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Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
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Why Choose Exercise Science?
Do you want to help improve the health and well-being of others through the application of exercise and physical fitness principles? Exercise Science is the study of the body’s response to exercise and physical activity, incorporating many sub-disciplines, such as biology, physiology, and even psychology. You will learn how scientific principles in many areas can help you understand how the body responds to exercise and advocate physical activity to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
The Exercise Science program incorporates both classroom and supervised practical experiences to prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work as a professional in exercise, health, fitness, and wellness fields. When you complete the program, you will be eligible to sit for the ACSM Exercise Physiologist certification, the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, or other similar professional certifications.
Entry-level professionals in these fields are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, developing and implementing safe and effective exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. Exercise science professionals can perform these activities in commercial, university, corporate, or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion, fitness, and sports activities.
Contact Information
Karen Wonders, Ph.D.
264 Millett Hall
karen.wonders@wright.edu
937-775-2637
For general questions contact an academic advisor in the CHEH Academic Advising Office.
Careers
- Wellness program coordinator
- Certified strength and conditioning coach
- Certified personal trainer
- Corporate or recreational fitness director
- Group exercise instructor
- Exercise physiologist
- Exercise oncology professionals
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
Real-World Experience
Students must take a 12-credit internship (400 contact hours). Internship sites include hospitals and clinics, wellness centers, health care facilities, nursing homes, fitness centers, spas, resorts, sports science laboratories, government and community agencies, or other approved locations. Examples of internship sites include:
- Local gyms
- Wright State campus Recreation Center
- Maple Tree Cancer Alliance
- Premier Health facilities
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
- Local county park systems
Academics and Curriculum
View the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program information, degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog.
When you complete this program will be well prepared and eligible to apply for several nationally recognized certifications, such as a health/fitness instructor, personal trainer, or strength/conditioning specialist. Some of the eligible certifications include:
- Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM)
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM, NETA, AFAA)
- Certified Health Education Specialist (SHAPE America)
- Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION, ACSM, NASM, NCCPT, NCSF, NETA, NFPT, NSCA, PTA Global, WITS)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
- Exercise Oncology Professional (MTCA)
- Health and Fitness Instructor (ACSM)
- Nationally Certified Pilates Techer (NPCP)
Admission
To be admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program, students must:
- Complete ATR 2410: Introduction to Kinesiology and Health, with a grade of C or higher, and
- Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50.
