Program Overview

Program Overview

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.

Program Description

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.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Exercise Science program includes:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • EXSC 100: Intro to Exercise Science
    • BIOL 140: Anatomy & Physiology I
    • BIOL 141: Anatomy & Physiology Lab I
    • ENGL 101: Comp or ENGL 115: Rhetoric
    • Second Language I
    • CORE 100: First Year Seminar
    • CORE 101
  • Spring:
    • EXSC 200: Kinesiology
    • BIOL 142: Anatomy & Physiology II
    • BIOL 143: Anatomy & Physiology Lab II
    • Historical Perspectives
    • THEO 111: Theological Foundations
    • Second Language II
    • CORE 102
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall:
    • EXSC 300: Exercise Physiology
    • EXSC 325: Resistance Training
    • CHEM 150: Physiological Chemistry (QR)
    • CHEM 151: Physiological Chemistry Lab
    • MATH 116 or 156: Statistics
    • PSYC 101: General Psychology
    • Theological Perspectives Elective
  • Spring:
    • EXSC 360: Nutrition for Sport & Exercise
    • EXSC 380: Exercise Testing & Rx (QR)
    • EXSC 381: Exercise Testing & Rx Lab
    • Exercise Science Elective
    • PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy
    • ENGL/CLAS/SPAN 205: Lit & Moral Imagination
• Junior Year:
  • Fall:
    • EXSC 320: Exercise Training Principles
    • PHYS 140: Technical Physics
    • PHYS 142: Technical Physics Lab
    • Ethics/Religion & Society Elective
    • Humanities Elective
    • Core/Flag/Elective
  • Spring:
    • Exercise Science Elective
    • Exercise Science Elective
    • PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives
    • Creative Perspectives
    • Core/Flag/Elective
• Senior Year:
  • Fall:
    • Exercise Science Elective
    • Core/Flag/Elective
  • Spring:
    • EXSC 460: Exercise Science Practicum
    • Core/Flag/Elective

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students are volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). After graduation, students will 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 students prepare for graduate studies in athletic training.

Career Opportunities

Exciting career opportunities include:

• 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

Sample Courses

• 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.

Clubs

• Exercise Science Club: This club aims to educate students about information and future career options in the field of exercise science.
• Club Sports: Xavier offers more than 25 club sports where students compete against teams from other universities throughout the Midwest.
• 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.

Related Programs

• Related Majors:
  • BS in Biomedical Sciences
  • BS in Health Services Administration
  • BSN in Nursing
  • BS in Pharmaceutical Science
  • BS in Sport Management
  • BS in Sport Marketing
• Related Minors:
  • Applied Health Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Clinical Science Management
  • Coaching Education
  • Health Services Administration
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
• Related Graduate Programs:
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Athletic Training
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy

Program Features

• Gain essential hands-on skills: 400+ hours of clinical experiences range from working in athletic training rooms, physical therapy clinics, or fitness centers to conducting research studies.
• Dedicated labs and learning facilities: The Health United Building is home to the Department of Sports Science and Management, and includes two dedicated labs for exercise science students.
• Fast-track your M.S in Athletic Training: Earn your bachelor's degree in exercise science and master's in athletic training in just five years at Xavier.

FAQ

• What jobs does the exercise science major prepare students for?
  • 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.
• What is the difference between exercise science and athletic training?
  • 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.
• What certifications are offered to students in the exercise science major?
  • Depending on the exercise science electives chosen, students will have the opportunity to become eligible for the following certifications by the time they 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
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for exercise science majors?
  • 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.