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.
- 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.
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 Opportinities
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
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.
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.
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.
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. 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."