Exercise Science Program Overview
Exercise is vital to human health and well-being, and the documented health benefits of physical activity have made exercise programs, personal training and other health and wellness initiatives fundamental aspects of preventive medicine.
If you are interested in helping people become happier and healthier through exercise and rehabilitation, Ashland University’s Exercise Science Program could be your perfect fit.
Learning Experiences
Pre-Allied Health Tracks:
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Med
- Pre-Athletic Training
- Pre-Chiropractic
- Accelerated Nursing
Preparation for certifications in:
- National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- American College of Sports Medicine's Personal Trainer
- Group Exercise Instructor
Opportunities to:
- Study with accomplished and well-respected professors with backgrounds in:
- Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
- Fitness Assessment
- Study all aspects of exercise to prepare you for a job after graduation or additional academic work.
- Use interdisciplinary skills—from fitness to physiology and clinical research—to achieve successful outcomes in a variety of scenarios.
- Work side-by-side with passionate faculty and other experts in Ashland University’s human performance lab.
- Participate in faculty- and student-directed research and present results at conferences.
- Gain real-world experience by applying classroom learning to real people seeking help.
Sample Curriculum
Exercise science is a comprehensive major; it provides opportunities to develop the essential proficiencies for a career in exercise sciences or for admission to graduate school programs in physical therapy, medicine and others.
The Exercise Science program coursework reflects the standards established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
For additional information about the Exercise Science curriculum, view the Four-Year Curriculum Guide and Academic Catalog.
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Benefits
The Exercise Science program at Ashland University will help you build a healthy foundation of the sciences, including exercise physiology, kinesiology, anatomy and more to benefit the health of others, no matter your career objective.
When you complete this four-year program, you will:
- Understand the physiology of the human body at rest and during times of physical stress, with the goal of improving human performance.
- Be able to assess the fitness level of apparently healthy individuals and those with known pathology.
- Be able to prescribe and develop appropriate exercise and lifestyle modification programs to assist clients in achieving their fitness and/or rehabilitation goals.
Student Organizations
Exercise Science Club
This club gives exercise science students an insight into possible career paths. It also provides opportunities for members to gain experience in various fields, as well as community service.
The goal of this organization is to prepare its members with knowledge and experience as they venture into their post-collegiate careers.
Alpha Gamma Omega Nu
As both a professional and honorary society, Alpha Gamma Omega Nu encourages high professional, intellectual and personal standards. The organization recognizes outstanding contributions to the health sciences fields and encourages professional growth.
Among the eligibility requirements are junior or senior class standing, being a member of an organization related to your major and a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
With a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, your future is filled with opportunities to positively impact individuals' health and well-being.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following careers and associated median salaries appropriate for this degree:
- Fitness Trainer or Instructor: $46,480
- Recreational Therapist $57,120
- Exercise Physiologists: $54,860
- Athletic Trainer: $57,930
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14 percent in the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 73,700 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10 percent over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,600 openings for exercise physiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings for athletic trainers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Fitness trainers and instructors work in facilities such as recreation centers, health clubs and yoga studios. Many work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends or holidays.
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health. Most exercise physiologists are self-employed or work for hospitals. Exercise physiologists usually work full time, but part-time work may be common.
Many athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers or physicians’ offices, or for professional sports teams. Athletic trainers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and master’s degrees are common. Nearly all states require athletic trainers to have a license or certification; requirements vary by state.
Graduates may be hired by organizations such as:
- Fitness centers/gyms
- Hospitals/medical clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Corporate wellness programs
- Sports teams/athletic organizations
- Health clubs/spas
- Community recreation centers
- Colleges/universities
- Physical therapy clinics
- Public health departments