and eventual career or graduate-school pathway. These options allow the degree to be tailored to interests in clinical rehab, fitness/wellness, sport performance, or preparation for allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or physician assistant studies.

Hands-on labs, fitness testing, movement analysis, and supervised internships are central to the major. Through lab-based courses and field-work you practice assessment protocols, programme design, and monitoring of training or rehabilitation plans. This practical training helps ensure readiness for real-world roles or advanced study.

On completion of all required courses, electives, and the selected option’s requirements, students graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University prepared for employment, certification, or further graduate/professional education.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational science and general education courses. Early required courses typically include general chemistry, human anatomy and physiology (with labs), introductory exercise science, and emergency response training-all aimed at building a strong basis in biological systems, human movement, and health fundamentals.

Following prerequisites, core major coursework addresses exercise physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology, physiology of sport and exercise, human movement science, and exercise testing and prescription. Many of these include lab and applied components where you collect data, conduct assessments, and analyze human performance or movement under supervision.

As you advance, the program allows specialization through one of three options – Clinical Exercise Science, Health Fitness & Performance, or Kinesiology. Depending on your choice, you take courses tailored to clinical rehabilitation, fitness/wellness leadership, sports performance, or pre-health preparation. You also complete electives and may choose a related minor or cognate to meet degree requirements, adding flexibility and breadth to your education.

• HSC 190 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Survey course introducing exercise science fields, career pathways, and foundational principles of human movement, fitness, health and wellness.
• HSC 214 – Human Anatomy: Provides detailed study of musculoskeletal structure, skeletal-muscle function, joints, and movement-related anatomy as a basis for further biomechanics and physiology study.
• HSC 215 – Human Physiology: Covers how body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, neuromuscular) function and respond to exercise and stress, forming basis for exercise physiology and rehabilitation courses.
• HSC 216 – Biomechanics and Kinesiology: Studies principles of human movement, mechanics, joint kinetics, motion analysis and how biomechanics informs programming for health, performance or rehabilitation.
• HSC 308 – Physiology of Sport and Exercise: Explores acute and chronic adaptations to exercise and training, metabolic and cardiovascular responses, neuromuscular adaptation, and exercise prescription considerations.
• HSC 205 – Responding to Emergencies: Teaches first-aid, CPR and emergency procedures, preparing students to respond to injuries or acute events in exercise, fitness or clinical settings.
• Exercise Testing and Prescription / Fieldwork Courses:  Provide applied training in assessment protocols, designing individualized exercise or rehab plans, and supervised practical experience with clients, patients or performance populations.

Practical Experience

The program emphasizes hands-on labs and field-based learning. You work in human performance labs, participate in movement analysis, body composition measurement, exercise testing, physiological assessments, and use relevant equipment under supervision – preparing you to operate in clinical, fitness or performance environments.

Students also complete internships or clinical placements based on their selected option (clinical rehab, fitness, health promotion, or sport performance). These internships provide real-world experience working with clients, patients, or athletes and help build professional skills, confidence, and a work portfolio for future employment or graduate-school applications.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how human anatomy and physiology support movement, exercise response and adaptations across populations.
• Use reliable and valid assessment protocols to measure fitness, movement quality, body composition, cardiovascular and neuromuscular function.
• Interpret assessment and lab data to design safe, individualized exercise, wellness or rehabilitation programmes.
• Apply biomechanical and movement-science principles to optimize movement efficiency, reduce injury risk and improve performance or health outcomes.
• Integrate nutrition, exercise prescription and behaviour-change principles to support client fitness, health or rehabilitation goals.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour when working with clients, patients, or performance populations including emergency response readiness.
• Prepare for certification or continued education (e.g. graduate school, allied-health professional programmes) in exercise physiology, physical therapy, athletic training, or wellness management.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates from Central Michigan University’s Exercise Science major enter careers like clinical exercise physiologist assistant, strength and conditioning coach, fitness and wellness specialist, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation staff, health-fitness instructor, personal trainer, or support roles in athletic training and sports performance settings. For those on the clinical or kinesiology tracks, many proceed to graduate or professional education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, or exercise physiology.

Central Michigan University reports a six-year graduation rate of around 62%, reflecting the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduates who complete their bachelor’s degree within six years.

Admissions Requirements

• Meet Central Michigan University’s general admission requirements for first-year or transfer students (high school diploma or equivalent, required high school coursework, transcripts).
• To enter the Exercise Science major: complete at least 36 semester hours with minimum GPA 2.5, including required prerequisites (e.g. chemistry, anatomy/physiology, emergency response course) with no grade lower than C.
• Satisfy the university mathematics competency requirement.
• After admission to the major, maintain a minimum GPA (overall and in required courses) and achieve C or better in major-specific courses to progress.

University of Michigan-Flint

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Hybrid On-Campus and Online)

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at University of Michigan-Flint is a 120 credit hour undergraduate degree that can be completed in a traditional four year plan or an accelerated three year format. Courses are delivered in a mix of face to face and online formats, giving you flexibility while still providing access to campus laboratories and facilities.

Housed in the College of Health Sciences, the program focuses on the science of movement and physical activity and how exercise affects health, performance, and chronic disease risk. You study how the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, and metabolic systems respond to physical activity and learn how to translate that knowledge into practical exercise programming.

The curriculum is designed to prepare you for nationally recognized certifications as an exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning specialist, while also meeting prerequisites commonly required for graduate study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, athletic training, and kinesiology. In this way, the degree supports both direct entry into the workforce and long term professional plans.

Across your studies you move from foundational science courses into specialized exercise science classes that highlight assessment, program design, and clinical or performance applications. Faculty bring clinical and research experience into the classroom, so lectures are closely tied to current practice and professional standards in health and human performance.

Because UM-Flint is a regional campus of the University of Michigan, you benefit from small class sizes and individual academic advising alongside access to research opportunities, community partnerships, and a student run pro bono clinic. These experiences help you see how exercise science contributes to community wellness and interprofessional health care teams.

By the time you complete the 120 credit hour program, including general education, major requirements, fieldwork, and a structured internship, you graduate with an Exercise Science degree that combines scientific depth, practical skills, and flexible learning options through both on campus and online coursework.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, statistics, and introductory health sciences. Early exercise science classes introduce you to the profession, the language of human movement, and basic concepts in physical activity and health. You start to connect classroom discussions with your own experiences of fitness, sport, and wellness while developing college level study habits and scientific thinking.

As you move into the exercise science core, you take courses that explore exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and physical activity across the lifespan. These courses emphasize measurement and analysis, so you learn how to collect data in lab environments, interpret test results, and apply findings when you design exercise programs. Hybrid delivery allows some material to be completed online, while key labs and skills based activities take place on campus using specialized equipment.

Upper level courses shift toward more applied and clinically oriented topics such as exercise testing and prescription, exercise for special populations, and advanced exercise physiology. You also complete fieldwork and an internship in a fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, or sport performance setting. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis is placed on evidence informed practice, ethical decision making, and preparation for professional certification exams and graduate applications.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXS 180 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Provides an overview of the exercise science profession, major career pathways, and the role of exercise in health care and performance. You learn about professional organizations, basic terminology, and how different subdisciplines of exercise science fit together.
• EXS 220 – Physical Activity Across the Lifespan: Examines how physical activity needs and capabilities change from childhood through older adulthood. The course considers growth and development, age related physiological changes, and strategies for promoting activity in diverse age groups.
• EXS 240 – Basics of Exercise Testing and Prescription: Introduces fundamental assessment techniques for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. You learn to interpret results and write basic exercise prescriptions that align with established guidelines for healthy populations.
• EXS 300 – Motor Control of Movement: Focuses on how the nervous system organizes and controls human movement. Topics include motor learning, coordination, balance, and the implications of motor control principles for skill acquisition, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
• EXS 301 – Special Topics in Exercise Physiology: Explores selected advanced topics such as environmental influences on exercise, high intensity interval training, fatigue mechanisms, or sex specific considerations in training. Content varies and allows you to deepen your understanding of current research in exercise physiology.
• EXS 320 – Exercise Prescription and Programming: Builds on earlier testing courses to develop more complex exercise programs for individuals and small groups. You learn how to progress training plans, modify programs for special populations, and integrate behavior change strategies to support adherence.
• EXS 440 – Clinical Exercise Physiology: Emphasizes the application of exercise science principles in clinical and medically supervised environments. You study cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic conditions and learn how exercise is used as part of treatment and secondary prevention.
• EXS 495 – Internship in Exercise Science: A culminating supervised field experience in a setting such as cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, hospital based fitness, community health, or strength and conditioning. You apply your academic preparation with real clients and interdisciplinary teams while reflecting on professional roles and responsibilities.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is a defining feature of the Exercise Science program at University of Michigan-Flint. Many core courses include laboratory components where you practice taking blood pressure, measuring heart rate responses, assessing body composition, and conducting submaximal and functional fitness tests. You gain familiarity with equipment commonly used in clinical and performance settings.

Beyond lab work, you complete at least one structured fieldwork experience followed by a capstone internship. Fieldwork introduces you to day to day operations in community wellness centers, hospital based programs, campus recreation, or allied health clinics. The internship then places you in a more intensive role where you assist with screening, program design, exercise supervision, and outcome tracking under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Students also have the option to participate in research projects through undergraduate research programs or to engage with community partners via the HEART student run clinic and other outreach activities. These experiences help you build a resume that highlights both scientific skills and direct client interaction.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical systems interact to support human movement and exercise responses in healthy and clinical populations.
• Use valid and reliable protocols to assess fitness, movement quality, and functional capacity, and interpret the resulting data accurately.
• Design safe, effective, and evidence informed exercise programs that address individual goals, health status, and environmental constraints.
• Apply principles of motor control, motor learning, and behavior change to improve skill acquisition, adherence, and long term physical activity participation.
• Demonstrate professional communication, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision making when working with clients, patients, athletes, and interprofessional teams.
• Critically evaluate research literature in exercise science and translate key findings into practical recommendations for assessment and programming.
• Prepare for nationally recognized certifications and for graduate level study in fields such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or physician assistant studies.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science degree at University of Michigan-Flint is structured to prepare you for a wide range of careers in health and human performance. Coursework and practical experiences support roles such as exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation assistant, wellness coach, strength and conditioning coach, fitness center manager, personal trainer, and health promotion specialist.

Emphasis on certification preparation helps you work toward credentials such as American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist or National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

The program is also positioned as a strong pre professional pathway. With appropriate planning you can complete prerequisites for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiology, athletic training, or physician assistant studies. University of Michigan-Flint reports an overall graduation rate of about 45%, providing context for overall student completion outcomes as you consider long term planning and support structures at the institution.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets University of Michigan-Flint general admission standards for first year students, including completion of college preparatory coursework in English, mathematics, and natural sciences.
• Submission of an undergraduate admission application, official transcripts from all previous schools, and any required standardized test scores as outlined in current UM-Flint admission policies.
• Completion of university general education and basic skills requirements, including introductory biology, chemistry, and statistics, either before or early in the degree plan.
• Satisfactory completion of designated prerequisite courses for the Exercise Science major with minimum grade requirements, as specified in the official curriculum guide.

Application Deadlines

University of Michigan-Flint offers multiple entry terms each year, commonly including fall and winter semesters, with some summer options. Applications are generally reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority consideration for the Exercise Science program and for scholarships is typically given to students who submit all materials several months before the start of the intended term.