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Exercise Science

Occupational Description

Exercise Science encompasses a wide variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: Biomechanics, Sports Nutrition, Sport Psychology, Motor Control/Development, and Exercise Physiology. The study of these disciplines is integrated into the academic preparation of Exercise Science professionals. Exercise Science professionals work in the health and fitness industry, and are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion. They conduct these activities in university, corporate, commercial or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion and fitness-related activities.

Employment Characteristics

As an integral part of the health and wellness team, Exercise Science Professionals can work with Personal Fitness Trainers and Exercise Physiologists in a number of different settings, such as corporate, clinical, community, and commercial fitness and wellness centers (entrepreneurship). Exercise Science Professionals work with the apparently healthy population and clients with controlled disease, leading and demonstrating these clients in safe and effective methods of exercise. The Exercise Science Professional can also assess risk factors and identify (not diagnosed) the health status of clients.

Educational Programs

Length: Exercise Science programs can be completed in a four year Bachelor’s degree level program. 

Prerequisites: Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the specific institutional entrance requirements. 

Curriculum: Exercise Science programs will include a comprehensive academic curriculum and at least one culminating internship experience. The program should end in a culminating experience, such as an internship and a national credentialing examination. 

Certification/Registration

ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
401 W. Michigan St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-637-9200
Website: www.acsm.org

ACE - American Council on Exercise
4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-576-655
Website: www.ACEfitness.org

NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
26632 Agoura Road 
Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: 800-460-6276
Website: www.nasm.org

NCSF - National Council on Strength and Fitness
5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 60
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone: 800-772-6273
Website: www.ncsf.org

Careers/Curriculum

AAHPERD - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation, and Dance
1900 Association Dr
Reston, VA 20191-1598
Phone: 800-213-7193
Website: www.aahperd.org

AACVPR - American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
401 North Michigan Ave. Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-321-5146
Website: www.aacvpr.org

MFA - Medical Fitness Association
P.O. Box 73103 
Richmond, VA 23235-8026
Phone: 804-327-0330
Website: www.medicalfitness.org

AKTA - American Kinesiotherapy Association
CCB-KT
P.O.Box 1390
Hines, IL 60141-1390 
Phone: 800-296-2582
Website: www.akta.org