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

Exercise science programs in Illinois give you many ways to study human movement, performance, and health, whether you want a large research campus like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a teaching-focused setting at Illinois State University, or Chicago based options such as Loyola University Chicago and Concordia University Chicago’s online kinesiology degree.

Across these programs, you can complete a four year bachelor’s degree that covers anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise testing, and training methods while building preparation for careers in fitness, cardiac rehab, coaching, and allied health graduate programs.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Illinois

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

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Concordia University Chicago (Online)
• Illinois State University
• Loyola University Chicago
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Western Illinois University
• Aurora University (Online)

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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a four year, 128 credit hour program that focuses on human movement, physical activity, and health across the lifespan. The curriculum combines campus wide general education with a structured kinesiology core so you gain both broad academic skills and deep knowledge of exercise science.

Students study how the body responds to physical activity at biomechanical, physiological, and psychological levels. Core coursework introduces you to topics such as exercise physiology, motor control, social and psychological aspects of physical activity, and measurement of physical activity and fitness. You also complete a guided set of advanced kinesiology electives and a correlate area aligned with your long term career or graduate school interests.

The program emphasizes hands on learning through laboratory experiences, small group projects, and the use of modern testing and assessment tools. You work with motion capture systems, metabolic measurement equipment, and fitness testing protocols that reflect current professional standards in clinical and performance settings.

Another feature of the degree is its flexibility. Within the 128 credit hours, you build a correlate area in fields such as pre physical therapy, strength and conditioning, health promotion, or coaching. This structure allows you to choose courses that support goals like entry into DPT, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine, or public health programs.

Advising is integrated throughout the curriculum. Academic advisors help you sequence major requirements, guided electives, and correlate area courses so you stay on track to graduate in four years while meeting admission expectations for competitive graduate and professional programs.

For students interested in public health, there is also an optional five year joint BS in Kinesiology and Master of Public Health pathway. This option lets you share a set of credit hours between the undergraduate and graduate degrees, shortening the overall time to completion compared with taking each program separately.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and the social sciences that supports later kinesiology study. Early major courses introduce you to the discipline, help you understand how movement is measured and analyzed, and show how physical activity relates to chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

Mid level classes deepen your understanding of exercise science through study of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, and research methods. You learn how to interpret scientific literature, design basic research projects, and translate research findings into practical recommendations for training, rehabilitation, and health programs.

In the advanced part of the degree, you choose upper division kinesiology electives and correlate area courses that align with specific career goals. These may focus on areas such as advanced exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sport psychology, physical activity promotion, or preparation for professional schools. Throughout, laboratory and project based work helps you practice assessment, program design, and communication skills that employers and graduate programs expect.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KIN 125: Orientation in Kinesiology and Community Health – Introduces you to the department, university resources, and the range of careers related to kinesiology and health. You explore possible correlate areas, learn about student organizations, and begin planning a four year course sequence.
• KIN 150: Bioscience of Human Movement – Covers how anatomical and physiological systems support human movement. The course integrates basic cell physiology, muscle function, cardiovascular and respiratory responses to activity, and energy systems used during exercise.
• KIN 201: Physical Activity Research Methods – Focuses on how physical activity and fitness are measured in research and practice. You learn about study design, sampling, data collection tools, basic statistics, and interpretation of research results relevant to exercise science.
• KIN 259: Motor Development and Control – Examines how motor skills develop from childhood through older adulthood and how the nervous system organizes movement. Topics often include motor learning principles, feedback, practice structure, and factors that influence skill acquisition.
• KIN 340: Social and Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity – Studies how social environments and psychological factors shape physical activity behavior. You consider motivation, self efficacy, group dynamics, and how families, peers, and communities influence participation.
• KIN 352: Bioenergetics of Human Movement – Explores how the body produces and uses energy during rest and different forms of exercise. You analyze aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, fatigue, training adaptations, and laboratory techniques used to assess energy systems.
• KIN 355: Biomechanics of Human Movement – Applies mechanical principles to human movement to understand joint loading, forces, torques, and motion. Lab activities may include motion analysis, force plate work, and projects that connect biomechanics to injury prevention and performance.
• MCB 244 and MCB 245: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab – Provides detailed coverage of human structure and function, including musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The lab component gives experience with anatomical models and physiological measurement techniques.

Practical Experience

Experiential learning is a central part of the kinesiology degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Many courses use laboratories where you conduct exercise testing, analyze movement, and practice data collection techniques that are common in clinical and performance environments.

Students can pursue internships in corporate wellness programs, community fitness centers, cardiac rehabilitation units, athletic departments, and strength and conditioning settings. These placements allow you to apply classroom concepts to real clients and patients while working under the supervision of experienced professionals.

The department also offers opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty whose work addresses topics such as physical activity and chronic disease, biomechanics of injury, exercise and mental health, and youth physical activity. Participating in research can strengthen your preparation for graduate study and introduce you to scientific careers in kinesiology and health.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain key concepts in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and the social and psychological aspects of physical activity.
• Analyze how physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fitness relate to health outcomes and chronic disease risk across the lifespan.
• Use appropriate tools and methods to assess physical activity, fitness, and movement, and interpret the results for a variety of populations.
• Design, implement, and evaluate basic exercise and physical activity programs that address specific goals such as improving fitness, managing disease risk, or enhancing performance.
• Critically evaluate research in kinesiology and apply evidence based findings to practice in clinical, community, and performance settings.
• Communicate effectively with clients, patients, and professional colleagues in written, oral, and visual formats about topics related to physical activity and health.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical, cultural, and societal issues that affect access to and participation in physical activity, and show commitment to inclusive, health promoting practice.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The kinesiology major prepares graduates for entry level roles in fitness and wellness, strength and conditioning, community health promotion, and recreation, as well as for advanced study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine, public health, and exercise physiology. Alumni work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, corporate wellness programs, university athletics, and community organizations that promote active lifestyles.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports a six year graduation rate of about 85%, reflecting strong overall student persistence and completion.

Career services and department advisors help you plan for internships, graduate school prerequisites, professional certification options, and job searches. Workshops on resume writing, interviewing, and networking support your transition from the program into the workforce or advanced study.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record, particularly in math and science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Completion of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign first year application through the institutional application or the Common App, including required essays and activity information.
• Official high school transcript showing courses and grades as requested in the application process.
• ACT or SAT scores are optional; if submitted, they are considered as part of a holistic review.
• Demonstrated interest in health, physical activity, or related fields through coursework, extracurricular involvement, employment, or volunteering is helpful for a competitive kinesiology application.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency according to current university standards.

Application Deadlines

For fall entry as a first year student, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically offers an Early Action deadline of November 1 and a Regular Decision deadline of January 5. All required application materials must be submitted by the stated deadlines for each round.

Concordia University Chicago (Online)

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Concordia University Chicago is a fully online programme designed for flexibility and completion in approximately 120 credit hours. The curriculum allows students to transfer in up to half of the required credits and uses a tuition guarantee so the per-credit rate does not increase as long as continuous enrolment is maintained.

This online degree emphasises human movement, physical activity, wellness promotion and performance enhancement across the lifespan. Core content includes anatomy & physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, nutrition and research methods. The design supports both career readiness and preparation for graduate or professional study in allied health or exercise science fields.

Advising is tailored to online learners and supports flexible start dates (several per year), part-time or full-time status, and adult learners balancing work or family responsibilities. Applied assignments are designed so you can complete fitness assessments, programme design projects or movement-analysis tasks locally and submit reflections or data online.

The programme is housed in the College of Health, Science & Technology, and follows an accelerated degree pathway (ADP) option for students who wish to complete in less time. Most courses are asynchronous but you have access to support services, virtual labs, and career advising tailored for the online kinesiology major.

Upon successful completion of all major, elective and general education requirements you will earn the B.S. in Kinesiology from Concordia University Chicago and be equipped for employment in wellness, fitness, movement analysis or for graduate-level study in exercise science, performance, rehabilitation or allied health fields.

Courses and Curriculum

The course sequence begins with foundational topics in human movement science, anatomy & physiology, introduction to kinesiology and wellness foundations. These early modules build the scientific and conceptual base required for more advanced coursework.

In the middle years you progress into major courses like biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition & physical activity, sport psychology and research methods. These online courses often incorporate virtual labs, video demonstration, local data collection and reflections to bridge theory and practice.

During the last phase you complete upper-division electives tailored to your interest (performance, wellness or movement analysis), and a capstone or internship-style assignment where you apply your learning in a professional setting or through a major project. You also complete the remaining general education and free elective credits required for the 120-credit-hour total.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Introduction to Exercise Science – Provides an overview of kinesiology, career paths, major concepts in movement, fitness and health, and sets your academic planning goals.
• Anatomy & Physiology for Exercise Science – Covers human body systems (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory) and how these respond to physical activity and training.
• Exercise Physiology – Explores acute and chronic adaptations to exercise, metabolic pathways, training effects and assessment of physiological responses in healthy and special-population clients.
• Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis – Applies mechanical and movement-analysis principles to human motion. You study joint loading, force production, functional movement and injury-prevention strategies in an online lab format.
• Nutrition, Health & Physical Activity – Examines how nutrition, body composition and physical activity interact over the lifespan and how to integrate dietary and movement strategies for performance, health and wellness.
• Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription – Teaches how to select, administer and interpret fitness and movement tests, develop individualized exercise programmes and track progress in local or remote settings.
• Business and Marketing of Wellness Programmes – Introduces business planning, marketing, facility operations and human-resource management concepts tailored to wellness, coaching or performance organisations.
• Capstone in Wellness & Human Performance – A culminating online project where you apply your knowledge in a professional or simulated practicum, design a full exercise-wellness programme, assess outcomes and present your findings.

Practical Experience

Although delivered fully online, you will complete applied assignments and projects locally under faculty guidance. For example you might conduct a fitness assessment with a local client, analyze the data, design training sessions and reflect on your process in your online module. These hands-on tasks build your professional skills in assessment, programming, client communication and documentation.

The school offers online tutoring, career counselling and success-coaching services tailored for remote learners. These support your completion of projects, management of coursework and preparation for certification or employment. You can complete the programme in approximately three to four years depending on full-time or part-time status and previous college credit transfer.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact to support movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid assessment tools and interpret data for fitness, movement quality and performance in healthy individuals and those with controlled chronic conditions.
• Design safe and effective exercise and wellness programmes tailored to individual needs in performance, wellness or movement-analysis contexts.
• Integrate nutrition, behaviour change and physical activity strategies into comprehensive wellness or performance programmes.
• Apply business, marketing and management principles as they relate to fitness, wellness or human-performance organisations.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour, ethical judgement and readiness for certification or employment in fitness, wellness or human-performance industries.
• Show preparedness for graduate or professional study in exercise science, strength and conditioning, allied health professions or wellness programme leadership.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates from the online B.S. in Kinesiology at Concordia University Chicago are prepared for careers as wellness programme coordinators, personal or strength coaches, performance-analysis assistants, fitness directors or movement-science technicians. The programme supports preparation for certifications, roles in fitness management, sport performance, health-promotion leadership and links to graduate programmes in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy or sports medicine.

Concordia University Chicago reports an overall six-year graduation rate of about 61%, reflecting student outcomes and completion levels at the institution.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent or previous college transcript showing at least minimal cumulative GPA (typically 2.0 or above) if fewer than 15 college credits completed.
• Submission of online application through the university portal and request for transfer of previously completed college credit.
• Official transcripts for high school and any college work. If fewer than 15 college credits, proof of high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for the most recent college work if transferring into the programme.
• Completion of online orientation and verification of technology readiness (internet access, device, comfort with university learning management system) prior to enrolment.

Application Deadlines

Concordia University Chicago offers rolling admission for the online kinesiology programme, with multiple start dates each year (spring, summer and fall). Students are encouraged to submit application materials early to ensure credit transfer evaluation and scheduling.

Illinois State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Health and Human Performance Sequence)

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Illinois State University is a 120-credit hour programme structured for four years of full-time study. The major requires at least 59 credit hours of Exercise Science (Kinesiology and Recreation) coursework along with general education and supporting sciences. Students can pursue different sequences including Health and Human Performance or Allied Health Professions.

In the Health and Human Performance sequence you build knowledge of how the body responds to physical activity, how movement mechanics function, how psychological and social influences affect exercise behaviour, and how to design and lead fitness, wellness or sport programmes. Supporting coursework includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and sport/ exercise psychology.

The Allied Health Professions sequence is designed for those who intend to pursue graduate or professional study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or physician assistant studies. It includes additional advanced science prerequisites and prepares you for further study or clinical exercise roles.

Lab-based and practicum courses are embedded throughout the curriculum so you move from foundational movement science to applied assessment, programme design and supervised internship experiences. The faculty in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation emphasise applied learning, research-informed practice and professional preparation for certifications in organisations like the American College of Sports Medicine.

Academic advising supports your progression through prerequisite science courses, major requirements, concentration electives and internship or professional practice courses — helping ensure you meet senior-level and graduation requirements such as at least 40 senior (200-300-level) hours out of the total 120 credit hours.

Upon completion of all major, sequence, general education and elective courses you are awarded a B.S. in Exercise Science from Illinois State University and will have amassed both theoretical knowledge and applied experience whether you plan to enter the fitness/wellness workforce or proceed to graduate study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational general education courses including communication, quantitative reasoning, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Concurrently you take introductory kinesiology, movement science and anatomy courses to establish your base in how human movement and physical activity are structured.

In the intermediate years you enrol in core major courses such as physiology of exercise, biomechanics, motor learning, fitness assessment, sport psychology and measurement in kinesiology. These courses often include laboratory or field components so you practice data collection, movement analysis and exercise programme design in real settings.

During your final years you complete upper-division major courses, sequence electives (depending on your chosen pathway) and a professional practice-level internship or practicum (KNR 398A11 for example) where you apply assessment, programming and professional skills in a supervised environment. You also select electives aligned with wellness, strength and conditioning or allied health preparation.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KNR 164 – Foundations of Kinesiology and Recreation: Introduces the discipline of kinesiology, major opportunities, career pathways and basic foundations of movement science.
• KNR 181 – Introduction to Exercise Science: Covers fundamentals of physical activity, health and fitness, movement science and introduces assessment tools and terminology used in exercise science.
• KNR 280 – Exercise Physiology: Examines acute responses and long-term adaptations to exercise, focusing on cardiorespiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular systems and incorporates lab tasks such as VO2 testing and strength measurement.
• KNR 282 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Studies mechanical aspects of movement including joint motion, force production, lever systems, and uses motion capture and analysis in the lab to apply theory.
• KNR 303 – Motor Learning and Control: Looks at how people acquire, refine and retain movement skills, how feedback and practice structure influence performance, and implications for coaching and rehabilitation.
• KNR 311 – Exercise Testing and Prescription: Teaches methodologies for screening, assessing fitness and health, interpreting results and designing individualized exercise programmes for healthy clients and those with controlled risk.
• KNR 313 – Sport and Exercise Psychology: Examines psychological influences on physical activity, motivation, behaviour change, performance anxiety, team dynamics and coaching communication.
• KNR 398A11 – Professional Practice: Internship in Exercise Science: A supervised field experience in which you apply assessment, programme design, client interaction and documentation in a fitness, wellness, sport or clinical environment under faculty and site supervision.

Practical Experience

Illinois State University integrates hands-on labs and field placements throughout the Exercise Science major. In lab courses you work with equipment such as motion-capture systems, force plates, strength and power testing, and physiologic measurement instruments so you become fluent with data collection and movement analysis techniques.

The capstone field experience (KNR 398A11) places you in a professional setting such as a strength and conditioning facility, rehabilitation clinic, corporate wellness centre or sports performance department. In that placement you apply programme design, lead sessions or assessments, communicate with professionals and reflect on your practice. This helps you build your professional portfolio and network prior to graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact to support human movement, training adaptation and health outcomes.
• Use valid assessment tools and techniques to measure fitness, movement quality and performance outcomes for diverse populations.
• Interpret assessment data, research findings and professional guidelines to design safe, effective and individualized exercise programmes.
• Apply motor learning, psychological and behavioral concepts to optimise physical activity, performance and wellness outcomes.
• Communicate professionally and clearly about movement, assessment results and programme rationale with clients, coaches and allied-health colleagues.
• Demonstrate ethical, culturally inclusive and professional practices in exercise science settings and maintain standards of safety and professional conduct.
• Prepare for graduate or professional study in allied health fields or pursue entry-level roles in wellness, performance or rehabilitation settings.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at Illinois State University are prepared for roles such as exercise physiologist assistant, strength and conditioning coach, wellness programme specialist, fitness assessment coordinator, health promotion staff or rehabilitation technician. Many students also continue into graduate or professional programmes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or exercise physiology.

The School of Kinesiology and Recreation highlights that more than 95 percent of students in its major pass their respective first-time certification exams in fields such as fitness, strength and conditioning and allied health, which reflects strong preparation and performance outcomes for graduates.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets Illinois State University freshman admission criteria.
• Submission of application and official high school transcripts with required courses in mathematics, science and English recommended.
• Minimum cumulative GPA based on university standards; for progression into the major you must meet or exceed the required competitive admission to the Exercise Science major.
• Once admitted you must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and earn a grade of C or better in all major courses to continue in the major sequence.

Application Deadlines

Illinois State University invites applicants to apply by January 15 for fall semester entry to receive priority consideration for scholarships and admission.

Loyola University Chicago

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Loyola University Chicago is built around a major that consists of 89 credit hours within a larger 120 credit-hour degree. The programme is housed in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and emphasises both applied practice and scientific foundations.

Students begin by learning core movement science, anatomy, physiology and professional roles. From these foundations you then engage in advanced topics such as clinical testing, movement biomechanics, exercise prescription for special populations and research methods. Lab work is embedded from early in the curriculum through the programme’s Human Performance Laboratory.

The curriculum supports multiple career paths: fitness and wellness leadership, athletic performance coaching, clinical exercise physiology, and preparation for graduate or professional study. Students may also enrol in a five-year combined Bachelor’s/Master’s programme so that B.S. and M.S. degrees are achieved in five years, thus accelerating the pathway.

Hands-on lab facilities include equipment such as electrocardiograms, heart-rate monitors, treadmills, force plates, electromyography sensors and body-composition measurement systems. You engage in measuring, analysing and interpreting data from real clients or sport participants. This helps you build competence in real-world testing, prescription and programme design.

Advising is delivered through the Parkinson School and the Exercise Science faculty, who help students map out major requirements, electives, internships and graduate or certification plans. The major supports certification readiness with professional bodies such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Upon completion of major, elective, general education and free-elective credits, you receive the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Loyola University Chicago and enter the workforce or graduate study with documented applied experience, professional readiness and supporting credentials.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum opens with prerequisites and introductory courses that establish the science base and professional orientation. Early classes include anatomy & physiology, introductory exercise science and professional issues in movement sciences. These prepare you for more rigorous major content.

The middle years feature courses in physiology of exercise, physical growth and nutrition, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation, research methods, and biomechanics with lab. These courses combine lecture, lab and applied assignments where you collect and analyse data and design interventions for healthy and clinical clients.

In the upper-division phase you complete advanced courses such as movement anatomy, special populations, clinical testing & prescription, and a six-credit clinical internship or patient-management course. You also choose elective courses aligned with your interests in performance, wellness or rehabilitation. The structure ensures you apply your knowledge in real way before graduating.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXCM 101 – Introduction to Exercise Physiology: Introduces the field of exercise physiology, key concepts in energy systems, body responses to acute exercise and professional roles in fitness, rehabilitation and performance.
• EXCM 201 – Physiology of Exercise: Studies acute and chronic responses and adaptations to exercise focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular systems; includes lab testing of VO₂, heart-rate, blood pressure and work-output.
• EXCM 342 – Physical Growth, Development and Nutrition: Explores how human growth, maturation, aging, nutrition and body composition affect movement, health and performance across the lifespan.
• EXCM 345 – Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation: Focuses on exercise application in rehabilitative settings, movement dysfunction, injury prevention and corrective programme design for special populations.
• EXCM 364 – Intro to Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription: Covers fitness and health-related assessments, risk stratification, interpretation of results and design of safe exercise prescriptions for healthy and at-risk populations.
• EXCM 368 – Advanced Clinical Testing and Prescriptions: Builds on prior courses by integrating advanced assessment tools, metabolic testing, data analysis, client monitoring and programme progression for clinical or performance clients.
• EXCM 375 – Special Populations in Exercise Science: Examines exercise testing and prescription for populations such as older adults, cardiac or pulmonary patients, individuals with disabilities or chronic disease.
• EXCM 395 – Clinical Internship and Patient Management: A six-credit supervised clinical or performance-site internship where you implement assessment and program-design skills, document outcomes and communicate with supervising professionals.

Practical Experience

Students engage in extensive hands-on labs and applied assignments throughout the major. Lab sessions include measurement with ECG, metabolic carts, body composition analysis, motion capture and force-plate testing. These activities build technical skills that mirror professional practice.

The capstone internship (six credits) places you in settings such as health-care clinics, sport performance centres, university athletic departments or community wellness facilities. Under supervision you perform assessment, design and implement exercise interventions, monitor progress and reflect on professional practice—this helps you build your portfolio and network.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biochemical and biomechanical systems respond to and adapt from exercise and physical activity.
• Use valid and reliable assessment tools to evaluate fitness, movement quality, risk factors and performance in healthy and special-population clients.
• Interpret assessment data and current research evidence to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions and training programmes.
• Apply movement-analysis and biomechanical principles to improve performance, movement efficiency and minimise injury risk in clients or athletes.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills, leadership, ethical conduct and inter-professional collaboration with clients, health professionals and teams.
• Prepare for and pursue nationally-recognised certifications such as ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
• Plan and execute a supervised internship or field experience, reflect on your professional development and transition into entry-level roles or graduate study.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at Loyola University Chicago are ready to work as exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness programme managers, fitness assessment specialists or performance technicians, and are well prepared for graduate study in allied health and sport-performance fields.

The university reports an overall graduation rate of about 76% showing strong student completion and institutional support.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory curriculum including biology, chemistry, algebra, geometry, English and social science.
• Submission of an online application and official high school transcripts; ACT or SAT test scores are optional but recommended for competitive applicants.
• Recommended completion of one unit of biology, one unit of chemistry, two units of mathematics (one algebra, one geometry) and four units of English prior to enrolment in the Parkinson School.
• Maintenance of satisfactory academic progress; once in the major you must complete required prerequisite courses with grade C or better and meet major GPA thresholds for progression.

Application Deadlines

For fall semester entry, Loyola University Chicago recommends submitting applications by February 1 for best consideration, with rolling review continuing thereafter.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville requires at least 120 credit hours including general education, science prerequisites and major coursework. The standard full-time timeline is four years of study, with a fast-track three-year option available for highly motivated students.

The major combines foundational courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology alongside exercise science specific content in areas like movement analysis, strength and conditioning, exercise testing and program design. You study how physical activity, training and rehabilitation influence human health and performance across populations.

Lab-based experiences are built into the curriculum and you will engage early in hands-on work in facilities such as the Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Body Composition and Cardiovascular labs, and the Physical Activity Clinic. These labs support measurement, data interpretation and intervention design skills that mirror professional practice.

The programme aligns with professional certifications from organisations such as ACSM) and NSCA and prepares graduates for roles in strength-conditioning, corporate wellness, performance, clinical exercise and allied health pathways.

An internship requirement and senior assignment ensure you build applied experience and integrate your learning in a real-world environment before you graduate.

Upon satisfying all degree requirements you earn the B.S. in Exercise Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and are positioned to enter the workforce, certification or graduate school in exercise science, allied health or performance fields.

Courses and Curriculum

The sequence begins with general education and supporting natural sciences (for example, Biology 140/150, Chemistry 120A/124A) so you get a strong scientific foundation. Alongside you take introduction to careers in nutritional & exercise sciences and anatomy-based movement courses.

Intermediate-level courses include anatomy, physiology of exercise, strength and conditioning theory, health-related fitness assessment and programme design. These include laboratory components where you practice measurement, data collection and analysis for fitness, movement patterns and health risk factors.

In your final years you complete advanced courses and a mandatory 200-hour internship in a community-based allied health or performance setting. You also complete a senior assignment project that challenges you to apply your learning in a meaningful way, such as a wellness programme design or research-informed assessment project.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• KIN 275 – Introduction to Careers in Nutritional & Exercise Sciences: Explores career pathways, foundational concepts in movement, exercise science and professional preparation.
• KIN 315 – Functional Anatomy: Focuses on musculoskeletal and joint function, movement patterns and how anatomical knowledge supports exercise design and injury prevention.
• KIN 350 – Exercise Physiology: Examines how bodies respond and adapt to acute and chronic exercise, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic changes.
• KIN 416 – Exercise Assessment & Programming: Teaches how to administer fitness and movement tests, interpret results and design individualised exercise programmes.
• KIN 426 – Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Covers exercise testing and prescription for clients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions and how to lead rehabilitation programmes.
• KIN 412 – Biology of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease: Studies how exercise, nutrition and behaviour interact with chronic disease processes and how to design interventions.
• KIN 460 – Internship in Exercise Science: A 200-hour field experience placement in a fitness, rehabilitation, wellness or performance environment under supervision.
• KIN 464 – Senior Assignment in Exercise Science: Culminating project where you integrate lab learning, assessment, programme design and professional communication into a final deliverable.

Practical Experience

The programme’s laboratory courses provide early exposure to assessment tools such as metabolic carts, ECG monitors, force plates, body composition measurement devices and motion-analysis systems. You will analyze movement, conduct fitness tests, interpret results and apply corrective programme design in labs that replicate professional practice.

The 200-hour internship consistent across the major is essential. You work in approved external sites such as fitness centres, rehabilitation clinics or sport performance facilities. This experience allows you to assess real clients or athletes, design and implement exercise programmes, monitor progress and reflect on professional skills and career fit.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems interact in exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid and reliable measurement and assessment tools to evaluate fitness, movement quality and performance in varied populations.
• Interpret data from fitness, movement and health assessments to design safe, effective and individualised exercise programmes.
• Apply principles of strength training, conditioning, rehabilitation and wellness to clients across health, performance and medical settings.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, athletes, colleagues and health-care providers about assessment findings and programme rationale.
• Demonstrate ethical, inclusive and professional behaviour in exercise science practice and prepare for certifications or advanced study.
• Prepare for entry-level careers in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation or for graduate professional study in allied health, performance or human-movement science fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Exercise Science programme pursue careers such as strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, wellness coordinator, cardiac rehabilitation assistant or fitness director, and often proceed to graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy or exercise science research.

The university reports an overall undergraduate graduation rate of about 53%, reflecting the broader completion outcome for the institution.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville freshman admission criteria.
• Submission of application, official transcripts and any required standardized test scores as per university policy.
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as Biology 140/150, Chemistry 120A/124A or equivalents and achieving a minimum grade C in those required before entering upper-division major coursework.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 required for retention in the exercise science major once admitted. Students who fall below will be placed on programmatic warning and may lose major standing.
• Must complete an Application for Graduation and meet all university, college and major requirements (including 120-credit hours and internship) prior to degree conferral.

Application Deadlines

For fall semester entry students are encouraged to submit their application by December 1 for priority consideration.