Program Overview
Exercise Science Program
Overview
The Exercise Science program at the University at Buffalo (UB) is designed to provide students with hands-on training and evidence-based knowledge in the field of exercise science. The program prepares students for careers in sports and athletic performance, health care, and community health and fitness.
Majors
- Exercise Science BS - Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Athletic Training Concentration
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Health Professions Concentration
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
Combined Programs
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Athletic Training Concentration/Athletic Training MS
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Health Professions Concentration/Nutrition MS
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration/ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Exercise Science BS - Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration/ Exercise Science MS
Minor
- Coaching Minor
What Will I Learn?
The Exercise Science program covers a range of topics, including:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Exercise assessment and prescription
- Biomechanics
- Nutrition
Through classes and labs, students will learn how to assess a person's health and fitness, help people manage chronic conditions, and prescribe exercises to help athletes and others achieve their goals for health, wellness, fitness, and performance.
What Can I Do Outside of Class?
Students in the Exercise Science program have opportunities to:
- Work with athletes from youth through elite levels, develop connections with faculty, work with individuals recovering from injuries, and gain experience promoting health and physical activity in community settings.
Clinical and Practical Experiences
Practicum and internships are part of the exercise science curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings, such as sports teams, commercial fitness facilities, performance centers, hospitals, and other organizations.
Research
Students can work with faculty on research projects in areas such as exercise performance, nutrition, and obesity, as well as human performance in extreme environments.
What Can I Do with an Exercise Science Degree?
Graduates of the Exercise Science program can pursue careers in a variety of areas, including:
- Sports and athletic performance
- Health care
- Community health and fitness
Some examples of job titles include:
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Personal trainer
- Coach
- Exercise physiologist
- Cardiac rehab specialist
- Fitness program manager
- Health coach
- Athletic trainer
- Physical therapist
- Medical doctor
- Chiropractor
- Researcher
- Physician assistant
Who Will I Learn From?
The faculty members in the Exercise Science program are committed to helping students earn their degree. They pride themselves on making classes and labs engaging and encouraging students to apply what they've learned outside of the classroom. Faculty members often use their own real-world experiences to teach students and have worked with athletes from the New York Giants, well-known marathons, U.S. Rowing, and other organizations. They have conducted research with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and at events like the Timex Training Camp, Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon, Ironman World Championships, and the Hotter'N Hell Hundred cycling race. All faculty are active members in professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, National Athletic Trainers' Association, and American Public Health Association.
Program Outline
Exercise Science BS - Pre-Health Professions Concentration
Degree Overview:
The Exercise Science BS - Pre-Health Professions Concentration program at the University at Buffalo prepares students for careers in healthcare by providing a foundation in human anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. The program aims to:
- Develop students' understanding of the human body and its response to exercise.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess and improve health and fitness.
- Prepare students for further study in health-related fields.
This concentration is ideal for students who aspire to become:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Physician assistants
- Dietitians
- Researchers in health and fitness fields
Outline:
The program is typically completed in four years and consists of:
- Foundational courses in exercise science: These courses provide a strong foundation in the key scientific principles that underpin human movement and health.
- Concentration-specific courses: These courses delve deeper into the specific knowledge and skills required for success in health-related professions.
- Electives: Students can choose elective courses to further specialize in a particular area of interest or to broaden their knowledge base.
- Clinical and practical experiences: These experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-world settings.
Sample Course Schedule:
- Year 1: Introduction to Exercise Science, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Principles of Nutrition
- Year 2: Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Research Methods in Exercise Science, Health and Disease
- Year 3: Exercise Prescription, Advanced Exercise Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Pathophysiology
- Year 4: Internship, Elective Courses, Capstone Project
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but may include:
- Examinations: Written and practical exams to assess knowledge and understanding of course material.
- Assignments: Essays, research papers, and projects to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Presentations: Oral presentations to develop communication and public speaking skills.
- Clinical and practical experiences: Evaluation of performance in real-world settings.
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Interactive lectures delivered by experienced faculty members.
- Laboratory sessions: Hands-on learning in laboratory settings to apply theoretical concepts to practice.
- Small group discussions: Opportunities for students to engage in active learning and peer-to-peer interaction.
- Clinical and practical experiences: Supervised experiences in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue a variety of careers in healthcare. Some examples of potential career paths include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Public Health Specialist
- Researcher in Health and Fitness Fields
Other:
- The program provides opportunities for students to work with athletes from youth to elite levels.
- Students can connect with faculty members for mentorship and guidance.
- The program offers research opportunities in various areas of health and fitness.
- Graduates of the program have a high acceptance rate into graduate programs in health-related fields.
University at Buffalo
Overview:
University at Buffalo (UB) is a public research university located in Buffalo, New York. It is consistently recognized as one of the world's most exceptional and affordable universities, making it a top choice for students and faculty globally. UB is New York State's flagship university and is known for its commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UB offers a vibrant campus life with over 400 student clubs and organizations. Students can enjoy Division I basketball games, kayaking on the on-campus lake, and a variety of other activities. The university encourages students to share their "True Blue" pride and wear blue on Fridays.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Exceptional Academics:
UB offers over 500 degree programs with world-renowned faculty.Research Opportunities:
As a top 40 public research university, UB provides students with opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and tackle complex challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UB fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Affordable Education:
UB is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable universities in the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UB offers a wide range of activities and opportunities for students to engage in both on and off campus.Academic Programs:
UB has 13 schools and colleges, including:
- Architecture and Planning
- Arts and Sciences
- Dental Medicine
- Education
- Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Nursing
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health and Health Professions
- Roswell Park Graduate Division
- Social Work
Other:
UB is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its climate action efforts. The university has a 12:1 student/faculty ratio, providing students with personalized attention and support.
Entry Requirements:
High School Diploma or Equivalent:
- Required for all applicants.
- Completion of the following four units of high school coursework is recommended:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
GPA:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended.
- Applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account other factors such as standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Standardized Test Scores:
- SAT: Minimum combined score of 1100 (Critical Reading and Math sections only) is recommended.
- ACT: Minimum composite score of 24 is recommended.
Prerequisite Courses:
- One year of high school biology: This course should cover basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, and cell biology.
- One year of high school chemistry: This course should cover basic concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, and chemical reactions.
- One year of high school physics: This course should cover basic concepts of physics, including mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
- One year of high school algebra: This course should cover basic concepts of algebra, including linear equations, quadratic equations, and inequalities.
Additional Requirements:
- International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from one of the following tests:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from one of the following tests:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53.
Additional Information:
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a strong personal statement that highlights their interest in exercise science and their career goals.
- Applicants are also encouraged to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or other individuals who can attest to their academic abilities and potential for success in the program.
Please note:
- The information provided above is based on the current requirements for admission to the Exercise Science program at the University at Buffalo. These requirements are subject to change. Please refer to the university's website for the most up-to-date information.
- I am unable to provide information about entry requirements for students from specific countries or regions. Please contact the university directly for more information.
