Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science
Pursue your passion for exercise and help others live healthier lives
If you are passionate about helping others improve their wellness through fitness or exercise programs, the University of Saint Joseph’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree is what you need to transform your passion into a meaningful career.
From professional athletes to patients in a clinical setting, everyone can benefit from a knowledgeable fitness professional. Exercise science is the study of human movement and the understanding of how a variety of factors impact the human body. It helps you recognize the structural and functional changes that occur during exercise on the physiological, biochemical, and biomechanical levels.
With a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from USJ, you are prepared to begin successful careers helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their well-being—whether that’s in professional sports, college athletics, or community gyms.
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Please use this academic map as a reference guide. Academic advisors are always available to discuss the required courses depending on each student’s needs.
Exercise Science Major Unique Advantages
Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities
With the growing industry and the high demand for health care workers, the Exercise Science major provides internship opportunities in health care and athletic organizations. You will expand your knowledge with engaging courses to stay on top of industry trends and prepare for graduate programs and a variety of professional careers.
Emphasizing hands-on learning, all exercise science classes have lab components to sharpen your clinical skills that can be applied to real-world settings.
USJ also partners with several academic institutions to help further our exercise science students’ education with interests such as chiropractic, physical therapy, or occupational therapy programs.
Rigorous Courses & Renowned Faculty
USJ has a long history of unparalleled sports nutrition education. The B.S. in Exercise Science program blends in the robust courses of sports nutrition to help you gain a holistic understanding of how physical activity, nutrition, fitness, and diet intertwine in improving one’s well-being.
Advantageous faculty to student ratio: The faculty of the exercise science program are highly renowned experts credentialed in a variety of areas in the field including clinical exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. Faculty have a network of connections within New England that helps cultivate meaningful real-world opportunities for students. Small class sizes allow faculty to work closely with each student to tailor the learning experiences to each student’s academic goals including preparing them to sit for various certification exams.
Interdisciplinary learning/teaching approach: Faculty in closely related but distinct programs are committed to are committed to collaborating both in research and curriculum development to help aid students in finding their dream careers. Faculty believe that an interdisciplinary approach is essential. Additionally, exercise science students will have the opportunity to easily minor in programs such as nutrition, thus furthering their options for either post-baccalaureate studies or careers. USJ also holds several articulation agreements with other institutions.
First-class Facilities
The exercise science lab at USJ is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide students with a wide variety of high impact learning experiences and opportunities to increase their career readiness. The lab was renovated in the summer of 2024 as part of a $900,000 grant USJ received to establish an Interprofessional Health Education Center [IHEC]. The majority of the exercise science courses hold classes in this facility so that the concepts learned in lectures can immediately be applied using the first-class lab facilities and equipment. Hands-on training through simulation labs and active learning labs have been shown to better prepare students for their future careers. In the lab, students develop critical thinking and communication skills, conduct research, apply theory to real-world problems and skills. The lab capacity is intentionally kept to 12 students to provide more meaningful interactions between instructor and student and between students.
Plus, with the recent expansion of the O’Connell Center, USJ provides first-class recreation facilities and equipment for you to conduct activities to examine the effects of aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility exercises.
USJ Athletic Facilities
B.S. in Exercise Science Program Curriculum
The University of Saint Joseph’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is a 4-year degree program that requires 120 credits to graduate. The comprehensive and engaging program curriculum utilizes in-classroom lectures, clinical lab sessions, and field-based learning to nurture your expertise in exercise testing and prescription, exercise program design, injury care and prevention, nutrition planning, and more.
The first two years of the program focus on building your foundational knowledge in science through prerequisite coursework in the field of chemistry, biology, and physiology. After completing the prerequisites, you then deepen your knowledge in exercise physiology and sports nutrition through a set of core courses.
In senior year, you have two semesters of internships where you can gain professional experience to prepare for your career before graduation.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program curriculum.
Concentrations
Sports Psychology
This concentration requires nine credits. Learn more.
Exercise Science Degree Career Outlook
The Connecticut Department of Labor projects growth by 2028 in many professions that Exercise Science program graduates can pursue. There is a projected growth of 23.8% for physician assistants, 13.3% for physical therapists, 15.2% for athletic trainers, 11.1% for occupational therapists, and 6.3% for exercise physiologists.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, you can pursue careers such as athletic trainer and director, recreation therapist, exercise therapist, fitness or health coach, fitness center manager, PE teacher, exercise physiologist, PT assistant, health consultant, and more.
USJ’s Exercise Science major also provides excellent preparation for those who want to continue their graduate studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic care.
Admission Requirements
Whether you are a first-year college student or transfer student, you are welcome to apply to USJ’s Exercise Science major. USJ is fully test-optional for all programs and scholarships. Submit your online application with the following materials:
- official transcripts
- an essay
- letters of recommendation
Review the undergraduate admission requirements.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Saint Joseph has over 20 student clubs and organizations, including Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Pre-Health Professions Club, Public Health Society, and more.
Join a Club
Explore the science of exercise and human movement, and apply your knowledge to help others enhance their well-being. Apply to the University of Saint Joseph’s Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science.
Have more questions about the Exercise Science program?
Contact:
Melissa Brown, RD, CSSD, LD
Exercise Science
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 860.231.5262
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