Exercise Science Department

Exercise science examines how the body responds and adapts to physical activity and exercise from physiological, biomechanical, and psychological points of view. The foundation of Exercise Science stems from chemistry, physics, math, anatomy, and physiology. A strong background and exposure to all the areas in Exercise Science prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to maintain or enhance performance. Our balanced curriculum introduces students to the disciplines of exercise physiology, nutrition, motor behavior, biomechanics, exercise psychology, and fitness testing and programming. Exercise Science students complete practical, hands-on learning experiences, engage in classroom discussions, and apply their knowledge to real-world experiences during the learning process.

Exercise Science Career Possibilities

Traditionally, Exercise Science focused on enhancing athletic performance. Today however, the focus of Exercise Science is on improving the health, fitness, and quality of life of the general population in clinical, commercial, and workplace settings. Clinically, our students go on to work in a variety of rehabilitation or medical settings, usually after completing graduate school. Commercially, exercise scientists work in a number of settings to enhance fitness and performance, such as in gyms, community centers, schools, or sports teams. Exercise scientists are also in the workplace, coordinating employee health and wellness programs.

Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, group exercise instructor, recreational and corporate fitness coordinators, wellness coach, sport coach, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, fitness or wellness director, sales or marketing of medical/fitness equipment, or exercise physiologist.

The following career paths are additional options for exercise science students, and require further training and/or education: athletic trainer, biomechanist, occupational or physical therapist, physician assistant, nurse, researcher, academician, or chiropractor.

Exercise Science Programs

Major

Exercise Science with Allied Health Preprofessional Concentration, B.S.
Exercise Science with Human Performance and Fitness Concentration, B.S.
Exercise Science with Pre-Athletic Training Concentration, B.S. (starting Spring 2020)

Minor

Coaching Minor
Exercise Science Minor

Certificate

Power, Agility, and Group Exercise (PAGE) Certificate

Exercise Science, B.S.

The Exercise Science Major explores the various sub-disciplines of Exercise Science in detail, including exercise physiology, exercise programming, motor behavior, exercise psychology, nutrition, research methodology, and more. Exercise Scientists rely on scientific knowledge in these areas to advance the understanding of how the body responds to physical activity to improve wellness, performance, and quality and life. To better prepare students for their lives after graduation, we offer two different concentrations: Allied Health Pre-Professional and Human Performance and Fitness.

Exercise Science with Allied Health Pre-Professional Concentration, B.S.

The Allied Health Pre-Professional Concentration is ideal for those students interested in careers that will take them into rehabilitative or medical settings. This concentration will give students a deep and thorough understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and how to work with clinical populations such as patients with cardiovascular issues. To graduate with this concentration, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Admission Requirements for the Allied Health Pre-Professional Concentration

High school students interested in the Exercise Science program must meet one of the following criteria:
- Top 20% of graduating class and SAT above 1030
- Top 40% of graduating class and SAT above 1130
Students transferring from another major or another university must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 15 credits with a GPA of 2.50 or above
- Completion of BIO 161, BIO 162, or BIO 237 (or their equivalents) with a grade of C or higher

Exercise Science with Human Performance and Fitness Concentration, B.S.

The Human Performance and Fitness Concentration is ideal for students interested in careers in the fitness, health, and human services industries. This concentration will provide students with the tools to be successful entering the workforce and working with various populations immediately after graduation. To graduate with this concentration, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Admission Requirements for the Human Performance and Fitness Concentration

High school students interested in the Exercise Science program meet
- Admission standards of University
Students transferring from another major or another university must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 15 credits with a GPA of 2.0 or above
- Completion of a science course (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) with a grade of C or higher

Exercise Science with Pre-Athletic Training Concentration 3+2, B.S.

The 3+2 Athletic Training Program allows students to complete a Master’s degree in Athletic Training in combination with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Pre-Athletic Training Concentration in only 5 years. The first three years are completed at Shippensburg University and the two professional years are completed at an affiliated University. The Pre-Athletic Training Concentration is ideal for students planning to become an athletic trainer. This concertation will provide students with the foundational knowledge to apply to an affiliated graduate program. To graduate with this concentration, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This program will start in the Spring 2020 semester.

Admission Requirements for the Pre-Athletic Training Concentration

High school students interested in the Exercise Science program must meet one of the following criteria:
- Top 20% of graduating class and SAT above 1030
- Top 40% of graduating class and SAT above 1130
Students transferring from another major or another university must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 15 credits with a GPA of 2.50 or above
- Completion of BIO 161, BIO 162, or BIO 237 (or their equivalents) with a grade of C or higher

Programs

Major

Minor

Certificate

Power, Agility, and Group Exercise (PAGE) Certificate

Courses

Exercise Science