Exercise Science, B.S.
Visit the Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.
Program Description
The Exercise Science, B.S. program prepares students for careers in exercise science and health-related fields, including pre-professional tracks for medical programs. Students will gain knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, while mastering advanced techniques for exercise assessment and movement analysis. This program emphasizes effective communication with clients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
| General Education Requirements | 33 Credits | |
| ENGL 1010 | Introduction to Academic Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 1005 | Foundations of Academic Writing | |
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1050 | College Algebra | 4 |
| or MATH 1055 | College Algebra with Preliminaries | |
| American Institutions (complete one of the following for 3 credits): | 3 | |
| US History to 1877 and US History since 1877 (6) | ||
| American History (3) | ||
| US Economic History (3) | ||
| American Heritage (3) | ||
| American National Government (3) | ||
| Distribution Requirements | ||
| Biology Distribution | 4 | |
| College Biology I (4) | ||
| Physical Science | 4 | |
| Elementary Chemistry for the Health Sciences (4) | ||
or CHEM 1210 | Principles of Chemistry I | |
| Humanities PSY 1010 recommended | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Personal, Professional, and Civic Growth EXSC 1097 recommended | 3 | |
| Exercise Science Requirements | 87 Credits | |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| ZOOL 2320 & ZOOL 2325 | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory | 4 |
| ZOOL 2420 & ZOOL 2425 | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| EXSC 2500 | Sports Medicine | 3 |
| EXSC 2700G | Foundations of Exercise Science | 3 |
| EXSC 3270 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| EXSC 3500 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXSC 3700 & EXSC 3705 | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| EXSC 3550 | Motor Learning and Control | 3 |
| EXSC 3730 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| EXSC 3750 | Psychosocial Aspects of Human Performance | 3 |
| EXSC 4300 | Research Methods in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
| Complete one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Statistics (4) | ||
| Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4) | ||
| Statistical Analysis in Exercise Science (3) | ||
| Complete at least 15 credits from the following (make sure selections will satisfy the requirements for upper-division course work): | 15 | |
| Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory (1) | ||
| Clinical Exercise Physiology (3) | ||
| Obesity Physiology and Physical Activity (3) | ||
| Physiology of Aging (3) | ||
| Exercise Metabolism (3) | ||
| Physical Activity Promotion in the Community (3) | ||
| Advanced Sports Nutrition (3) | ||
| Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3) | ||
| Advanced Biomechanics (3) | ||
| Applied Sports Science (3) | ||
| Advanced Gross Motor Assessment (3) | ||
| General Elective Requirements (up to 32 credits) | 32 | |
Consult with your academic advisor for guidance on career applicable course options. | ||
Any 1000-level course(s) or higher | ||
- 1
EXSC students must take BIOL 1610 and BIOL 1615, and REC students must take BIOL 1010
- 2
EXSC students must take EXSC 3270 and REC students must take REC 3850G
- 3
EXSC students must take EXSC 4950 and REC students must take REC 4950
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 120 semester credits, 40 credits must be upper-division.
- Overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above. (Departments may require a higher GPA.)
- Residency hours: minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
- Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
- No grades below C- in Discipline Core or Emphasis Courses.
- Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
- Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched (WE) courses.
Graduation Plan
This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | |
| Humanities Distribution | 3 | |
| ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1005 | Introduction to Academic Writing or Foundations of Academic Writing | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1050 or MATH 1055 | College Algebra or College Algebra with Preliminaries | 4 |
| Fine Arts Dist. | 3 | |
| Personal, Professional, and Civic Growth EXSC 1097 recommended | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| BIOL 1610 | College Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1210 | Elementary Chemistry for the Health Sciences If taking CEM 1210, must also take CHEM 1215 or Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Distribution | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ZOOL 2320 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| ZOOL 2325 | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| EXSC 3750 | Psychosocial Aspects of Human Performance | 3 |
| EXSC 2700G | Foundations of Exercise Science | 3 |
| American Institutions Distribution | 3 | |
| General Elective | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Semester 5 | ||
| ZOOL 2420 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| ZOOL 2425 | Human Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| EXSC 2500 | Sports Medicine | 3 |
| EXSC 3700 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXSC 3705 | Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| Statistics requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| EXSC 3270 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| EXSC 3500 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXSC 3550 | Motor Learning and Control | 3 |
| EXSC 4300 | Research Methods in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Semester 7 | ||
| EXSC 3730 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| EXSC/General Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key concepts of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as they relate to physical activity.
- Conduct comprehensive fitness related and biomechanical assessments for a variety of populations including healthy individuals, those with chronic diseases, and athletes.
- Promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity to prevent and manage chronic diseases using evidence-based strategies and interventions.
- Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills using multiple perspectives and evidence-based practice to solve complex problems in exercise science.
- Adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines in exercise science and related fields.
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
- Total Positions16,200
- Field Growth3.4%
- Median Salary$75,770
- Average Openings1.3
Athletes and sports competitors
- Total Positions25,100
- Field Growth11.1%
- Median Salary$70,280
- Average Openings3.4
Coaches and scouts
- Total Positions307,100
- Field Growth8.8%
- Median Salary$45,910
- Average Openings41.8
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
- Total Positions350,100
- Field Growth13.6%
- Median Salary$46,480
- Average Openings73.7