Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in Virginia [Updated for 2026]

Virginia offers a wide range of exercise science options, from science focused majors at Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University to applied programs at James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, and the fully online exercise science option at Liberty University.

These programs blend anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, behavior change, and hands on fieldwork so you can prepare for roles in fitness, wellness, clinical exercise, or advanced study in allied health fields.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Virginia

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Virginia Commonwealth University

B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science – Exercise Science Concentration

The B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Science at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a 120 credit hour program that is typically completed in four years of full time study. The degree combines a strong general education core with focused coursework in kinesiology, health sciences, and applied exercise science to build a deep understanding of human movement and health.

At the heart of the concentration is a science driven study of how the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems respond to acute exercise and long term training. You learn how to connect cellular and systemic physiology with practical decisions about exercise testing, prescription, and program design for different populations.

The program is designed for students who want to work in fitness, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and for those planning to pursue graduate study in exercise science, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medicine. Required courses and electives are sequenced to support these pathways while maintaining flexibility for individual interests.

Alongside exercise science coursework, you complete ancillary classes in anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics, and mathematics. This supporting science foundation helps you read research critically, understand mechanisms of disease and adaptation, and communicate effectively with other health professionals.

Experiential learning is emphasized through clinical experiences, laboratory courses, and a structured internship sequence. You spend time in on campus labs and partner sites practicing assessment techniques, interpreting data, and interacting with clients under professional supervision.

By the end of the four year, 120 credit curriculum, you graduate with a versatile exercise science preparation that blends scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional readiness for both entry level employment and advanced study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with general education and foundational science courses. In your first two years you complete biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics, and math, along with introductory university seminars and humanities requirements. During this period you are also introduced to health care delivery and to human anatomy and physiology, which prepare you for upper division exercise science work.

In the junior year the focus shifts strongly toward the major. You move into key exercise science courses covering fitness and health, physiology of exercise with a dedicated laboratory, resistance training for health and performance, and clinical experience in applied settings. These courses teach you how to conduct standardized tests, interpret results, and understand how training variables influence health and performance.

Senior level coursework emphasizes advanced application and professional preparation. You study nutrition, psychology of physical activity, chronic disease and exercise management, assessment and intervention in health and disease, cardiovascular pathophysiology and pharmacology, exercise programming and leadership, and a professional certification seminar, along with a second clinical experience. Electives allow you to explore additional topics in biology, chemistry, psychology, or advanced HPEX coursework that align with your goals.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• HPEX 310 – Fitness and Health: Introduces concepts of physical fitness, health promotion, and disease prevention. You study the relationships between physical activity, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and chronic disease risk, and learn how to evaluate basic health related fitness measures.
• HPEX 375 and HPEZ 375 – Physiology of Exercise and Laboratory: Examines acute and chronic responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and muscular systems to exercise, with an accompanying lab focused on data collection and interpretation. You work with equipment to measure oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological variables during exercise.
• HPEX 374 – Musculoskeletal Structure and Movement: Studies functional anatomy and biomechanics of human movement, including joint structure, muscle actions, and movement analysis. The course prepares you to analyze technique and understand mechanical demands in exercise and daily activities.
• HPEX 380 – Resistance Training for Health and Performance: Covers principles and practices of resistance training across a range of populations. You examine program design variables such as intensity, volume, frequency, and exercise selection, and learn how to coach safe, effective technique.
• HPEX 440 – Chronic Disease and Exercise Management: Focuses on using exercise as part of the prevention and management of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary disease. Emphasis is placed on risk stratification, contraindications, and modification of programs for medically referred clients.
• HPEX 441 – Assessment and Exercise Intervention in Health and Disease: Builds on prior assessment courses to address more advanced testing protocols and intervention strategies for clinical and at risk populations. You learn to integrate lab findings, medical history, and guidelines into comprehensive exercise interventions.
• HPEX 470 – Exercise Programming and Leadership: Emphasizes leadership, communication, and program management skills for exercise professionals. Topics include group leadership, client education, behavior change strategies, and administrative considerations in fitness and wellness settings.
• HPEX 495 – Clinical Experience II: Serves as a capstone field experience that places you in a supervised professional environment. You apply assessment, prescription, and leadership skills with real clients or patients while receiving feedback from site preceptors and faculty.

Popular Elective Courses

• HPEX 271 Safety, First Aid and CPR
• HPEX 250 Medical Terminology
• PSYC 412 Health Psychology
• BIOL 217 Principles of Nutrition
• CHEM 403 Biochemistry I
• PSYC 308 Stress and its Management

Practical Experience

Practical experience is woven throughout the Exercise Science concentration at VCU. Laboratory courses in physiology, musculoskeletal structure and movement, and resistance training provide repeated opportunities to practice assessment and coaching skills using industry standard equipment. You work with heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, metabolic carts, and body composition tools while learning appropriate procedures and safety protocols.

Clinical Experience I and II place you in real world environments such as hospital based wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation settings, university fitness centers, corporate wellness sites, or community health organizations. Under supervision you help conduct fitness assessments, lead or assist with exercise sessions, provide education on physical activity and lifestyle change, and observe interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professionals.

These practical components, combined with the professional certification seminar, are designed to position you for national credentialing exams and to ensure that you graduate with a substantial portfolio of applied hours and supervisor feedback.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles influence human movement, exercise response, and training adaptation in healthy and clinical populations.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of fitness, functional capacity, and health risk using appropriate protocols and equipment, and interpret results accurately.
• Design safe, effective, and evidence informed exercise prescriptions for diverse populations, including individuals with chronic disease or special considerations.
• Apply behavior change and psychology of physical activity concepts to support long term exercise adherence and lifestyle modification.
• Demonstrate effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills when working with individuals, groups, and interprofessional health teams.
• Critically evaluate research in exercise science and related fields and apply relevant findings to assessment, programming, and policy decisions.
• Show professional and ethical behavior, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of legal and risk management issues in exercise and health settings.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Exercise Science concentration at Virginia Commonwealth University pursue careers in fitness and wellness centers, strength and conditioning programs, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, community health organizations, and corporate wellness. Typical job titles include exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, health fitness specialist, wellness coordinator, and rehabilitation aide. Many students also use the degree as preparation for graduate programs in exercise science, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, or medicine.

The curriculum aligns with competencies emphasized by major professional organizations, and the combination of laboratory coursework, clinical experiences, and a professional certification seminar supports preparation for nationally recognized certifications. Students benefit from the university’s urban location and partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and community agencies across the Richmond region.

Virginia Commonwealth University reports an overall graduation rate of about 65%, which reflects a strong level of student persistence and completion. As an exercise science major you can draw on academic advising, tutoring, and career services to plan internships, certification timelines, and post graduation employment or graduate school applications.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets VCU general admission standards for first year students, including completion of college preparatory coursework in English, mathematics, and laboratory sciences.
• Submission of the VCU application and required materials, including official high school transcripts and, if applicable, college transcripts for transfer credit evaluation.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and introductory psychology, either before or during the early part of the degree program.
• Maintenance of minimum grade requirements in HPEX and ancillary science courses, a grade of C or better, to remain in good standing within the major.
• Completion of any department specific requirements such as health clearances or background checks if needed for particular clinical placements.

Application Deadlines

Virginia Commonwealth University offers multiple entry terms, with fall admission being the most common starting point for students in the exercise science concentration. Priority deadlines for fall first year admission are typically set in the late fall or early winter months, with additional consideration windows for transfer applicants later in the academic year.

Because clinical courses and internships require careful scheduling, prospective students are encouraged to apply by the earliest published deadlines on the VCU admissions website. Early application allows more time for academic advising, transfer credit evaluation, and planning a four year course sequence that aligns with your professional goals.

James Madison University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science concentration at James Madison University is a science-focused, four year program built around approximately 120 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum combines general education, kinesiology core classes, and 55-67 credits of concentration and elective requirements that emphasize movement, health, fitness, and chronic disease prevention.

As an Exercise Science student you examine human movement from physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and social perspectives. You study how the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems respond to acute exercise and adapt to training across the lifespan. This scientific foundation prepares you to understand why exercise works as both a performance tool and a health intervention.

The concentration is structured for students interested in careers in fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, hospital wellness, corporate or community health, and as preparation for graduate programs in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and related fields. Required courses and electives are sequenced so that you complete key biology, chemistry, physics, and math prerequisites before moving into advanced kinesiology coursework.

A clear progression guides you from introductory classes like Lifetime Fitness and Wellness into upper level subjects such as Exercise Physiology, Human Biomechanics, Health Fitness Assessment, and Fundamentals of Exercise Prescription. Along the way you take supporting courses in nutrition, motor development and learning, and physical activity behavior that help you see how exercise interacts with broader health and lifestyle factors.

The department emphasizes competitive admission into the Exercise Science concentration after you complete designated prerequisite courses. Once admitted, most students need four additional semesters to finish the concentration sequence, including practicum and internship requirements that place you in real world fitness, clinical, or wellness settings.

By the time you graduate you will have developed a strong blend of scientific knowledge, practical assessment and programming skills, and professional experience. This combination positions you to pursue industry certifications, step directly into entry level roles in health and fitness settings, or continue into advanced study in kinesiology and allied health professions.

Courses and Curriculum

The first part of the curriculum is devoted to general education and foundational science. You complete university requirements in writing, communication, and the humanities alongside introductory calculus or statistics and scientific literacy. Early kinesiology courses introduce you to the field and establish a base in anatomy, physiology, and biological foundations of movement, supported by laboratory experiences in human anatomy and physiology.

As you progress, the focus shifts to core Exercise Science classes that deepen your understanding of how the body responds to exercise and how to measure those responses. Courses in Exercise Physiology, Human Biomechanics, and Principles of Health Fitness Assessment include lecture and lab components where you learn to measure oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, and movement patterns. You also take courses in exercise prescription, nutrition, and physical activity behavior that show you how to translate assessment data into effective programs.

Upper division requirements emphasize application and supervised experience. You complete a practicum and a senior internship in Exercise Science, along with advanced coursework in exercise and nutrition in chronic disease and physical activity behaviors. Departmental electives allow you to explore specialized topics such as group exercise leadership, strength and conditioning, environmental exercise physiology, or exercise across the lifespan, tailoring the degree to your interests and career goals.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KIN 100 – Lifetime Fitness and Wellness: Introduces concepts of personal fitness, health behavior, and wellness promotion. You explore components of health related fitness, learn to design personal activity plans, and examine how lifestyle choices influence long term health outcomes.
• BIO 270 / 270L – Human Physiology and Lab: Covers function of the major organ systems with emphasis on homeostatic regulation and responses to stressors such as exercise. The lab provides hands on experience measuring physiological variables and interpreting data that support later exercise testing courses.
• BIO 290 / 290L – Human Anatomy and Lab: Focuses on the structure of the human body, including bones, joints, muscles, and major organ systems. Laboratory work emphasizes identification of structures and understanding how anatomy underpins movement and exercise technique.
• KIN 302 / 302L – Exercise Physiology and Lab: Examines acute and chronic responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems to exercise. In lab sessions you learn to collect and analyze data such as oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactate during graded exercise tests.
• KIN 306 / 306L – Human Biomechanics and Lab: Applies mechanical principles to human movement, including analysis of forces, torque, levers, and joint motion. Lab activities use video analysis and other tools to evaluate movement technique and to understand how mechanical factors influence injury risk and performance.
• KIN 321 – Principles of Health Fitness Assessment: Teaches standardized procedures for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. You practice administering tests, interpreting results, and using findings to identify health risk and training priorities.
• KIN 322 – Fundamentals of Exercise Prescription: Builds on health fitness assessment to develop individualized exercise prescriptions. You learn to set goals, select appropriate modes of activity, manipulate frequency, intensity, time, and type, and modify programs for different populations and health conditions.
• KIN 481 – Internship in Exercise Science: Serves as a culminating, supervised field experience in a fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, or sport performance setting. You apply your assessment, programming, and communication skills with real clients or patients while receiving feedback from site supervisors and faculty.

Popular Elective Courses

• KIN 305 Psychological Foundations of Kinesiology
• KIN 422 Advanced Principles of Group Exercise Leadership
• KIN 425 Concepts of Strength and Conditioning
• KIN 428 Advanced Topics in Exercise Science and Leadership
• KIN 430 Exercise Across the Lifespan
• KIN 432 Physiology of Endurance Performance

Practical Experience

Practical learning is central to the Exercise Science concentration at James Madison University. Lab courses in Exercise Physiology, Human Biomechanics, and Health Fitness Assessment provide extensive hands on experience with exercise testing equipment and movement analysis tools. You practice conducting graded exercise tests, measuring body composition, evaluating movement patterns, and recording data accurately.

Field experiences are built into the curriculum through a practicum and a senior internship. In these courses you are placed in approved sites such as hospital wellness programs, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, university fitness centers, community health organizations, or performance training facilities. Under supervision you help conduct assessments, lead or assist with exercise sessions, provide education about physical activity and lifestyle change, and observe interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professionals.

These experiences help you connect classroom theory with real client needs, develop professional communication skills, and build a record of applied hours that supports certification and job placement. Many students use internship sites as a bridge to employment or as a way to clarify interests before applying to graduate or professional programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychosocial factors influence human movement and responses to exercise in diverse populations.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of health related fitness, functional capacity, and movement quality using appropriate protocols and equipment.
• Interpret assessment and research data to design safe, effective, and evidence informed exercise prescriptions for healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions.
• Apply principles of biomechanics, motor development, and motor learning to improve technique, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk during physical activity.
• Integrate nutrition, behavior change, and physical activity promotion strategies into exercise programs to support long term adherence and health outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional communication, ethical decision making, and cultural competence when working with clients, patients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Collaborate with professionals in allied health and related fields to contribute to multidisciplinary approaches for disease prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.
• Prepare for entry level careers in fitness and health related settings and for advanced study in exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or other allied health professions.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Exercise Science concentration at James Madison University are prepared for roles in fitness and wellness centers, hospital and clinic based wellness programs, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, community health organizations, corporate wellness, and sport performance settings. Typical job titles include exercise specialist, health fitness professional, wellness coach, strength and conditioning assistant, and rehabilitation aide in medically supervised or community environments.

The program also supports students planning to pursue graduate work in exercise physiology, clinical exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, public health, and related disciplines. The strong science core, extensive lab experience, and substantial practicum and internship hours help you meet prerequisite expectations and stand out in competitive admissions processes.

James Madison University reports a six year graduation rate of about 83%, reflecting a high level of overall student completion. As an Exercise Science major you can take advantage of advising, tutoring, and career services to plan your course sequence, align internships with your goals, prepare for industry certifications, and map out next steps after graduation.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets James Madison University general admission standards, including a college preparatory curriculum with coursework in English, mathematics, and laboratory sciences.
• Submission of the JMU application for undergraduate admission, official high school transcripts, and any required application fees or approved fee waivers.
• Completion of university general education and foundational courses in areas such as biology, chemistry, mathematics or statistics, and introductory kinesiology during the first years of study.
• Competitive admission to the Exercise Science concentration based on performance in prerequisite courses, usually prior to beginning upper division exercise science coursework.

Application Deadlines

James Madison University primarily enrolls new first year students for the fall semester. Priority deadlines for fall admission typically fall in the late fall or early winter months, with additional timelines for transfer applicants later in the academic year. Applying by the earliest posted deadline helps ensure full consideration for admission, housing, and scholarship opportunities.

Old Dominion University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Old Dominion University is a roughly 120 credit hour program that most students complete in four years when enrolled full time. Students work through general education, prerequisite science courses, and a focused exercise science core to earn the degree.

The program is framed around preparing graduates to work in settings such as hospitals, wellness and rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, corporate and community fitness centers, collegiate sport facilities, and public health agencies. The curriculum supports a wide range of populations – healthy individuals, athletes, first responders, and those with chronic health conditions including cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease.

Academic training is grounded in scientific study of human movement, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and health across the lifespan. You learn how exercise influences physiology, health, performance, and recovery mechanisms – giving you a deep understanding of both performance-enhancement and clinical or rehabilitative applications.

The major offers two main tracks: a Preventive/Rehabilitative Track geared toward wellness, rehabilitation, and fitness professionals, and a Scientific Foundations Track tailored for students preparing for graduate or professional study in fields like physical therapy, athletic training, physician assistant, or medicine. This flexibility lets you align the program to your career goals or academic ambitions.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning in laboratory courses and requires a culminating clinical internship for many students. Through lab work, testing, assessments, and field experience, you build competencies in evaluation, prescription, and programming for diverse populations under supervision in real-world settings.

Upon completion of all coursework, clinical or internship requirements, and general degree requirements, you earn a B.S. in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University that positions you for entry-level roles in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, performance, or further graduate/professional study.

Courses and Curriculum

In early semesters, the curriculum includes foundational science and general education courses such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and anatomy/physiology. These provide the base knowledge necessary to understand how bodily systems function and respond to stress, physical activity, and recovery. Students also complete introductory courses such as EXSC 225 – Introduction to Exercise Science which surveys foundational principles of exercise science and reviews career pathways, ethics, and the scope of practice.

Beyond prerequisites, you dive into core exercise science courses covering human movement, exercise physiology (with lab), biomechanics, injury prevention, strength and conditioning leadership, exercise testing, nutrition for fitness and health, and behavior-based wellness topics. Many of these courses include lab components where you interact with testing equipment, measure physiological variables, practice movement analysis, and learn how to interpret data for program design or research.

In later years you choose your track (Preventive/Rehabilitative or Scientific Foundations) and complete specialized courses, electives, and required internship or practicum experiences. Courses emphasize assessment and prescription of exercise, designing wellness or rehabilitation programs, programming for special populations including clinical conditions, and professional skills such as program administration or behavior-change counselling.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 225 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Overview of exercise science as a discipline, career options, basic principles of human movement, wellness, and the role of exercise in health and performance.
• EXSC 326 – Exercise Physiology I: Studies how cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and muscular systems respond during acute and chronic exercise, energy systems, adaptation to training, and physiological stress responses.
• EXSC 417 – Biomechanics (with Lab Biomechanics Lab): Analysis of human movement mechanics, joint and muscle function, levers and forces, movement efficiency, injury risk, and motion analysis using lab tools.
• EXSC 415 – Exercise Testing for Normative and Special Populations (Lab Course): Practical training in fitness and functional assessments, body composition, cardiovascular testing, strength and endurance evaluation, and exercise prescription design based on assessment data.
• EXSC 250 – Strength and Conditioning Leadership lab: Instructional course focused on leading resistance and conditioning sessions, safety, program design, progression, and coaching technique for individuals and groups.
• EXSC 408 – Nutrition for Fitness and Sport: Explores nutrition fundamentals as they relate to exercise, training adaptations, performance, weight management, and health across lifespan and populations.
• EXSC 420 – Research Methods in Exercise Science: Introduces research design, data collection, analysis, evidence-based practice, and interpretation of scientific literature to support exercise programming and health promotion.
• EXSC 368 – Internship in Exercise Science / Practicum: Culminating real-world experience in clinical, fitness, rehabilitation, research, or community wellness settings where you apply knowledge, conduct assessments, lead programming, and engage with clients under supervision.

Practical Experience

Practical experience is a key component of Old Dominion’s Exercise Science degree. Through lab-based courses you perform physiological testing, body composition assessment, movement analysis, and biomechanical evaluation using industry-standard equipment. These labs prepare you to conduct accurate assessments and interpret data professionally in clinical, performance, or fitness settings.

For students in the Preventive/Rehabilitative Track, a clinical internship is required. This internship involves at least 400 documented hours in approved settings such as hospitals, rehab centers, athletic performance facilities, corporate or community wellness programs, or research labs. During the internship you conduct assessments, design and lead exercise interventions, assist with client education, and coordinate with health professionals – building real-world skills and professional experience before graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, nutritional, and lifestyle factors influence human movement, exercise response, performance, and health across lifespan.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of fitness, functional capacity, movement quality, cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal health using appropriate protocols and lab equipment.
• Interpret assessment and test data and develop safe, individualized, evidence-based exercise or wellness programs for healthy, clinical, athletic, or special-population clients.
• Apply principles of biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and motor behavior to optimize performance, rehabilitation, and long-term health outcomes.
• Design and implement strength, conditioning, and wellness programs for individuals and groups, incorporating leadership, safety, progression, and behavior change strategies.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, patients, and multidisciplinary health or wellness teams, demonstrating ethical and culturally responsive conduct.
• Critically evaluate scientific and professional literature in exercise science, apply research methods to practice, and utilize evidence-based decision making in program prescription and wellness initiatives.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the Exercise Science program at Old Dominion University are prepared for employment in a variety of settings such as hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, physical therapy clinics, sports medicine facilities, fitness and wellness centers, corporate wellness or community health programs, athletic performance organizations, and public health agencies. They can work as exercise physiologists, rehabilitation aides, strength and conditioning coaches or assistants, wellness coordinators, fitness specialists, or health promotion professionals.

The program also provides a strong foundation for students seeking graduate or professional education in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, or further exercise science graduate study.

Old Dominion University reports a six year graduation rate of about 54%, giving context to degree completion and institutional student support for their undergraduate population.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and fulfillment of general admission standards for first-year or transfer applicants at Old Dominion University.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework required for Exercise Science major declaration-including foundational science courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology) and mathematics/statistics-before beginning upper division major courses.
• Declaration of track (Preventive/Rehabilitative or Scientific Foundations) in consultation with an academic advisor once prerequisites are satisfied and major courses begin.
• For track requiring clinical internship: ability to commit to the required internship hours (e.g. 400 hours in approved clinical or wellness settings) and completion of any background checks or health clearances if required by placement sites.

Liberty University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Fitness Specialist (Residential with Online Support Courses)

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Fitness Specialist at Liberty University is a 120 credit hour program typically completed in four years of full time study. The curriculum combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and field experience to prepare you to assess fitness, design exercise programs, and coach clients in a variety of health, wellness, and performance settings.

This accredited program in Liberty’s School of Health Sciences develops your understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, movement analysis, and strength and conditioning. You learn how to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, strength, and movement patterns, then turn those findings into practical training plans tailored to different ages and ability levels.

The Fitness Specialist cognate is designed for students who want to work directly with clients as exercise physiologists, fitness specialists, personal trainers, or wellness professionals. You complete focused coursework in exercise testing, leadership, strength and conditioning, and exercise prescription for special populations, alongside general exercise science requirements and liberal arts courses.

Foundational science classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and statistics give you the background you need to understand how body systems respond to exercise stress and adapt over time. Building on that base, upper division EXSC courses show you how to measure those responses, interpret data, and adjust programs using current guidelines and research.

Throughout the degree you are encouraged to think about how faith, service, and ethics relate to health and human performance. Faculty bring both academic training and professional experience, and they integrate discussion of professional standards, client care, and character into the technical content of the program.

Although the Fitness Specialist degree is a residential program, Liberty’s extensive online infrastructure means that some general education and elective courses can be completed in flexible online formats. By the time you finish the 120 credit hour plan of study, you will have completed advanced labs, a practicum, and an internship that help you transition smoothly into the fitness and wellness workforce or into graduate study.

Courses and Curriculum

Early in the program you complete university core requirements and foundational courses such as Introduction to Exercise Science, anatomy and physiology, college mathematics, biology, and chemistry. These classes build basic scientific literacy and introduce you to the variety of careers available in exercise science and allied health fields. At the same time, you begin to learn the terminology, concepts, and professional expectations that will shape your upper level work.

As you move into the middle of the curriculum you take core EXSC courses in exercise physiology, research and statistics, biomechanics with lab, and ergogenic aids in sport. These classes teach you how the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems respond to acute exercise and long term training. You also learn to analyze human movement, interpret performance data, and understand how nutrition and performance aids influence training outcomes. Lab experiences help you practice testing, data collection, and movement analysis in a structured environment.

In the final years you focus on application and professional preparation. You complete courses in applied exercise physiology with lab, exercise testing and prescription, exercise leadership, exercise prescription for special populations, and a workshop focused on professional certification. A practicum and an internship give you supervised field experience in fitness or performance settings, and strength and conditioning coursework in the Fitness Specialist cognate helps you design programs for athletes and highly active clients. Throughout, the program emphasizes preparation for nationally recognized certifications and for entry level work in exercise and wellness careers.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 101 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Provides an overview of the exercise science profession, including career paths, required academic preparation, and major practice settings. You explore how exercise science relates to allied health careers and begin developing a four year academic and professional development plan.
• EXSC 310 – Physiology of Exercise: Examines how the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems respond during acute exercise and adapt with training. You study energy systems, oxygen consumption, fatigue, and training principles that support both health and performance goals.
• EXSC 320 – Research and Statistics in Exercise Science: Introduces research design, measurement concepts, and basic statistical analysis in exercise science. You learn how to read research articles, interpret common statistical tests, and apply evidence to practical training and health promotion decisions.
• EXSC 333 – Ergogenic Aids in Sport: Reviews nutritional, mechanical, and pharmacological aids that claim to improve performance. The course emphasizes physiological mechanisms, potential benefits, side effects, ethical issues, and evidence based decision making for athletes and clients.
• EXSC 350 – Biomechanics: Studies mechanical principles that govern human movement, including forces, levers, torque, and motion. You learn to analyze movements such as lifting, running, and jumping, and to apply biomechanical concepts to improve technique and reduce injury risk.
• EXSC 351 – Biomechanics Lab: Applies biomechanical principles in a laboratory setting using tools such as motion analysis, force platforms, and video review. You collect and interpret movement data, then translate findings into coaching cues and technique changes for clients or athletes.
• EXSC 460 – Exercise Testing, Evaluation, and Prescription: Focuses on graded exercise testing, field tests, and functional assessments for a range of populations. You learn to choose appropriate protocols, interpret test results, and design individualized exercise programs based on current professional guidelines.
• EXSC 461 – Exercise Leadership: Emphasizes group and individual leadership skills for exercise professionals. Topics include communication, cueing, session planning, risk management, and motivational strategies for leading group classes, small group training, and one on one sessions.

Popular Elective Courses

• EXSC 302 Exercise and Sports Injuries
• EXSC 433 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations
• EXSC 485 Exercise Physiologist Workshop and Certification
• PHED 225 Weight Training and Conditioning
• STRG 340 Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning
• STRG 335 Speed, Agility, and Quickness

Practical Experience

Practical experience is built into the Fitness Specialist program through lab courses, practicum, and internship requirements. In lab settings you work with heart rate monitors, metabolic carts, body composition devices, motion analysis tools, and strength testing equipment. These experiences teach you how to administer tests safely, record and interpret data, and troubleshoot common issues that arise in applied settings.

The EXSC 321 practicum gives you an early supervised experience observing and assisting professionals in fitness or human performance environments. You may help with basic assessments, shadow training sessions, assist with equipment set up, and begin to interact with clients under close supervision.

Later in the degree you complete a more extensive internship where you spend a substantial number of hours in a selected site such as a health club, hospital wellness center, strength and conditioning facility, or community wellness program. During the internship you are expected to perform assessments, design and lead exercise sessions, provide education on physical activity and lifestyle, and demonstrate professional behavior and communication. This capstone experience helps you transition from student to entry level practitioner.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles influence human movement, exercise responses, and training adaptations in a variety of populations.
• Conduct valid and reliable assessments of health related fitness, movement quality, and functional capacity using appropriate protocols and equipment.
• Interpret assessment and research data to design safe, effective, and evidence based exercise programs for healthy individuals, athletes, and clients with stable chronic conditions.
• Apply principles of strength and conditioning, cardiorespiratory training, and flexibility training to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and support long term health.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, athletes, and members of interprofessional health and wellness teams, using counseling and behavior change strategies to support adherence.
• Demonstrate ethical and Christ centered professional conduct, cultural sensitivity, and respect for client autonomy and safety in all exercise and wellness settings.
• Critically evaluate scientific and professional literature in exercise science and related fields and incorporate relevant findings into practice.
• Meet academic and experiential expectations that support preparation for nationally recognized certification exams and for graduate or professional study in exercise science and allied health disciplines.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Fitness Specialist program is structured to prepare you for direct entry into roles in fitness, wellness, and human performance. Graduates pursue positions such as exercise physiologist, fitness specialist, personal trainer, wellness coach, corporate wellness staff member, strength and conditioning assistant, or human performance technician in health clubs, hospital based wellness programs, medical fitness facilities, community organizations, or sport performance centers.

The curriculum and required field experiences help you build the applied hours and competencies often needed for certification through leading professional organizations. Coursework in assessment, prescription, leadership, strength and conditioning, and special populations is aligned with the content typically covered on national exams, and the Exercise Physiologist Workshop and Certification course provides targeted exam preparation.

Liberty University reports an overall graduation rate of about 66%, reflecting solid student persistence and degree completion. As an exercise science major you can also access academic advising, tutoring, career services, and a wide network of campus and community partners to support your transition to employment or further study after graduation.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Liberty University’s general undergraduate admission standards, including completion of a college preparatory curriculum.
• Submission of an online application for admission, official high school transcripts, and official college transcripts for any prior postsecondary coursework.
• Admission essay and other documents as requested by the university’s admissions office.
• Once enrolled, completion of designated prerequisite and foundational courses, such as anatomy and physiology and introductory EXSC coursework, with required minimum grades before entering upper level exercise science classes.

Application Deadlines

Liberty University offers multiple start dates for new undergraduate students across the academic year, with fall enrollment as the most common entry point for residential exercise science majors. Priority dates for applications, financial aid, and housing are published on the university’s admissions website each cycle.

Because the Exercise Science – Fitness Specialist program includes sequenced lab courses, practicum, and internship requirements, applying by the earliest recommended deadline is advisable.