Exercise Science

Exercise Science is a versatile and dynamic field of study that applies foundational math and sciences. You will study human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, statistics, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, psychology, research methods, and more. In addition to classes, you can get hands-on experiences in laboratory settings and professional internships. You can connect with faculty who lead study abroad programs and who work with you on independent studies and research projects. This major provides a strong science foundation upon which graduates can build careers in health, wellness, fitness, allied health, medicine, and healthcare.

Program of Study

Why Major in Exercise Science?

Through a carefully crafted curriculum, Exercise Science majors have access to many diverse experiential and individualized learning opportunities. Core courses are integrated with hands-on lab activities, helping students link theoretical concepts to clinical practice. Students will learn how to use equipment within multiple departmental lab spaces including the Applied Neuromuscular Function Lab, Muscular Fitness Lab, Motor Skill Behavior Lab, Biospecimen Wet Lab, and Human Performance Lab. Each lab space is designed to provide students with practical skills, apply course material, and serve as spaces for conducting research alongside faculty.
  • Faculty-Led Research in Exercise Science

    With faculty devoted to exceptional learning experiences, and as part of a university that offers boundless research and grant funding opportunities, our students are able to participate in paid faculty-led and independent research in their specified area of study. Students participating in research also have the chance to publish and present their findings at local, regional, and national conferences. Interested students are encouraged to contact faculty to express an interest in assisting with research. Students can earn repeatable course credit towards their Exercise Science degree for serving as a research assistant.

    Examples of research topics studied include:

    • the impact of low-level light therapy (lasers) on muscle fatigue.
    • the role of capsaicinoids (a compound that makes peppers hot) on metabolism.
    • the sustainability of smoking cessation in total joint arthroplasty patients.
    • scoliosis AP and ML angle changes across time.
    • examining the relationship between core stability measures and lower extremity biomechanics during a jump landing task in healthy, physically active adults and youth athletes.
  • Internships in Exercise Science

    Internships are another option for individualized student learning. Students have the opportunity to earn repeatable course credit for workplace training within the greater Charleston area. Internship options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic clinics, personal training and sports performance gyms, youth and triathlete coaching, collegiate level wellness, strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition departments, cardiac rehabilitation, community wellness centers, as well as pediatric therapy and health aging facilities.

    Interested exercise science majors should contact our Internship Coordinator, Becky Kyryliuk, for more details about this experiential learning possibility.

  • Opportunities Beyond Graduation

    Exercise Science majors have the ability and opportunity to work in a variety of workplace settings. These can include clinical settings like hospitals, doctors’ offices, rehabilitation facilities, as well as assisted living facilities. Your knowledge and skills will also enable you to work in a setting managing and implementing wellness programs, performing ergonomic and health screenings, and facilitating treatment. Many exercise science graduates gravitate towards a fitness and performance-focused environment that may lead to a job training groups and/or individuals in an exercise gym or studio, community center, school, university or professional sports setting. Graduates may also look to work at a college, university, or within a corporation teaching and/or conducting research.

    Potential careers without a graduate or professional degree:

    • Certified Exercise Physiologist (certification required)
    • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (certification required)
    • Group Exercise Instructor (certification optional)
    • Personal Trainer (certification optional)
    • Workplace Wellness Program Coordinator

    Potential careers that require a graduate or professional degree:

    • Physical Therapist (DPT)
    • Occupational Therapist (OTD)
    • Athletic Trainer (ATC)
    • Physician Assistant (PA-C)
    • Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP)
    • Registered Dietician (RD)
    • Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
    • Academia (MS, MEd, MPH or PhD)