Begin Your Journey in Exercise Science
Exercise Science focuses on unlocking human potential by exploring the science behind movement, health, and wellness. Through a blend of hands-on experience and in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, and movement analysis, this program prepares you to make a real impact in careers centered on fitness, healthcare, and rehabilitation, while promoting lifelong well-being.
📊 Fact: Exercise Physiologist jobs are projected to increase by 10% between now and 2032, with 1,200 openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What You’ll Learn
✔ Human Anatomy, Physiology & Biomechanics – Learn how the body moves, functions, and generates force.
✔ Exercise Testing & Program Design – Assess fitness levels and create targeted, evidence-based training programs.
✔ Exercise Physiology & Performance Science – Understand how the body responds and adapts to exercise.
✔ Nutrition, Psychology & Human Behavior – Explore how fuel and mindset influence performance and wellness outcomes.
✔ Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion – Study how exercise reduces risk and improves long-term health.
✔ Clinical & Applied Experience – Gain real-world experience through labs, training, and practicum work.
“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
Curriculum Snapshot
The Exercise Science curriculum blends foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, with specialized classes in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and motor behavior. Students gain hands-on experience through labs, a practicum, and applied courses in fitness assessment, conditioning, and chronic disease prevention. With interdisciplinary electives in psychology and sociology, the program prepares graduates for both clinical and performance-focused career paths.
Sample Classes
Kinesiology
Examine the musculoskeletal system’s structure and function, learning how muscles, bones, and joints produce movement and adapt to the demands of physical activity, exercise, and dysfunction.
Motor Behavior
Explore key concepts in motor development, learning, and control, applying this knowledge directly to exercise and sport settings.
Exercise, Health, and Chronic Disease Prevention
Discover how chronic disease and aging impact exercise, focusing on prevention through lifestyle changes and recognizing exercise-related injuries and dysfunction for effective management and referral.
- 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.
Why Choose Exercise Science at Spring Hill?
✔ Holistic Health Knowledge – Learn the science behind human movement, nutrition, and wellness to promote lifelong health.
✔ Hands-On Training – Gain practical experience through labs, fitness assessments, and supervised clinical internships.
✔ Expert Faculty – Study under experienced professors dedicated to mentoring and advancing your career in health and fitness.
✔ Career Preparation – Develop skills for diverse fields such as physical therapy, sports medicine, fitness training, and wellness coaching.
✔ Community Engagement – Participate in service projects and practicums that improve local health and wellness outcomes.
Career & Graduate Opportunities
Exercise Science graduates are well-prepared for careers and advanced study pathways including:
Exercise Physiologists
Physical Therapist
Physician Assistant
Occupational Therapist
Graduates are eligible for direct entry into Rockhurst University’s advanced study programs, including their Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs.
Ready to get started? Applications are now open.
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