Are you interested in being a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physician Assistant, Medical Doctor, or Strength and Conditioning Coach?

Exercise science is the scientific study of human movement performed to maintain or improve health and wellness. This applied science field is focused on using exercise to prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health, and enhance human performance.

The Exercise Science program is accredited by and the .

Curriculum

What You’ll Learn

Your degree will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work as a professional in various health professions. You will be skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, developing and implementing safe and effective exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. Exercise science professionals perform these activities in medical, commercial, university, corporate, or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion, fitness, sports performance, and rehabilitation activities. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION
   To interact and communicate effectively by presenting information in oral, written, and technology formats; collaborating with professionals and peers; expressing ideas clearly; and giving and receiving feedback;
2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
   To utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate health behavior and risk factors; develop, implement, and evaluate exercise and wellness programs, and employ behavioral strategies to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors;
3. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT
   To demonstrate behavior, grounded in Christian faith and the liberal arts tradition, that preserves the integrity of a profession, prevents misrepresentation, and protects the consumer;
4. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
   To continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities and to uphold a professional image through actions and appearance; and
5. PROFESSIONAL DECISION MAKING (PROBLEM SOLVING)
   To demonstrate critical thinking by making decisions based on multiple perspectives and evidence-based practice.

Internship Experience

As part of the Exercise Science major, you will be required to participate in a 300-hour supervised summer internship () providing integral hands-on experience and exposing you to the job market in Exercise Science-related businesses and agencies. This internship will give you opportunities to apply your knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained through traditional coursework and experiential activities from the classroom. Prerequisites include candidacy, EXSI 432: Seminar in Exercise Science, and valid Adult CPR/AED certifications.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Exercise Science major requires the following:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.7
• Prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better – BIO 111, BIO 203, BIO 204, CHEM 111, EXSI 200
• A statement of professional goals
• Two completed reference forms
  • One reference must be from a science professor
• Course rotation discussed with your advisor

Current GWU students can apply to the undergraduate Exercise Science major by completing the  Non-GWU students should apply through the Office of Admissions.

Available Concentrations

For a more in-depth look at program requirements and concentrations, visit our .

Health Fitness Concentration

The Health Fitness Concentration offers potential career pathways to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, corporate wellness, exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning.

Health Sciences Concentration

The Health Sciences concentration will prepare students for a career as a physician
assistant.

Pre-Professional Concentration

The Pre-Professional Concentration offers potential career pathways to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medicine.

Accelerated Master of Strength and Conditioning

The Accelerated Master of Strength and Conditioning (MSSC) allows undergraduate ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ students to begin work in the MSSC program while completing their bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  

Qualified students may apply for admission to the Accelerated MSSC during their junior year (or after 60 credit hours). If accepted, students can take up to twelve credit hours of graduate coursework to apply toward their MSSC degree and earn combination credit for these hours at the undergraduate level.  

Outcomes

What You’ll Do

Exercise Science majors receive exemplary career preparation along with a solid education in the liberal arts and sciences. They all participate in the campus-wide Professional Readiness Experience, while also focusing on resume writing, understanding LinkedIn, professional dress, dinner etiquette, and mock interviewing. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students are learning job transferable skills. The program results in professionals of high integrity who are ready to take on the challenges of graduate school or full-time employment.

The significant time that students have been involved in real-life laboratory sessions enables them to demonstrate practical experience and fluency with equipment and technology for Exercise Science.

Completion of the Exercise Science degree prepares students to take certification exams offered by several professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Post-Graduate Options

The majority of ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ University Exercise Science majors pursue advanced study after graduation. Graduate degree pursuits include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physician’s assistant
• Clinical exercise physiology
• Strength and conditioning
• Corporate wellness

Just some of the graduate schools which have admitted our recent graduates include:

• East Carolina University
• ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ University
• Lenoir-Ryne University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Western Carolina University
• Breanu University
• Ohio State University
• Medical University of South Carolina

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A hands-on approach to physical wellness.

The Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning degree offers two enrollment options. One allows for completion of BS and MS in 5 years or less.  The second allows for fall, spring, or summer enrollment into a 2-year program to complete just the MS.

Available Programs

Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning

Whether you pursue the 5-Year BS & MS program or the 2-year MS program, both rely heavily upon standards set by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Currently, the BS is a nationally recognized NSCA program.

ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥â€™s approach to Strength and Conditioning is designed to be very practical and hands on. Led by highly-qualified professors, including a licensed physical therapist (DPT), a PhD in Exercise Physiology, and a PhD in Kinesiology, this program includes extensive internship and laboratory work. 

Program Course ReQuirements

• PSYC 520 Exercise and Sport Psychology*
• EXSI 524: Sports Nutrition*
• EXSI 532 Research Methods*
• EXSI 535 Kinesiology*
• EXSI 511 Elite Conditioning
• EXSI 527 Fitness Facility Management
• EXSI 530 Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• EXSI 531 Advanced Programming
• EXSI 545 Program for Endurance Athletes
• EXSI 551 Practicum I
• EXSI 552 Practicum II
• EXSI 597 Internship
• EXSI 598 Thesis (This is an optional course for all students)

* Represents courses which are cross listed with undergraduate degree

Admissions Requirements

Traditional undergraduate students who have been accepted into the Exercise Science program can be automatically accepted into the Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning Program in their Senior year.

Students applying to the 2 year MS program will need:

• Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Students with less than a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average may be admitted with additional requirements upon the recommendation of the program director. .
• A one-page personal statement indicating the applicant’s interest in the program and describing professional intent.
• Undergraduate coursework in the following: Human Anatomy and Physiology (eight credit hours); Kinesiology, Biomechanics and/or Exercise Physiology.
• Criminal background check/drug screen, if applicable: May be required by internship site.
• Current licenses/certifications, if applicable: Adult CPR/AED certification
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the physical activity professions and in graduate work.

Get more details from our .

Accelerated Master of Strength and Conditioning

The Accelerated Master of Strength and Conditioning (MSSC) allows undergraduate ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ students to begin work in the MSSC program while completing their bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  

Qualified students may apply for admission to the Accelerated MSSC during their junior year (or after 60 credit hours). If accepted, students can take up to twelve credit hours of graduate coursework to apply toward their MSSC degree and earn combination credit for these hours at the undergraduate level.  

Ready for more details? Let us know!

Outcomes

What You’ll Do

The program is ideal for individuals desiring to enter into or continue their education in the following fields: physical therapy, cardiovascular rehabilitation, strength & conditioning coaching, teaching in higher education, personal training, and small business development.

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