Exercise Science (BS)

• 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).

• 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

Exercise Science 4+1 Program

The Exercise Science 4 + 1 format allows students pursuing a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to enter the Master of Science in Exercise Science program in their senior year. They would be awarded their bachelor’s degree at the end of their senior year and finish the master’s degree in one additional year. A student’s qualifications are reviewed by the Graduate Program Director who would enroll them into the program. Admission to the Graduate School would be in the Spring of their junior year. Students are expected to meet all program admission criteria as outlined in the SNU Graduate Academic Catalog including (but not limited to) the following:

Masters of Exercise Science Course Pre-Requisites

• BIOL 2224 Human Anatomy
• KNES 3613 Exercise Physiology 

Masters of Exercise Science Program Admission Criteria

• Be within 30 credits of completing the degree requirements for their undergraduate degree program before the fall semester of their senior year. 
• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better 
• Three letters of recommendation and one page essay IF GPA is below a 3.0.

Upon admission to the MSES program, students will be allowed to enroll in the following maximum number of undergraduate credits during their senior year. Overload may be taken with the approval from the MSES program director and the School of Kinesiology Chair. 

• Fall: 9 undergraduate credits
• Spring: 6 undergraduate credits

As per University policy, students are allowed to count up to 15 credits for both undergraduate and graduate credit. Students are encouraged to work with their undergraduate and graduate academic advisors to select the most appropriate courses. The following courses serve as an example set of graduate courses that may be used. 

• MSES 5203 Foundations of Health 
• MSES 5213 Writing for Research 
• MSES 5223 Physical Activity Epidemiology & Pathophysiology
• MSES 5233 Legal Principles in Wellness
• MSES 6203 Grant Writing or MSES 6303 Research Design/Thesis

Course Sequence in Senior Year

Fall

• 9 undergraduate credits
• MSES 5203 Foundations of Health 
• MSES 5213 Writing for Research 

Spring

• 6 undergraduate credits
• MSES 5223 Physical Activity Epidemiology & Pathophysiology
• MSES 5233 Legal Principles in Wellness
• MSES 6203 Grant Writing or MSES 6303 Research Design/Thesis