Exercise Science
Program Details
Exercise science focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biophysics of human movement and the application to exercise, physical activity and therapeutic rehabilitation. As a student in the exercise science major, you'll create and execute science-based exercise programs while learning to promote wellness for individuals of different ages, sexes, fitness levels and abilities. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to work in health promotion, fitness facilities, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation and in sport and athletic conditioning programs and may be eligible for a variety of certifications.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 99 percent of our students, including those in the exercise science major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022).
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Exercise Science major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- EXSC 100: Intro to Exercise Science............ 3cr.
- BIOL 140: Anatomy & Physiology I............ 3cr.
- BIOL 141: Anatomy & Physiology Lab I............ 1cr.
- ENGL 101: Comp or ENGL 115: Rhetoric............ 3cr.
- second language I............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101............ 0cr.
Spring
- EXSC 200: Kinesiology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 142: Anatomy & Physiology II............ 3cr.
- BIOL 143: Anatomy & Physiology Lab II............ 1cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- second language II............ 3cr.
- CORE 102............ 0cr.
Fall
- EXSC 300: Exercise Physiology............ 3cr.
- CHEM 150: Physiological Chemistry............ 3cr.
- CHEM 151: Physiological Chemistry Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 116 or 156: Statistics............ 3cr.
- PSYC 101: General Psychology ............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- EXSC 320: Fitness Training Principles............ 3cr.
- EXSC 325: Resistance Training............ 1cr.
- EXSC 360: Nutrition for Sport & Exercise............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- ENGL/CLAS/SPAN 205: Lit & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Core /General Electives............ 3cr.
Fall
- EXSC 380: Fitness Assessment & Design............ 3cr.
- EXSC 381: Fitness Assess & Design Lab............ 1cr.
- PHYS 140: Technical Physics............ 2cr.
- PHYS 142: Technical Physics Lab............ 1cr.
- Ethics/Religion & Society Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Core/General Electives............ 3cr.
Spring
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Core/General Electives............ 3cr.
Fall
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Core & General Electives............ 9cr.
Spring
- EXSC 460: Exercise Science Practicum............ 6cr.
- Core & General Electives............ 6cr.
Sample Courses
- Kinesiology (EXSC 200) – The study of human movement including analysis of muscular physiology, biomechanics, and principles of physics as applied to joint movement through muscular contractions.
- Exercise Physiology (EXSC 300) – Human physiology as it relates to acute and chronic bouts of exercise and physical activities.
- Nutrition for Sport & Exercise (EXSC 360) – Nutrition and its role in human performance and wellness. Nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids will also be addressed.
- Fitness Assessment & Design (EXSC 380) – Knowledge necessary to effectively assess, develop, and implement an appropriate exercise prescription for adults.
- Exercise Science Practicum (EXSC 460) – A planned, supervised, and approved exercise science related learning experience. Students must complete a total of 400 clock hours (6 credit hours), which may be divided into 1-6 credit hour blocks. Student must become certified in both CPR and First Aid prior to internship approval.
Career Outcomes
After graduation, you'll be prepared to work in health promotion, fitness facilities, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation facilities and in sport/athletic conditioning programs. This degree also aims to help you prepare for graduate studies in athletic training, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy and other health care-related specialties. 99% of Xavier students are volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Classs of 2022).
Career Opportunities: Athletic Scout, Community Health and Fitness Director, Corporate Fitness Director, Corporate Wellness Director, Dietician, Ergonomist, Exercise Physiologists, Fitness Center Director and Manager, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, Health Educator, Healthcare Consultant, Personal Trainer, Pharmaceutical Sales, Physical Education Teacher, Recreation Director, Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Nutritionist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Wellness Coordinator
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Student Clubs
- Exercise Science Club- This club aims to educate students about information and future career options in the field of exercise science. We strive to include all people, regardless of major or background, who are interested in learning more about exercise and how it relates to the professional world. Follow EXSC Exercise Science on Instagram @exscxu to see what the club is doing.
- Club Sports: Xavier offers more than 25 club sports where students compete against teams from other universities throughout the Midwest. Opportunities include ice hockey, running, club boxing, dance, gymnastics and more.
- Outdoor Club: The Outdoor Club aims to offer its members the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of outdoor sports, learn new skills, and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.
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Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationTake Advantage of Xavier's Fast Track 3+2 Graduate Program
If you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree in athletic training, you can take advantage of Xavier's 3+2 option. With this program, you'll earn both your bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's in athletic training in just five years.
Gain Hands-On Experience Working With Exercise Science Professionals
All exercise science majors have the opportunity to work in the field. The exercise science curriculum includes a 6-credit hour practicum, where you'll complete 400 hours of exercise science-related learning experiences on or off campus under the guidance of an exercise science professional.
Earn Top Certifications with Exercise Science Electives
Depending on the exercise science electives you choose, you'll have the opportunity to become eligible for the following certifications by the time you graduate: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, National Strength & Conditioning Specialists (CSCS), and American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Exercise Science Major at Xavier University
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is a scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biophysics of human movement and the application to exercise, physical activity and therapeutic rehabilitation. The Exercise Science program is one of many programs within the Sports Studies Department. Students create and execute science-based exercise programs while learning to promote wellness for individuals of different ages, sexes, fitness levels and abilities. Students are prepared to work in a variety of health-related specialties including health promotion, fitness facilities, clinical rehabilitation, and sport and athletic conditioning programs.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."