Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in New York [2026 Guide]

Exercise science programs in New York State give you many ways to study human movement, performance, and health, whether you plan to work in fitness, strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation, or prepare for graduate study in allied health fields.

From kinesiology focused majors at SUNY campuses like SUNY Cortland and SUNY Brockport to clinically oriented options at Mercy University and Adelphi University, you can choose programs that match your career goals.

New York students also have access to options like Syracuse University’s Health and Exercise Science major and online friendly associate pathways through SUNY and community colleges.

Best Exercise Science Programs in New York

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering exercise programs in New York:

• SUNY Cortland
• SUNY Brockport
• Mercy University
• Adelphi University
• Syracuse University
• Hudson Valley Community College

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

SUNY Cortland

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at SUNY Cortland is built around the science of human movement, health, and performance within the university’s Kinesiology Department. The program connects classroom learning with applied practice so you can understand how exercise influences fitness, disease risk, and quality of life.

This degree requires 120 credit hours for graduation and is typically completed in four years of full time study. The curriculum combines general education, math and science, and exercise science theory requirements, giving you a strong foundation in biological and behavioral sciences that support advanced work in exercise physiology and biomechanics.

Math and science requirements introduce you to chemistry, physics, statistics, anatomy, and physiology so that you can interpret research, understand clinical concepts, and communicate effectively with professionals across health care and performance settings. Exercise science theory courses then build on that base with focused study in kinesiology, research methods, and ethical decision making in sport and exercise.

Within the major, you move from introductory survey courses into applied classes that examine movement analysis, training principles, pathophysiology, and psychosocial factors that influence physical activity. This sequencing prepares you for national certifications and for graduate programs in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, and other allied health fields.

The program also encourages you to explore elective pathways that can align with interests such as strength and conditioning, clinical exercise, sport psychology, or pre professional preparation. Through careful advising, you can select lab based and field based courses that match your long term career plans while still meeting major requirements.

Because SUNY Cortland is a member of the American Kinesiology Association and has one of the largest undergraduate kinesiology enrollments on campus, the exercise science major benefits from specialized labs, an active departmental community, and opportunities to connect with faculty engaged in current research on exercise and health.

Courses and Curriculum

The exercise science curriculum at SUNY Cortland is organized to move you from broad introductory knowledge into advanced, evidence based practice. Early in the program you study general education, math, and science courses while beginning to learn the language of kinesiology and exercise testing. Later semesters focus on research skills, ethical issues, and detailed study of how the body responds to acute and chronic exercise.

As you progress, required theory courses in areas such as anatomical kinesiology, statistics in exercise science, and social issues in sport help you understand both the biological mechanisms of movement and the broader context of physical activity in society. Lab experiences and applied assignments reinforce lecture content so that you can interpret data, evaluate client needs, and design training programs that are safe and effective.

Upper division coursework emphasizes critical thinking about professional practice. You examine ethical questions, learn how to read and conduct research, and integrate knowledge from physiology, psychology, and biomechanics. By the time you enter advanced classes and any internship or capstone experiences, you are prepared to bridge theory and real world application in fitness, performance, or clinical settings.

• EXS 100 – Introduction to Kinesiology: Surveys the major subdisciplines in kinesiology and exercise science, introduces career pathways, and helps you understand how fields like biomechanics, motor behavior, and exercise physiology work together to improve health and performance.
• EXS 201 – Statistics in Exercise Science: Builds your ability to interpret research findings by covering descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in exercise science studies, with practical examples drawn from testing, training, and health outcomes.
• EXS 250 – Research Skills in Kinesiology: Develops skills in research design, literature review, data collection, and reporting so you can evaluate scientific evidence and prepare for future graduate work or data based professional roles.
• EXS 290 – Social Problems and Issues in Sport and Exercise: Examines how social forces, equity concerns, and cultural patterns influence participation in sport and physical activity, helping you understand clients and communities more completely.
• EXS 310 – Ethical Issues in Kinesiology: Explores ethical decision making in areas such as client confidentiality, informed consent, professional scope of practice, and responsible conduct in both research and applied settings.
• EXS 315 – Anatomical Kinesiology: Focuses on musculoskeletal anatomy and joint mechanics so you can analyze movement patterns, understand injury mechanisms, and design exercises that match a client’s structure and limitations.
• EXS 325 – Principles of Strength and Conditioning: Covers evidence based training principles, periodization models, and practical programming strategies to improve strength, power, and endurance for a wide range of populations.
• EXS 346 – Sport Psychology: Introduces psychological factors that influence performance and adherence, including motivation, confidence, anxiety management, and group dynamics in sport and exercise environments.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXS 420 – Biomechanics of Human Movement
• EXS 432 – Exercise Testing and Prescription
• EXS 436 – Clinical Exercise Physiology
• EXS 438 – Strength and Conditioning Practicum
• EXS 344 – Medical Terminology for Health Professions
• EXS 455 – Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology of Exercise

Practical Experience

Practical learning is a central feature of the exercise science major at SUNY Cortland. Lab based courses allow you to work directly with equipment for assessing body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and functional movement, so you become comfortable with standardized testing protocols and safety procedures.

Depending on your elective choices and concentration, you can gain experience in clinical style assessments, strength and conditioning applications, or community fitness and wellness initiatives. Many students participate in internships or field experiences that connect them with cardiac rehabilitation programs, strength and conditioning roles, corporate wellness, or community health organizations.

These applied opportunities help you practice communication skills, refine your coaching methods, and build a professional network across health, fitness, and sport performance settings in New York and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply core concepts in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to analyze human movement and exercise responses.
• Design safe and effective exercise programs that are tailored to diverse populations across the lifespan.
• Interpret exercise science research and use statistical reasoning to inform evidence based practice.
• Conduct health and fitness assessments using valid and reliable protocols, then communicate results clearly to clients and professionals.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in clinical, fitness, and sport performance environments.
• Evaluate social and psychological factors that affect physical activity participation, adherence, and performance.
• Prepare for advanced study or professional certifications in areas such as strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation, or allied health professions.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The SUNY Cortland exercise science program is designed as a strong platform for careers in fitness, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, clinical exercise settings, and for graduate study in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology. Coursework and lab experiences align with competencies tested by certification organizations such as ACSM and NSCA, helping you prepare for professional credentialing.

Students benefit from the broader institutional outcomes of SUNY Cortland, which reports an overall graduation rate of about 68 percent for bachelor’s degree seekers.

Graduates pursue roles in personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, wellness coaching, community and corporate fitness, and cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation support. Many also go on to professional or graduate programs in physical therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and other health related disciplines.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong college preparatory background, including math and science coursework.
• Completed SUNY or Common Application with required fee or approved fee waiver.
• Official high school transcript and any applicable college transcripts for transfer applicants.
• At least one letter of recommendation, typically from a teacher or counselor, for first year applicants.
• Standardized test scores are optional under SUNY Cortland’s current test optional policy, so you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT results.

Application Deadlines

SUNY Cortland offers an early action option for first year applicants with a recommended deadline of November 15. Applying by this date allows your application to be reviewed early without a binding commitment.

Beyond early action, SUNY Cortland uses a rolling admissions process, and applications are reviewed as they become complete. The university encourages first year students to apply as early as possible for fall entry to receive full consideration for spaces in the incoming class. Transfer students are generally encouraged to apply by March 1 for fall admission and by December 1 for spring admission.

SUNY Brockport

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at SUNY Brockport requires completion of approximately 120 credit hours for the overall degree. The major itself requires 66 credit hours of department coursework including core requirements and a 17‐credit concentration. Students choose between two concentrations: Exercise for Health Promotion or Strength and Conditioning.

The Exercise for Health Promotion concentration is designed for students interested in working with general populations or clinical exercise settings. It includes coursework such as chemistry, exercise testing, and cardiac rehabilitation to prepare for certifications and graduate study.

The Strength and Conditioning concentration is tailored for students who wish to work with athletes and develop strength‐training expertise; it includes topics like advanced weight training, power development, and training program design.

Within both concentrations you will build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, nutrition, and assessment. The curriculum emphasizes understanding how the human body responds and adapts to exercise, how movement mechanics work, and how to design and implement safe and effective programs for diverse populations.

Practical elements are integrated throughout the major. Lab‐based and practicum courses help you apply learned principles in real‐world settings, and the program supports internships or research experiences. Graduates earn the B.S. in Exercise Science and are positioned to enter employment in fitness, wellness or sport settings or to pursue advanced studies in exercise physiology, athletic training or allied health fields.

SunY Brockport’s dedicated faculty in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education provide labs, mentoring and pathways for students interested in professional certification and transfer into graduate programs. Advising helps you align your concentration and electives to match your career goals.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with general education requirements together with major prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology I & II. That ensures you develop a baseline in biological systems. Then core required courses within the major support your development in movement science, biomechanics, physiology of exercise, and nutrition.

In upper division coursework you engage in deeper study: biomechanics of human movement, physiological responses and adaptations to training, motor learning and performance, and advanced strength or health promotion topics depending on your chosen concentration. Lab and practicum experiences are embedded so you apply the theory in realistic tasks.

In the final part of the program you complete a concentration of 17 credits and a required internship or practicum course that allows you to work in a fitness, wellness, athletic or clinical environment under supervision. This applied experience helps bridge classroom learning and professional practice.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• BIO 321 – Anatomy and Physiology I: Covers structure and function of human body systems with lab to apply dissection, microscopy and anatomical models.
• BIO 322 – Anatomy and Physiology II: Continues anatomical and physiological study with emphasis on systems most relevant to exercise science such as musculoskeletal and endocrine systems.
• PES 325 – Kinesiological Bases for Exercise and Sport: Examines fundamental mechanics of human movement, including muscle action, joint function and motor control as applied to exercise science.
• PES 335 – Physiological Bases for Exercise and Sport: Focuses on how bodies respond to acute exercise and adapt to chronic training, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems.
• PES 420 – Biomechanical Skill Analyses: Uses motion capture, force measurement and video analysis to study performance and injury reduction in sport and exercise contexts.
• PES 415 – Nutrition for Exercise and Sport: Covers how nutrients support training, performance, and recovery across lifespans and populations.
• PEP 455 – Practicum for Exercise Programming: A supervised field experience where you design and implement exercise programmes for clients or athletes, drawing on previous coursework.
• PEP 458 – Internship in Exercise Science: A culminating experience where you engage in a professional setting, apply assessment and programming skills, and integrate your exercise science knowledge in real practice.

Popular Elective Courses

• PES 350 – History of Sport, Play and Exercise
• PES 430 – Exercise Testing and Prescription
• PES 439 – Motor Learning
• PES 401 – Physical Activity in Adulthood
• PES 405 – Obesity in Society
• PES 445 – Social Psychology of Sport

Practical Experience

Practicum (PEP 455) and internship (PEP 458) courses deliver hands‐on experience. Students work in fitness, performance, or clinical settings where they administer assessments, design exercise programmes, monitor client progress and reflect on their professional growth. These field experiences connect lab and classroom learning with real world applications.

Lab courses in biomechanics, physiology and movement analysis provide you with practical skills such as motion capture, strength testing, metabolic assessment and program evaluation. These tools support both employment readiness and graduate school preparation.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply biomechanical, physiological and nutrition principles to design effective exercise programmes.
• Conduct and interpret standard field and laboratory assessments of fitness, movement and performance.
• Design safe, individualized training programmes for healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions.
• Communicate exercise science information clearly to clients, colleagues and health professionals.
• Demonstrate understanding of ethical issues, risk management and program administration in exercise settings.
• Use research and evidence based methods to inform decision making in exercise science practice.
• Prepare for graduate study or certification in allied health, strength and conditioning or fitness professions.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the SUNY Brockport Exercise Science major enter fields including fitness specialist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, athletic performance technician or cardiac rehabilitation aide. Many also move on to graduate or professional study in allied health, exercise physiology or athletic training. The college reports a graduation rate of about 68% for undergraduate students which reflects solid student completion and program support.

Admissions Requirements

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent with strong preparation in science and math.
• Submission of the college’s application and official transcripts for all prior coursework.
• Minimum institutional GPA and required prerequisite course grades such as a “C+” or better in PES 335 before transitioning to full major status.
• A minimum in‐major GPA of 2.75 and completion of at least 12 credits at SUNY Brockport before formal declaration of the major.

Application Deadlines

For fall entry SUNY Brockport encourages application by November 1 for priority consideration. Transfer applicants should follow the college’s published schedule for documentation and deadlines. International students should check for additional requirements and deadlines on the admissions site.

Mercy University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Mercy University is a 120-credit hour undergraduate degree offered by the School of Health and Natural Sciences. It is structured for full-time completion in roughly four years, with two distinct tracks: Clinical Track and Performance Track.

The Clinical Track prepares you for graduate study in fields such as physical therapy, exercise physiology and athletic training. It emphasises science-based coursework with strong foundations in anatomy, physiology, chemistry and research methods. The Performance Track focuses on strength and conditioning, performance coaching, wellness programming and personal training for athletes and general populations.

In both tracks you will study human movement, exercise testing, program design, behavior change and health-risk assessment. You will learn how to conduct fitness assessments, interpret results and build exercise interventions for healthy, athletic and special-population clients. The curriculum is aligned with professional certification objectives from bodies such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Applied learning is built into the major through labs, strength and performance testing, movement analysis, and supervised field placements. You will use cutting-edge equipment in a dedicated exercise science lab and engage in experiences that simulate professional roles in fitness, rehabilitation and sport performance.

Advising and small class sizes support your development and help you tailor your electives and internship to your career goals. On graduation you will have earned your B.S. in Exercise Science and be prepared for employment in fitness, wellness, sport performance or to continue into graduate‐level allied health study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with general education courses and prerequisite science classes, such as anatomy and physiology I & II, nutrition, introductory kinesiology and research methods. These early components give you the foundational knowledge needed for deeper study in exercise science.

Once you enter the major, core courses build on that base with subjects such as exercise physiology with lab, biomechanics, motor learning, strength and conditioning, and fitness assessment. These courses combine lecture, lab work and applied projects so you gain both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in movement and performance analysis.

In your upper-division years you select your track difference and complete specialised electives plus a major internship or capstone experience where you apply what you have learned. For example, you may work with athletes, train clients, assist in clinical settings or conduct a research project under supervision.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 110 – Foundations of Exercise Science: Introduces the field of exercise science, covers career pathways, testing protocols, basics of movement analysis and ethical considerations in the profession.
• EXSC 230 – Applied Motor Learning: Focuses on how people learn movement skills, how feedback and practice structure influence performance and retention, and how to apply these principles in training and therapy contexts.
• EXSC 285 – Principles of Strength and Conditioning: Explores resistance training techniques, periodization, monitoring progress and designing training programmes for athletes and general populations.
• EXSC 460 – Exercise Physiology: Examines how the human body responds and adapts to acute and chronic exercise; topics include cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular and endocrine systems.
• EXSC 490 – Exercise Testing and Prescription: Teaches screening, testing, interpretation of data and development of exercise programmes for healthy and special-population clients; includes lab work.
• EXSC 492 – Exercise Prescription for Special Populations: Builds on prior knowledge to design and evaluate exercise programmes for individuals with chronic diseases, disabilities or performance restrictions.
• EXSC 493 – Exercise Science Capstone: A culminating course where you integrate applied assessment, programme design, professional communication and reflection on your practicum experience.
• EXSC 495 – Exercise Science Internship: Provides supervised field placement (usually several hundred hours) in a fitness, wellness, athletic or clinical setting where you apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment.

Practical Experience

Lab work is integrated throughout the program so you use equipment for strength testing, body composition, metabolic assessment, movement analysis and rehabilitation programming. These labs provide you with real measurement skills and professional familiarity with equipment used in fitness and health settings.

During the internship phase you will be placed in a professional environment such as a strength and conditioning facility, athletic training room, wellness centre or rehabilitation clinic. Under supervision you will conduct assessments, design exercise plans, deliver training sessions and evaluate outcomes—building your professional competencies and network.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor behaviour integrate to support human movement and exercise adaptation.
• Use valid assessment protocols and interpret data for fitness, movement quality and performance in healthy and at-risk populations.
• Design safe, evidence based exercise programmes tailored to individual needs including athletes, older adults and clients with chronic conditions.
• Apply strength and conditioning or wellness programming strategies aligned with client goals, professional standards and ethical practice.
• Communicate assessment findings, programme rationale and outcomes clearly to clients, coaches and health professionals.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour and ethical decision-making in exercise science settings and prepare for relevant certification exams.
• Prepare for graduate study or professional work in exercise physiology, athletic training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning or allied health fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates from the Mercy University Exercise Science program are ready for roles like strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, wellness programme specialist, athletic trainer assistant or personal fitness trainer. The Clinical Track supports pathways into graduate or professional programmes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or exercise physiology. The Performance Track prepares you for high demand fields in sport, fitness and wellness coaching.

Mercy University reports that nearly all students in the Exercise Science program are either employed or enrolled in graduate study within one year after graduation which indicates strong placement and student success outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent meeting Mercy University freshman admission standards.
• Completed application, official high school transcript and any required test scores submitted by the deadline.
• Satisfactory performance in prior science and mathematics courses is strongly recommended (biology, chemistry, anatomy, algebra or statistics).
• Completion of at least 30 undergraduate credits at Mercy if transferring into the program to count major credits toward graduation.

Application Deadlines

Freshman applicants are encouraged to apply by March 1 for fall semester entry; transfer students should submit applications by April 1 and review special deadlines for athletic training or performance internships. Always verify current dates on Mercy University’s admissions website.

Adelphi University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Adelphi University requires 120 credit hours and is designed for completion in four years of full-time study at the Garden City, New York campus. The major itself requires 60 credits—41 credits of core exercise-science coursework and 19 credits of approved electives. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required for continuation in the major.

The program integrates coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, nutrition, and assessment methods, with practical lab experiences and internships embedded into the course sequence. Students may choose from tracks tailored toward strength and conditioning, personal training, wellness leadership, or preparation for graduate study in allied health or clinical fields.

Adelphi’s dedicated laboratories—including the Human Performance Laboratory equipped with DXA scanning, force plate systems, electromyography and metabolic testing—give you access to professional-grade assessment tools and research equipment early in the curriculum. This platform helps you develop technical competence and professional experience.

Faculty-mentored internships and practicum experiences link the classroom with real-world environments such as hospital cardiac rehabilitation departments, sport performance centers, wellness programmes, and strength-conditioning facilities. These opportunities help build your professional network and deepen your applied skills.

Whether you aspire to work as a strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, wellness programme manager or prepare for graduate school in physical therapy or athletic training, this B.S. degree provides the foundational knowledge, applied experience and advising support to help you move toward your goals.

Graduation from the program awards the B.S. in Exercise Science from Adelphi University and positions you for roles in exercise leadership, fitness assessment, performance training or further professional study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curricular structure begins with general education requirements, foundational science courses, and introductory exercise science classes. These early semesters build the base you need to understand human movement, assessment and programming.

As you advance into the major you take core courses such as anatomy & physiology I & II, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behaviour, nutrition in physical activity, and research methods. Many of these include laboratories where you gain hands-on experience conducting tests, analysing data and interpreting results.

In the upper-division segment you complete concentration-specific electives, advanced assessment and prescription courses, and a practicum or internship that places you in professional settings. These applied components allow you to apply what you’ve learned, refine your professional skills and transition into workplace or graduate-study readiness.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• ESC 0854-104 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Explores career pathways in exercise science, introduces key concepts in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and professional practice in movement science.
• BIO 0105-203 – Anatomy & Physiology I: Provides a systems-level overview of human anatomy and physiology with lab work to teach you structure-function relationships relevant to movement and exercise.
• ESC 0854-463 – Exercise Physiology: Examines how the human body responds to acute and chronic exercise, including adaptations in cardiovascular, metabolic and neuromuscular systems. Includes laboratory testing of fitness and metabolism.
• ESC 0854-472 – Techniques of Athletic Training: Introduces injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance enhancement methods for athletes and active populations. Covers evaluation, programme design and applied training techniques.
• ESC 0854-503 – Sport & Exercise Psychology: Focuses on psychological factors affecting physical activity, training adherence, motivation, behaviour change and performance in athletic and general fitness populations.
• ESC 0854-563 – Exercise Testing and Prescription: Teaches how to design, implement and evaluate exercise programmes for healthy and special-population clients, using assessment data and evidence-based guidelines.
• ESC 0854-564 – Nutrition & Physical Activity: Covers the interaction between nutrition, physical activity and health. You learn how to integrate dietary and movement strategies for performance and wellness.
• ESC 0854-498 – Practicum in Exercise Science: A field-experience course where you apply assessment, programme design and professional communication in a supervised setting such as a fitness facility, clinic or sport performance centre.

Practical Experience

Hands-on learning is built into the exercise science major at Adelphi University. Students use professional measurement equipment including DXA scanning, force plates, electromyography and metabolic carts in the Human Performance Laboratory. These experiences give you familiarity with tools used in applied movement science and research settings.

Your capstone practicum or internship places you in partner institutions such as hospital cardiac rehabilitation units, strength and conditioning centres, wellness programmes or sports performance labs. Under supervision you carry out assessments, programme design and client interaction, helping you refine your skills, build your professional network and transition into employment or graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical and behavioural systems interrelate in human movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid and reliable field and laboratory methods to assess fitness, movement quality and performance outcomes.
• Interpret assessment data and evidence-based research to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions for healthy and special-population clients.
• Apply strength and conditioning, wellness coaching or movement-quality improvement programmes aligned to client goals and professional standards.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and interdisciplinary teams about assessment findings, programme rationale and outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour, ethical decision-making and readiness for certification or graduate study in exercise science, allied health or sport performance fields.
• Prepare for graduate or professional study in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, athletic training or strength and conditioning.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The B.S. in Exercise Science from Adelphi University equips graduates for careers as strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, wellness directors, and sport performance specialists. Many graduates move on to advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programmes or exercise science research. Through partnerships with fitness and clinical institutions, students engage in internships and mentoring that help them build their professional professional pathways.

Adelphi University reports that about 70% of its undergraduates earn their bachelor’s degree within six years. This reflects favourable outcomes for student completion in the context of a private university with strong support structures.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a college preparatory curriculum including biology, chemistry, mathematics and English.
• Submission of application via the university portal with official high school transcripts and required test scores (if applicable) by published deadlines.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in the major is required once you enter Exercise Science coursework for progression.
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as biology and chemistry with grade C or better before taking upper-division major courses.

Application Deadlines

For fall semester entry Adelphi University recommends applying by March 15 for best consideration. Transfer applicant deadlines vary and international student deadlines may be earlier—check the admissions site for current term dates.

Syracuse University

Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science at Syracuse University is housed in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and builds a strong science-based foundation in human movement, performance, anatomy, physiology, and behavior in the context of physical activity.

This program combines coursework in natural sciences, human anatomy & physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, nutrition, and research methods to prepare you for careers in performance, wellness, clinical environments or for further graduate study. You will engage in both classroom and laboratory experiences designed to deepen your understanding of how physical activity affects health and performance.

You may choose among three paths within the program: a general Health and Exercise Science path, a Pre-Physical Therapy path, or a 3+3 accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy path in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Internship and research opportunities are built into the program through 270-hour professional internships, faculty-mentored research projects and field work that include hospital settings, professional sport performance facilities and community health programs. These experiences bridge theory and applied practice.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares you to interpret research, apply testing and measurement tools, and design safe and effective exercise programmes for various populations. On successful completion, you will earn the B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Syracuse University and be prepared for immediate professional roles or advanced graduate training.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with university general education requirements along with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, statistics, anatomy & physiology and introductory exercise science. These early courses ensure you develop the scientific literacy and critical thinking skills required for upper-division study.

As you progress, you move into core major courses such as physiology of exercise, analysis of human motion, scientific principles of conditioning, motor behavior across the lifespan, measurement and evaluation in exercise science, and nutrition in health. Many of these include laboratory or field components so you practice applying what you learn in live contexts.

In the final phase of the programme you complete advanced electives aligning to your chosen path, undertake the major internship (typically a 270-hour professional placement), and engage in a capstone or research experience. This phase is designed to connect your academic knowledge with real world work in fitness, performance, wellness or clinical settings.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXE 195 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Introduces basic concepts of human movement, fitness, wellness, and professional opportunities in exercise science.
• EXE 339 – Physiology of Exercise: Examines how cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, metabolic and neuromuscular systems respond and adapt to exercise and training.
• EXE 408 – Analysis of Human Motion: Applies biomechanical and movement-analysis techniques, including motion capture and force-plate data, to human performance and rehabilitation contexts.
• EXE 436 – Scientific Principles of Conditioning: Explores resistance training, periodization, strength development, speed and power, and safe techniques for performance enhancement.
• EXE 462 – Cardiac Rehabilitation: Focuses on exercise testing, prescription and programming for individuals with cardiovascular disease or risk factors and transitioning to clinical roles.
• EXE 444 – Kinesiology for Athletic Performance and Injury Prevention: Studies injury mechanisms, neuromuscular training, biomechanics interventions and performance optimization techniques.
• EXE 499 – Internship in Exercise Science: A supervised professional placement where you apply assessment, design programmes, monitor clients, and reflect on professional practice in a setting such as a hospital, fitness facility or sports performance centre.
• EXE 471 – Pediatric Obesity: Investigates the causes, consequences and exercise-based interventions for obesity in youth and how physical activity programmes can be designed for children and adolescents.

Practical Experience

Syracuse University’s programme features a required professional internship of approximately 270 hours in settings such as hospitals, wellness programmes, collegiate athletics, or performance labs. Through this experience you apply exercise testing, programme design and client interaction under supervision.

In addition to the internship, the degree benefits from faculty-led research laboratories including a Cardiovascular Laboratory, Kinesmetrics Laboratory, Clinical Research Laboratory and an altitude/hypoxia simulation chamber. These labs offer undergraduate researcher roles and projects where you collect and analyse human movement or physiological data, helping you develop analytic skills and professional credentials.

Learning Outcomes

• Synthesize principles from natural sciences such as biology, chemistry and mathematics to support study of exercise science.
• Explain human anatomical and physiological function and how systems interact during exercise and training.
• Illustrate how metabolic, muscle, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems underline human physical performance and adaptation.
• Interpret and critique research findings and apply those findings in exercise-science contexts.
• Demonstrate exercise testing protocols to measure human performance in laboratory and field environments.
• Design safe and effective exercise and physical-activity programmes for diverse populations in performance, wellness or clinical settings.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical reasoning and readiness for careers or graduate study in exercise, health- and performance-related fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Health and Exercise Science B.S. at Syracuse University are prepared for careers such as exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme director, health and fitness consultant, or research assistant. Many choose to continue into graduate‐level or professional programmes in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, sport performance and clinical exercise physiology.

Syracuse University reports that approximately 71% of undergraduates complete their bachelor’s degree within six years, demonstrating strong student success and retention at the institution.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of Syracuse University’s first year application including official transcripts and any required test scores or optional test results.
• Satisfactory performance in math and science preparatory courses such as biology, chemistry, physics and algebra or statistics.
• Formal declaration of the major once you complete the prerequisite introductory courses such as EXE 195 and reach the required GPA threshold for major-level enrolment.

Application Deadlines

For first‐year students applying to Syracuse University the regular decision deadline is January 15 for fall semester entry. Transfer and international applicants should check the admissions website for exact dates and documentation requirements for their start term.