Exercise Science

The study of Exercise Science provides an understanding of human movement, physiology, and physical activity and how they can be used to maintain or improve health, physical fitness, and sport performance. Studying Exercise Science fosters communication skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of human movement and physiology.

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The Cleveland State University undergraduate exercise science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.

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Exercise Science, B.S.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Students who earn a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science have many career opportunities as a health and fitness professional (see list below). Exercise Science also serves as an option for an undergraduate degree for those seeking clinical degree programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O). You may also pursue Masters and PhD programs in Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Human Bioenergetics, or a related field. Through the study of Exercise Science, you may go on to a multitude of health-related careers and certifications, including: Personal Training, Physiologist, Strength and Conditioning, Professor, Sports Performance, Occupational Therapist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cancer Exercise Specialist, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Group Exercise Instructor, Physical Therapist, Physical Educator K-12, Biomechanist, Health Educator K-12, Kinesiologist, Community Health, Corporate Wellness, Athletic Training, Researcher, Coaching.
 

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include:

• Ability to assess an individual’s health and fitness status, including musculoskeletal abilities, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition 
• Testing sport performance parameters such as power, strength, speed, mobility, and agility 
• Prescribe appropriate exercise programs based on testing results and individual goals 
• Research skills as demonstrated through laboratory work, papers, and exams 
• Analytical skills 
• Communication skills 
• Time management skills 
• Problem solving skills 
• A passion for health and fitness.

For program requirements, please review the requirements information in the course catalog.

 

Exercise Science Student Handbook

 

Course Requirements

The following courses are required for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science:

Required General Education Courses (7 courses)

• BIO 266/267 Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
• BIO 268/269 Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
• HED 210 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
• PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
• HSC 305 Culture in Healthcare, or SOC 250 Diversity & Sport

 

Professional Core Courses (9 courses)

• HED 450 Theories of Health Behavior
• EXS 322 Anatomical Kinesiology
• EXS 324 Physical Fitness
• EXS 325/326 Physiology of Exercise/Lab
• EXS 328 Legal & Administrative Aspects of Physical Education, Exercise & Sports
• EXS 439 Therapeutic Recreation and Adapted Sport
• EXS 475 Nutrition and Physical Activity
• EXS 494 Biomechanics

 

Specialty Requirements (8 courses)

• EXS 205 Introduction to Exercise Science
• EXS 315 Group Exercise Instruction
• HED 360 Health Promotion at the Workplace
• EXS 415 Evaluation in Health and Human Performance
• EXS 470 Exercise Testing and Prescription
• EXS 471 Exercise Programming for Special Populations
• EXS 472 Physiology of Aging
• EXS 495 Training and Conditioning

 

Additional requirements include three 1 credit hour activity classes, and three 3 credit hour Health Sciences and Human Performance electives.