Exercise Science

Exercise Science Fundamentals

The exercise science program prepares students through the study of human movement to pursue careers in health and fitness, personal training, strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation and professional graduate programs.

This bachelor's degree program provides students the ability to focus their degree and choose an area of concentration:

  • Applied Exercise Physiology
  • Coaching and Conditioning
  • Fitness Management
  • Pre-Professional Concentration

Professional Preparation

  • Affords students the opportunity to pursue a variety of employment opportunities in health and fitness, corporate wellness, research, clinical and strength and conditioning industries.
  • Exercise Science also prepares students for graduate studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy as well as for medical school, pharmacy school, chiropractic school, a career as a physician's assistant, and many other opportunities.

Our Faculty

  • are innovative and experienced
  • infuse experiential learning, simulation and multimedia technology to enhance the classroom experience
  • are active in current research, national organizations and local community agencies
  • encourage students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Research

The School of Sport Science and Wellness Education, located in InfoCision Stadium, provides opportunities for student-led research projects. Resources include:

  • state-of-the-art laboratory and equipment required for evidence-based learning

Real World Experience

  • The bachelor's degree program requires all students to complete a practicum (internship) of 120 to 180 hours prior to graduation
  • Service learning and volunteer opportunities to be involved and give back to the community are built into coursework to prepare students for employment
  • Collaboration with professionals in the field
  • Interpersonal collaboration with multiple disciplines

Education Student Organizations

  • The Exercise Science Club affords students opportunities to promote professional activity and networking in the exercise science field through participation in conferences, clinics and club activities.

Sample Curriculum

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For More Information:

School of Exercise and Nutrition Science

Contact: Rachele Kappler

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Career Opportunities

Careers in this allied health field will prepare students for a variety of jobs within wellness programming, coaching and personal training. Our program also serves as a great foundation for other allied health careers and is designed to meet requirements of graduate programs if students wish to further their education.

Exercise Science graduates are employed as:

  • cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialists
  • employee fitness directors
  • exercise physiologists
  • occupational physiologists
  • personal trainers
  • physical/occupational therapists
  • chiropractors
  • physicians
  • researchers
  • group exercise instructors
  • biomechanists

Degrees and Preparation

A bachelor's degree in exercise science paves the way to a variety of career opportunities in the fitness industry that involve exercise testing, prescribing exercise to healthy individuals as well as those with special considerations, strength and conditioning and using exercise as a conduit for weight management.

Specialization is available through four specific concentrations:

  • Applied Exercise Physiology
  • Coaching and Conditioning
  • Fitness Management
  • Pre-Physical Therapy

Career Services

Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide our students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.