Exercise Science (BS)
Overview
- Aligns its core requirements with the professional preparation standards published by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Provides a variety of internship opportunities tailored to the interests of each individual student
- The curriculum provides opportunities for the student to pursue certification through the NSCA (Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach), the ACSM (Exercise Physiologist) and a variety of other certifying organizations (USA Weightlifting, National Academy of Sports Medicine, etc).
The Preparation
- Graduates are ready for careers in health-related fields, fitness/wellness in schools, hospitals, clinics, and community or private fitness centers
- Our graduates are successful in graduate school and the workforce
Health & Wellness Concentration
The Health & Wellness Concentration prepares students with the knowledge and skills essential for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Exercise Physiologist certification exam. An ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) is a health and fitness professional who designs and implements personalized exercise programs for individuals with medically controlled diseases and healthy populations. They assess physical fitness levels, analyze health risks, and guide clients toward improved cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic health through safe and effective training strategies. With a strong foundation in exercise science, they often work in clinical, corporate, or community settings to promote long-term health and wellness.
Curricular Requirements
- BIOL 2224 Human Anatomy
- BIOL 2234 Human Physiology
- KNES 2613 Personal & Community Health
- KNES 2672 Terminology for Health Professions
- KNES 3613 Exercise Physiology
- KNES 3623 Structural Kinesiology
- KNES 3643 Introduction to Neuroscience
- KNES 4113 Exercise Programming for Special Populations
- KNES 4693 Biomechanics/Kinesiology
- KNES 4674 Internship
Strength & Conditioning Concentration
The Strength and Conditioning Concentration prepares students with the knowledge and skills essential for the National Strength & Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam. Students apply industry standard, evidence-based guidelines to the administration of fitness assessments, the development and implementation of strength and conditioning programs, and the management and oversight of such programs. Students complete 48 hours of coursework encompassing the knowledge and skills essential to the certified strength and conditioning specialist. The culminating experience of the concentration is a robust strength and conditioning field experience under the supervision of an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Students are encouraged to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam.
Curricular Requirements
-
- BIOL 2224 Human Anatomy
- BIOL 2234 Human Physiology
- KNES 1511 Methods of Teaching Resistance Training
- KNES 2113 Sports Nutrition
- KNES 3113 Sports Psychology
- KNES 3613 Exercise Physiology
- KNES 3223 Exercise Technique, Testing & Prescription
- KNES 3623 Structural Kinesiology
- KNES 4133 Program Design for Strength & Conditioning
- KNES 4123 Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning
- KNES 4693 Biomechanics/Kinesiology
- KNES 4333 Professional Certification Preparation
- KNES 4664 Strength & Conditioning Field Experience I
- KNES 4674 Strength & Conditioning Field Experience II
Strength & Conditioning Concentration Data
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
3-year aggregate |
|
|
Number of students enrolled in the program |
42 |
39 |
46 |
127 |
|
SNU Retention Rate |
100% |
76.1% |
92.7% |
|
|
Major Retention Rate |
36.7% |
19.5% |
52.9% |
|
|
Number of students graduating from program. |
9 |
9 |
11 |
29 |
|
CSCS Examination Scores |
||||
|
Number of students graduating from program who took the CSCS examination. |
2 |
2 |
5 |
9 |
|
Students who passed the scientific foundations section on the first attempt. |
1 (50%) |
0 (0%) |
1 (20%) |
2 (22%) |
|
Students who passed the practical/applied section on the first attempt. |
0 (0%) |
0 (0%) |
1 (20%) |
1 (8%) |
|
Students who passed the CSCS examination regardless of the number of attempts. |
1 (50%) |
0 (0%) |
1 (20%) |
2 (22%) |
|
Graduate Placement |
||||
|
Graduates employed in discipline |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
Graduates employed outside of discipline |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
Graduates entering graduate school |
7 |
1 |
6 |
14 |
Degree Plan
The Exercise Science degree provides a solid foundation for students to pursue further education in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and a variety of other allied health disciplines.
Highly Qualified Professors
Career Opportunities
When you graduate with your degree in Exercise Science from SNU, you’ll have the preparation you need for a successful career in many professions such as:
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Cardiac Exercise Specialist