Exercise Science

Program Director: Christopher Harnish

A degree in Exercise Science prepares students to be leaders in clinical rehabilitation exercise programs and athletic performance, and job opportunities in public and private fitness centers, corporate wellness, and clinical health and rehabilitation programs. The Exercise Science major at Mary Baldwin University will prepare students to complete specialist certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Students can specialize in tracks in Personal Training, Athlete Coaching and Performance, Strength and Conditioning, or Medical Fitness. Students will study human anatomy and physiology, exercise performance, and movement analysis. They will perform exercise evaluations, develop exercise prescriptions, and teach and lead exercise sessions. Students will show their professional knowledge and skills during an internship. The Exercise Science degree is designed to prepare students for graduate school in the exercise sciences, with only minimal additional coursework to apply for professional graduate work in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, or Medical School.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science:

In addition to the courses to complete the General Education, students will complete 24 credits of core science courses and 40 credits of exercise science and Health Care Administration courses for the BA degree.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science:

In addition to the courses to complete the General Education, students will complete 28 credits of core science courses and 44 credits of course in the Exercise Science Major (EXSS) for the BS degree.

Additional course work is required for those planning to apply to professional graduate programs in Physical Therapy or Athletic Training typically require General Physics I (PHYS 201)and General Physics II (PHYS 202). Other courses required for application are included within the major requirement.