Exercise Science Concentration

The Kinesiology – Exercise Science concentration will prepare individuals for careers in a variety of health and fitness environments. These range from personal training, sports performance, strength and conditioning, and more. This rigorous on-campus program prepares students for graduate programs such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, and exercise physiology.

The SMWC student-centered approach prepares students with hands-on experience to develop the skills and knowledge to be leaders in this broad and growing field. The exercise science laboratory features maximal oxygen consumption testing, body fat analysis, resting metabolic rate, and electrocardiogram measurements. The small lab setting allows for each student to receive real-world experience.

Specific coursework includes exercise technique training, fitness programming, advanced fitness assessment, sport and exercise physiology, health behaviors and prevention strategies.

Available minors include Myoskeletal Massage Therapy, Sport Coaching, Pedagogy, Psychology, and Nutrition.

The employment demand for exercise science-based careers varies. Examples of projected increases by 2034, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Exercise Trainers  up 12% – 2024 Median Pay $46,180 yearly (Bachelor’s degree)
• Athletic Trainers up 11% – 2024 Median Pay $60,250 yearly (Master’s degree)
• Occupational Therapist up 14% – 2024 Median Pay $98,340 yearly (Master’s degree)
• Physical Therapist up 11% – 2024 Median Pay $101,020 yearly (Doctoral degree)

Students interested in the Exercise Science concentration must meet the following gateway requirements.

• Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Completion of at least 60 college credit hours
• Current GPA of at least 2.8 cumulative

Questions can be answered by any Kinesiology faculty, mentors or academic advisors.

Exercise Science Concentration Curriculum – College Catalog