The exercise science degree program is housed in the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance and requires 126 semester hours of coursework, including a 12-credit hour full-time internship. Coursework includes nutrition, diet and weight control, exercise testing and prescription, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, health promotion, and physical activity among aging populations. Students planning for graduate study in physical or occupational therapy, exercise physiology, or physician assistant can select required pre-requisite classes such as chemistry, physics or psychology to fulfill entry requirements. The curriculum is designed to allow students to tailor course selections to meet career goals in exercise science or to fulfill requirements of graduate education in allied health disciplines.

The exercise scientist must understand the basis of exercise induced physiological responses; consequently, the degree program is rigorous, based on scientific theory and research. Graduates will be leaders in promotion and maintenance of health, activity, and fitness in the workplace or enroll in graduate professional programs in exercise science, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.

The principal goal of the Exercise Science (EXSC) Program is to provide students with sound academic preparation in the science of human movement. Students will acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) related to the theoretical and practical components of exercise science theory and practice.