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Exercise Science

Study how the human body moves, performs, and adapts to exercise while developing skills in fitness, health, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

Science

Exercise Science Major at William Jewell

The Exercise Science major combines anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology, nutrition, and exercise science to prepare students for careers and graduate study in health, fitness, rehabilitation, and sports performance. Through hands-on coursework and internships, students learn to assess needs, develop effective programs, and apply research to real-world settings.

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Interests & Attributes:

  • Health & Wellness
  • People-Oriented
  • Problem Solver

Goals for Student Learning

Students develop a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology, including how the body’s systems interact during physical activity and adapt to exercise. They build foundational knowledge of movement, exercise, and human development.

Students learn to design and evaluate fitness and exercise programs for a variety of populations. They consider factors such as nutrition, recovery, wellness, disease prevention, physical development, and individual goals when developing appropriate programs.

Students also develop the ability to interpret research and apply evidence-based practices to exercise science. They learn to evaluate information and use scientific evidence to inform decisions related to exercise, fitness, performance, and health.

Through internships and hands-on experiences, students apply their knowledge in professional settings. They develop practical skills, professional communication abilities, and experience working with individuals and populations in exercise science-related environments.

More About Your Degree

The Exercise Science major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and provides an interdisciplinary foundation in the sciences and health-related fields. Students study anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, motor development, assessment and measurement, nutrition, psychology, and statistics.

The major includes two Exercise Science internships, giving students opportunities to connect classroom learning with professional practice. Students can use these experiences to explore career interests, build professional skills, and gain practical experience in fitness, health, rehabilitation, sports performance, or related settings.

Students interested in graduate study should work with their intended programs to identify prerequisite requirements. The major includes many courses commonly required for physical therapy programs, but additional coursework may be necessary depending on the graduate program.

3+2 Athletic Training Pathway

Two degrees. Five years. One path to athletic training.

Through a partnership between William Jewell College and Missouri State University, Exercise Science students can earn a B.S. in Exercise Science from Jewell and a Master of Athletic Training from Missouri State in as little as five years.

Spend your first three years building your Exercise Science foundation at Jewell, then begin graduate study at Missouri State. Coursework completed during your first year at Missouri State can transfer back to Jewell to complete your bachelor’s degree while you continue progressing toward your Master of Athletic Training.

Explore the 3+2 Pathway

Build your foundation in Exercise Science at Jewell, then continue your path toward a career in athletic training at Missouri State. With the 3+2 pathway, you can combine a personalized undergraduate experience with professional graduate preparation—and earn two degrees in as little as five years.

Contact Tara Allen for More Information

 

Beyond Jewell

Exercise Science graduates can pursue careers that help individuals improve fitness, physical performance, wellness, and quality of life. Career opportunities exist in fitness centers, health and wellness organizations, sports programs, rehabilitation settings, community health programs, and other exercise-related environments.

The major can also provide preparation for graduate and professional programs in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, and other health-related disciplines. Students interested in professional certifications may also be prepared to pursue credentials from organizations such as the NSCA or ACSM.

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