Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science
Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science program focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biophysics that underpin exercise, physical activity, and therapeutic rehabilitation. As an exercise science student, you'll learn to develop and implement personalized, science-driven exercise programs, fostering wellness for individuals across the spectrum of age, sex, fitness and ability.
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.
- EXSC 325: Resistance Training............ 1cr.
- CHEM 150: Physiological Chemistry (QR)............ 3cr.
- CHEM 151: Physiological Chemistry Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 116 or 156: Statistics............ 3cr.
- PSYC 101: General Psychology ............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- EXSC 360: Nutrition for Sport & Exercise............ 3cr.
- EXSC 380: Exercise Testing & Rx (QR)............ 3cr.
- EXSC 381: Exercise Testing & Rx Lab............ 1cr.
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- ENGL/CLAS/SPAN 205: Lit & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
Fall
- EXSC 320: Exercise Training Principles............ 3cr.
- PHYS 140: Technical Physics............ 2cr.
- PHYS 142: Technical Physics Lab............ 1cr.
- Ethics/Religion & Society Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Core/Flag/Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Core/Flag/Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Exercise Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Core/Flag/Elective............ 9cr.
Spring
- EXSC 460: Exercise Science Practicum............ 6cr.
- Core/Flag/Elective............ 6cr.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Exercise Science major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
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
Exciting Career Opportunities
Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Physician Assistant (PA), Chiropractor, Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach,, Exercise Physiologist (clinical settings, e.g., cardiac rehab), Rehabilitation Specialist (non-licensed support roles), Respiratory Therapist, Group Fitness Instructor, Fitness Center Director and Manager, Sports Scientist / Performance Analyst, Sports Nutritionist, Health Coach, Wellness Coordinator, Corporate Fitness or Wellness Director, Community Health and Fitness Director, Public Health / Epidemiology, Community Health Researcher, Healthcare Consultant, Medical Device Sales Rep, Pharmaceutical Sales, Occupational Health & Safety Specialist, Recreation Director
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.
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.
Powerlifting Club
Club Powerlifting provides opportunities for students to engage in activities (both on and off campus) that support, develop and sustain healthy and fit lifestyles of Xavier students through strength training. Club Powerlifting student members may attend conferences relating to given area of fitness interests, compete in local competitions, engage in recreational activities aimed at improving health and wellbeing.
SWEAT
SWEAT stands for Strong Women Exercising And Thriving. SWEAT is a club meant to build a community of strong women on campus that enjoy exercise, health, & fitness.
There’s nothing like experiencing campus for yourself. Schedule a visit and earn a $1,000 grant.*
Program Features
400+ hours of clinical experiences range from working in athletic training rooms, physical therapy clinics, or fitness centers to conducting research studies.
The Health United Building is home to the Department of Sports Science and Management, and includes two dedicated labs for exercise science students.
Earn your bachelor's degree in exercise science and master's in athletic training in just five years at Xavier.
You'll learn directly from faculty who are actively involved in the field, bringing real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom.
See what Camille loves most about the exercise science major, campus and living in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cincinnati's thriving healthcare, fitness, and sports industries provide unparalleled opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.
FAQ
Prepare for a rewarding career with Xavier University's BS in Exercise Science. Learn more.
People with an undergraduate degree in exercise science are prepared to work in many fields and industries, including fitness facilities, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation facilities and sport and athletic conditioning programs.
An undergraduate degree in exercise science also prepares students for graduate studies in athletic training, clinical exercise science, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy and other fitness and healthcare-related specialties.
Career Paths:
- Personal Trainer: Provides individualized fitness guidance and support.
- Fitness Center Manager: Oversees gym operations and staff.
- Health Coach: Guides clients towards overall well-being.
- Coach: Trains athletes for optimal performance.
- Chiropractor: Provides manual adjustments to the spine and musculoskeletal system.
- Physical Education Teacher: Educates students about physical fitness and health.
- Occupational Therapist: Helps individuals with disabilities perform daily activities.
- Exercise Physiologist: Applies scientific principles to exercise and health.
- Wellness Program Manager: Develops and implements wellness initiatives.
- Healthcare Consultant: Provides expertise on health and wellness to organizations.
- Recreation Director: Plans and oversees recreational activities.
- Corporate Wellness Director: Promotes employee health and well-being in corporate settings.
- Athletic Scout: Identifies potential athletes for sports teams.
- Research Assistant: Contributes to scientific research in the health and fitness field.
- Sports Nutritionist: Provides nutritional guidance for athletes.
- Dietitian: Offers nutrition advice and creates meal plans.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Optimize athletic performance through tailored exercise programs.
Exercise science and athletic training do overlap, but they have some important differences. The main difference is career certifications. Exercise science will prepare students for certifications as exercise physiologists, personal trainers and strength and conditioning specialists while athletic training prepares students for BOC certification as athletic trainers.
Exercise Science
- Focuses on working with athletes, clinical patients and clients to help improve a variety of different health and performance needs
- Prepares students for certification as exercise physiologists, personal trainers and strength and conditioning specialists
- Prepares students for post-graduate work in medicine, sports medicine, occupational therapy and physical therapy
Athletic Training
- Focuses on prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries for physically-active individuals
- Prepares students for BOC certification as athletic trainers
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)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification
Yes. 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.
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati isn't just a place to study - it's your career launchpad. Here on the banks of the Ohio River, you'll find a major metro that connects you directly to internships, networking events and real-world projects that will fast-track your professional future.
Exercise Science Program 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 of Sport Science and Management. 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."