Interested in health and human performance? Join the growing fields of wellness, rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness. GMercyU's new Exercise Science Program spans biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and health promotion. Through lab-based and practicum courses, you'll gain hands-on experience, equipping you for roles in fitness, sports medicine, rehabilitation, wellness coaching, and more.

As an Exercise Science major at GMercyU, you'll benefit from: 

• Our low 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Courses taught by experienced faculty members — no teaching assistants at GMercyU!
• State-of-the-art learning facilities, including the new Frances M. Maguire '55 Healthcare Innovation Center opening in 2025 (see below to learn more)
• Real-world experiences in a variety of specialties and settings 
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary education and collaboration
• The Griffin Edge, which will help you connect the dots between your GMercyU experiences and your future aspirations, so you can ace future job interviews and launch a successful career in an exciting field!

The Bachelor of Health Science in Exercise Science degree requires the completion of 120 credits.

Courses within the Exercise Science major (53 total credits) are designed to provide you with specialized knowledge in topics like kinesiology, exercise physiology, fitness assessment, and strength training. Some courses are lab-based, offering students practical experience in applied exercise science. The program also includes experiential learning opportunities, particularly through practicum experiences.

Proposed Curriculum

Here are just a few examples of the types of courses you'll take as an Exercise Science major at GMercyU:

EXS 200: Introduction to Exercise Science
This course provides an introductory exploration into the field of Exercise Science, focusing on the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological foundations of human movement and physi-cal activity. Students will examine the fundamental principles underlying exercise prescription, fitness assessment, and health promotion through physical activity.

EXS 300: Kinesiology
This course provides a comprehensive overview of kinesiology, the scientific study of human movement. Students will explore the principles of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and mo-tor behavior that underpin physical activity and exercise. Students will understand how the body moves, how physical activity affects health and performance, and how to apply this knowledge in various contexts, including sports, rehabilitation, and fitness.

EXS 350: Physiology of Exercise
This course explores the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise. This course delves into the mechanisms underlying the body's responses to exercise, covering topics such as energy metabolism, cardiovascular and respiratory function, neuromuscular physiology, and endocrine responses. Students will examine the principles of training, the impact of environmental factors on performance, and the role of exercise in health and disease prevention. 

EXS 370: Strength Training and Conditioning
This course explores the science and application of strength and conditioning principles for enhanc-ing athletic performance. This course covers program design, periodization, resistance training techniques, plyometrics, and speed development. Students will learn to create tailored strength and conditioning programs for various populations, considering factors such as age, sport-specific de-mands, and injury prevention. The role of nutrition in supporting training goals is also explored.

This program employs a holistic and integrated approach to prepare students for careers in athletic training, exercise and personal training, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, wellness and health coaching, recreation coordination, sports medicine, health education, health and exercise research, gym management, and more.

Top Jobs for Exercise Science Majors

Athletic Training
Description: According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, athletic training "encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Unlike personal trainers, ATs follow a medical-based education model and are licensed or otherwise regulated in 49 states and the District of Columbia."
Average Salary: The average salary for an athletic trainer in the U.S. is $57,930, with the highest 10% earning more than $80,640. 
Job Outlook: Job growth for athletic trainers is projected to increase by 14% through 2032, more than four times the national average.

Exercise Physiologist
Description: These healthcare professionals provide health education and exercise plans to help patients (which may include athletes) to improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems. Some exercise physiologists work directly with primary care physicians, who may refer patients to exercise physiologists for exercise plans.
Average Salary: The average salary for an exercise physiologist in the U.S. is $54,860, with the highest 10% earning more than $77,680. 
Job Outlook: Job growth for exercise physiologists is projected to increase by 9% through 2032, more than three times the national average.

More career pathways include:

• Exercise and Personal Training
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Physical or Occupational Therapy
• Wellness and Health Coaching
• Recreation Coordinator
• Health Education
• Sport Scientist
• Health and Exercise Research

Students who complete this degree are prepared for further study and training, often by attending graduate school to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in areas such as:

• Athletic Training
• Nursing
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthotics and Prosthetics