Rebecca Fillmore
Associate Professor, Department Chair of Biology
Program Overview
Fascinated by how muscles fire, how endurance is built, or how movement transforms overall health? In the Exercise Science major, you dive into the mechanics of human performance, exploring everything from strength development to cardiorespiratory fitness. You’ll learn to evaluate physical abilities, interpret physiological data, and create evidence-based training plans that empower people to move and feel better.
Throughout the program, you get hands-on experience with modern fitness technology, lab-based assessments, and real-world coaching scenarios. Courses guide you through anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and the science of injury prevention, all while strengthening your ability to think critically and problem-solve in health-focused settings. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to promote wellness, support rehabilitation, and step confidently into careers or advanced study in areas like physical therapy, athletic training, sports performance, or personal coaching.
Delivery:
On Campus
Average Class Size:
11
Clubs:
Math Club, Chess Club
Program Goals
As a student in the Exercise Science program at Spring Hill College, you will:
- Learn how the body moves, functions, and generates force.
- Assess fitness levels and create targeted, evidence-based training programs.
- Understand how the body responds and adapts to exercise.
- Study how exercise reduces risk and improves long-term health.
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average salary for physical therapists is $100,000+ a year. An Exercise Science student will develop the technical and transferable skills needed to thrive in a variety of contexts:
- Exercise Physiologists
- Physical Therapist
- Physician Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
Graduates of the Exercise Science program are eligible for direct entry into Rockhurst University’s advanced study programs, including their Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs.
Curriculum Snapshot
- BIO 101 & 103 – Principles of Biology with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- CHM 111 & 113 – General Chemistry I with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- HSC 201 – Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition (2 cr.)
- HSC 204 – Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)
- HSC 231 & 233 – Anatomy & Physiology I with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- HSC 232 & 234 – Anatomy & Physiology II with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- MTH 163 – Basic Statistics for the Sciences
or - PSY 263 – Statistics for the Social Sciences (3 cr.)
- PHY 201 & 213 – Algebra Based Physics I with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology (3 cr.)
- EXS 200 – Introduction to Exercise Science (2 cr.)
- EXS 340 – Foundations of Conditioning (3 cr.)
- EXS 430 – Exercise, Health, and Chronic Disease Prevention (3 cr.)
- EXS 325 & 327 – Physiology of Exercise with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- EXS 330 – Psychology of Sport
or
- SOC 385 – Sociology of Sport/Leisure (3 cr.)
- EXS 310 & 312 – Kinesiology with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- EXS 420 – Motor Behavior (2 cr.)
- EXS 450 & 452 – Principles of Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription with Laboratory (4 cr.)
- EXS 488 – Exercise Science Practicum (2 cr.)
- Program Electives* (8 cr.)
*Students interested in pursuing physical therapy should complete PHY202/214 & CHM 112/114.
“This program instills students with a thorough knowledge of human movement and wellness, equipping them for diverse careers in fitness, healthcare, and rehabilitation.”
– Dr. Rebecca Fillmore, Chair of the Department of Health & Science
– Dr. Rebecca Fillmore, Chair of the Department of Health & Science
Why SHC?
- At Spring Hill College, we’re making our mark – With our small class sizes and affordable tuition, Spring Hill College is uniquely qualified to provide a high quality education to our students. Our Jesuit, Catholic college education is renowned as a well-rounded higher education approach, with an emphasis on empowering students with a passion for knowledge and personal growth. With our recent tuition cut, Spring Hill College is one of the most affordable private colleges in the country.
- We’re curious and inspired – Forbes Magazine has ranked Spring Hill College as one of the top ten best colleges for return on investment (ROI). In our class of 2021, 92% of graduates attained placement six months after graduation through employment, graduate/professional school, internship or service.
- We’re doers – Our students contribute 24,000 hours on average to the local community through the Foley Center each year. 100% of the 2020 graduates that applied to medical school were accepted. Spring Hill College has a 100% certification rate and a 92% placement rate with our Education program over the last five years.
Learn more about our admissions process and policies, including our test-optional policy, at www.shc.edu/admissions
Learn more about our Financial Aid process and policies, including FAFSA and work study programs, here.
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To see how credits you are currently taking at any college/university may transfer to Spring Hill College, you can email a copy of your transcripts to admit@shc.edu. We will send you an evaluation of credits and can help plan future coursework at your current college/university.
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