Bachelor's in

Exercise Science
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Bachelor's in Exercise Science

About the Exercise Science Program

If studying the human body and using exercise as medicine excites you, exercise science may be perfect for you. SRU’s exercise science program is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs and endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Our classes provide a strong human science base covering subjects that include anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics and enable you to apply this knowledge in practical experiences working with real people. Many transferable skills will be gained such as communication, assessment of the motivation of people, and the ability to prescribe exercise to prevent or treat disease.

What Can I Do With an Exercise Science Degree?

With a degree in exercise science from Slippery Rock University, you will be prepared to continue on to graduate school in one of many health care fields or begin a career in the wellness/health/fitness profession. You will have the knowledge and skills to be accepted and successful in a variety of graduate programs such as physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, chiropractic, medicine, exercise physiology, athletic training or public health. As a wellness/health/fitness professional, you will evaluate health behaviors and risk factors, conduct fitness assessments, develop and implement safe and effective exercise prescriptions and coach individuals to modify health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.

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Why Choose an Exercise Science Degree?

  • Hands-on Learning
    We all know that we learn better by doing than by sitting and listening. Our program includes extraordinary hands-on learning in smaller laboratory and classroom settings.
  • Experienced Faculty
    You will be taught by full-time faculty members who bring real-life examples, research and/or industry experience to enhance your learning experience.
  • Projects and research with faculty
    Exercise science majors have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in undergraduate research. These collaborative research opportunities are a long-standing tradition in the program and all undergraduates should seriously consider experiencing this high impact practice.
  • Support and Guidance
    Every undergraduate is assigned an academic adviser within the department to guide you through your program of study and help you make decisions about educational and career goals.
  • Critical Thinking
    Have you ever thought about how you think? Can you make decisions and solve problems in a logical, clear, and accurate way? A primary focus of our curriculum is to help you become a better critical thinker as you solve real-life problems, a skill desired by all employers.
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The faculty in Exercise Science helped me discover my love of learning and research. Most importantly, the exercise science degree prepares you to be a competent professional. The high standards of this degree keep you accountable and honest, which are key selection criteria for graduate programs and academic and industry positions.

Melanie Clarke ‘18, Lecturer & Subject Coordinator
La Trobe University Melbourne, Australia

Exercise Science BS

Person showing exercise to other person

Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Offers students a strong scientific foundation in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Through hands-on learning experiences and the use of advanced technology, students can apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This program, led by student-centered faculty, prepares students to become industry leaders immediately after graduation.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
man on exercise machine

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Athletic Training (SRU) (3+2)

Provides a strong foundation in human anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Through hands-on learning and advanced technology, students learn to understand the human body and the psychology of motivation, helping them prepare for their future patients and athletes.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
man on exercise machine

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Athletic Training (SRU) (Traditional)

Focuses on developing professional competence, enabling students to evaluate health behaviors, design effective exercise programs, and apply behavioral strategies to promote positive lifestyles. Students learn professional interaction and communication by presenting information clearly, collaborating with peers, and effectively giving and receiving feedback.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Chiropractic therapy

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Chiropractic (Logan) (3+3)

The Exercise Science program at SRU has established an articulation with Logan University College of Chiropractic to offer you the best mix of classroom education and practical experience. If you are interested in a career in chiropractic medicine, this mix of experiential learning and hands-on experience will prepare you well.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Occupational therapy exercise

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Focuses on developing professional competence, enabling students to evaluate health behaviors, design effective exercise programs, and apply behavioral strategies to promote positive lifestyles. Students learn professional interaction and communication by presenting information clearly, collaborating with peers, and effectively giving and receiving feedback.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Occupational therapy exercise

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Focuses on developing professional competence, enabling students to evaluate health behaviors, design effective exercise programs, and apply behavioral strategies to promote positive lifestyles. Students learn professional interaction and communication by presenting information clearly, collaborating with peers, and effectively giving and receiving feedback.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
therapy on mat

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Allows students to earn both their bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in six years instead of seven. Students complete their undergraduate coursework and DPT prerequisites in the first three years, applying for the DPT program during their third year.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
therapy on mat

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Allows students more time to accumulate prerequisite coursework, gain valuable observation hours, and fully prepare for the application process for various Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs after graduation.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Person showing item on computer with other person on treadmill

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

For students aspiring to become a Physician Assistant (PA), allowing them to earn both their bachelor's and Master of Science degrees in just five years. In this program, students spend the first three years completing their exercise science major and prerequisite courses for the SRU PA program. At the end of their second year, they apply for admission; if accepted, the first year of the graduate PA program also fulfills their final undergraduate degree requirements.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Person showing item on computer with other person on treadmill

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

Complete the requirements for your exercise science major and the pre-requisites for the SRU PA program and apply to the SRU PA program in your senior year.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

While many SRU exercise science majors will continue their education after earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates of the department have secured careers in the following areas:

  • Exercise Oncology Instructor, Maple Tree Cancer Alliance
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach, Division I & II Athletics
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Allegheny Health Network
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Assistant Manager, Union Fitness
  • Owner, Global Human Performance
  • Health Coach, UPMC Health Plan
  • Fitness Manager, YMCA
  • Wellness Coach & Personal Trainer, The Flourish Group
  • Exercise Physiologist, Next Level Spine & Sport

Internship Opportunities

SRU exercise science students have completed internships at various locations including:

  • Allegheny Health Network Sports Performance
  • Apple
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Maple Tree Cancer Alliance
  • Next Level Spine & Sport
  • Pittsburgh North Fitness
  • Pure Edge Performance
  • Robert Morris University Strength & Conditioning
  • Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospitals - Cardiac Rehab

Clubs & Organizations

  • Exercise Science Society
  • Pre-Athletic Training Club
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy Club
  • Pre-Physician Assistant Club
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Club
  • Resistance Training Club
  • Rock Run Club

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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