Exercise Science is a new degree offered at Saint Mary’s College. This major focuses on how physical movement impacts human form and function from a biological, mechanical, and behavioral perspective.
Students can select one of two concentrations. Both prepare students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exam which provides a certification to work as an Exercise Physiologist:
- Bachelor of Arts with a Health and Fitness concentration. The track consists of 51-52 credit hours and is designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate work in Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training, or a career in health and fitness.
- Bachelor of Science with a Rehabilitative Science concentration. This track consists of 60 credit hours and is designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate work in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology and related fields as well as preparation for health professional programs, including Physical Therapy or Medical School.
Why Exercise Science?
Careers in exercise science continue to expand and are estimated to grow by 10% by 2026. Examples of exercise scientist careers include:
- Personal Trainer
- Physical Education Educator
- Athletic Director
- Exercise Physiologist
- Wellness Program Director
- Healthcare Consultant
- Camp or Recreation Director
- Health Coach
- Fitness Center Manager
- Preparation for advance degree health professional programs, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training.
Physical Therapy as a career is No. 3 in US News and World Report for “Best Healthcare Jobs”, and ranks No. 6 as “Best Career Overall”. Jobs are expected to grow 14% between 2023 and 2033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
The Field Needs Women Leaders
Given the nationwide need for exercise science professionals, the need for women in this profession is needed more than ever. For example, women athletic trainers are underrepresented in men’s professional sports. In 2020, the NFL had only eight full-time female athletic trainers across all teams. The need continues to grow for women athletic trainers in the workplace.
Saint Mary’s is one of only four all-women’s institutions to offer an Exercise Science degree.
Exercise scientists are responsible for research, development, and implementation of heart disease prevention regimens as well as other physical and mental wellness programs. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in fitness, wellness and/or graduate work in these and related fields.
Course Sampling
The core curriculum for both Exercise Science concentrations include:
- BIO 245 - Kinesiology (3)
- BIO 329 - Exercise Physiology (4)
- EXSC 110 - Strength and Conditioning (3)
- EXSC 230 – Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
- EXSC 310 – Exercise Programming for Special Populations (3)
- EXSC 480 – Exercise Science Practicum (1)
- EXSC 490 – Research Methods in Exercise Science (3)
- NURS 310 - Nutrition for Health and Healing (2)
- PSYCH 156 or PSYCH 157 - Intro to Psychology (3)
- MATH 114 - Statistics (3) *Note if not Calc Ready will need to take PreCalc first
Depending on the track selected, additional coursework could include, among others, Anatomy and Physiology; Integrated General, Organic, and Biochemistry; Immunology; Cancer Biology; General Physiology; Comparative Vertebrate and Human Anatomy; and Organic Chemistry.
Exercise Science is a common degree students pursue to enter Physical Therapy Programs.