College Announces New Academic Program: Exercise Science

The new major to offer two pathways

Saint Mary’s has a new academic program. The Exercise Science major was announced at the end of 2024 and is currently enrolling students for Fall 2025. This new program focuses on how physical movement impacts human form and function from a biological, mechanical, and behavioral perspective.

According to program coordinators, students can select one of two concentrations. Each one prepares students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exam which provides a certification to work as an Exercise Physiologist.

“The Bachelor of Arts with a Health and Fitness concentration is a 51-52 credit hour program  designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate work in occupational therapy, athletic training, or a career in health and fitness,” said Cassie Majetic, STEM division director and professor of Biology.

“The Bachelor of Science with a Rehabilitative Science concentration is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate work in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology and related fields. It will also provide excellent preparation for professional programs in health sciences, including physical therapy or medical school.”

Majetic said though the new major is part of the Biology department, the course requirements and learning objectives actually cross over multiple academic fields. Exercise scientists are multi-disciplinary and are often responsible for research, development, and implementation of heart disease prevention regimens as well as other physical and mental wellness programs. Majetic said data trends that the program development team examined suggest careers in exercise science are estimated to grow by 10% by 2026.  

Calli Versagli, associate professor in Biology and Pre-Health Advisor, said given the nationwide need for exercise science professionals, the need for women in this profession is greater now 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.”

Versagli added that women in physical therapy are underrepresented in leadership positions and are subject to pay gaps across the occupation. “By offering an Exercise Science program and leveraging our strong general education program, Saint Mary’s would be well equipped to change this paradigm and empower the success of women in this field. Women are needed in exercise science, and the opportunities continue to grow.”

Physical therapy as a career is No. 3 in US News and World Report for “Best Healthcare Jobs”, and places No. 6 as “Best Career Overall” in the United States. Jobs are expected to grow 14% between 2023 and 2033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

Admission data regularly shows that exercise science is a popular major for students pursuing physical therapy graduate programs. A degree in Exercise Science provides competitive preparation for a master’s in athletic training program. “To become a certified athletic trainer, students now must complete a master’s in athletic training for licensure,” Versagli said. “Saint Mary's major in exercise science offers an excellent pathway for students who plan to attend graduate school for athletic training.”

Majetic said that the new program will provide an alternative for healthcare-oriented students who might choose to move away from Nursing Science. “For our nursing students who decide to switch majors after their first one-to-two years, Exercise Science is an attractive option. It will allow them to maintain a healthcare focus with many of their Nursing track courses transferring to their new major.”

The core curriculum for both Exercise Science concentrations include: Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Exercise Programming for Special Populations, Exercise Science Practicum, Research Methods in Exercise Science, Nutrition for Health and Healing, Intro to Psychology, and Statistics.

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.

 

February 20, 2025