Exercise Science

 

This program is offered in-person.

The Department of Human Performance and Health Education's Bachelor of Science in exercise science program is a scientifically-based curriculum which includes coursework in the basic sciences, the physiology and biomechanics of exercise, fitness assessment and exercise testing, exercise prescription and training, behavior modification and the clinical aspects of exercise. We offer three exercise science concentrations: human performance, clinical/pre-professional and strength and conditioning. All of the exercise science programs integrate classroom study with hands-on practical experiences in order to provide the Â鶹´«Ã½ with a comprehensive level of academic preparation. The human performance and clinical/pre-professional concentrations also offer Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) options.

Why exercise science at Â鶹´«Ã½?

 
Hands-on learning: Many of the exercise science courses provide hands-on experiences through class labs. Within these courses, Â鶹´«Ã½s learn a variety of exercise tests, assessments, skills which prepare Â鶹´«Ã½s for a career in exercise science or for further graduate studies related to human performance and health care.

State-of-the-art facilities: The exercise physiology laboratory features an environmental chamber, metabolic carts, body composition analyzers, cycle ergometers, and an underwater weighing tank. The biomechanics laboratory hosts a kinematic and kinetic motion analysis system and force plates.

Find fast success: 100% of 2021-2022 WMU exercise science graduates who reported were employed or continuing education within three months of graduation.

Concentration options

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Clinical/pre-professional

This concentration is ideal for Â鶹´«Ã½s looking to go into healthcare fields such as medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, and cardiac rehabilitation.
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Human performance

This concentration is ideal for Â鶹´«Ã½s who wish to continue their education in exercise science areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control as well as conduct related research.
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Strength and conditioning

This concentration is ideal for Â鶹´«Ã½s interested in becoming fitness professionals such as strength and conditioning specialists and personal trainers.

Additional information

For class listings, program guides and other resources, visit the advising page for the exercise science major.

Through internships, Â鶹´«Ã½s will gain practical experience in the fields of exercise science. Undergraduate Â鶹´«Ã½s in the exercise science major are required to complete a minimum of 450 hours of internship experience.

Check out the internship checklist and details.

Potential internship areas: 

  • Corporate wellness
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Health and fitness promotion
  • Personal training
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Physical therapy / occupational therapy / chiropractic clinics 

The exercise science program prepares Â鶹´«Ã½s for careers in:

  • Corporate wellness
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Health and fitness promotion
  • Personal training
  • Strength and conditioning

The exercise science program is also appropriate for Â鶹´«Ã½s interested in pursuing advanced or professional degrees in:

  • Athletic training
  • Exercise physiology or biomechanics
  • Medicine or chiropractic
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics 

Hear it from us

"WMU genuinely cares and is constantly improving programs and creating more Â鶹´«Ã½ for experience for Â鶹´«Ã½s."

- Ari, current exercise science Â鶹´«Ã½ (Meet Ari)

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Study abroad

Students are encouraged to pursue additional educational Â鶹´«Ã½ through one of many study abroad options offered by the HPHE department or WMU in general.
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All WMU Â鶹´«Ã½s have the option to stand out with an integrative learning project in one of several pathways including health and wellness, entrepreneurship, leadership and more!
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Visit campus

There's simply no substitute for seeing WMU for yourself and experiencing a little slice of what makes WMU so unique and beloved. In-person and virtual tours are available.