Program Overview

Health and Exercise Science B.S.

About this Program

In exercise science, you’ll examine the physiological, mechanical, and psychological aspects of physical activity, sport, and health-related behaviors. Explore the different facets of human performance, including human physiology, anatomy, metabolic and muscular systems, and research and testing protocols. Then, use electives to jump into your unique interests—you can even minor in areas such as disability studies, sports management, nutrition, or coaching.

This degree is a great foundation for further study and professional training towards careers in athletic training, physical therapy, or clinical health, or for an advanced degree in kinesiology.

Here are a few highlights of the program:

• Exercise science offers a natural sciences degree track suitable for all students interested in allied health and sport related professions.
• Exercise science faculty are research leaders in their fields.
• The B.S. offers experiential learning opportunities, including in faculty labs, professional internships, and study abroad.
• We offer a 3+3 DPT (doctorate of Physical Therapy) program in collaboration with SUNY Upstate Medical University*

Program Information

• Degree Type: B.S.
• Major: Health and Exercise Science
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: David B. Falk College of Sport
• Career Path: Health and Human Services, Sports

Curriculum

Core coursework emphasizes anatomy and physiology, human behavior, and personal health. Sample courses include:

• Sport Psychology
• Nutrition in Health
• Analysis of Human Motion
• Physiology of Exercise
• Scientific Principles of Conditioning
• Prevention and Care of Athletic Injury

Internship Experiences

Bring your knowledge into the field for an immersive 270-hour internship experience at major area hospitals, private practices, or college and professional athletic teams. There’s no shortage of options in Syracuse, including three major hospitals within walking distance of campus, local private practice settings, research projects with faculty, and Syracuse University Athletics.

Degree Tracks

Select the degree track that best meets your goals:

• General Health and Exercise Science: Prepare for careers in community or corporate fitness, clinical physiology, medicine, sports medicine, research, public health, and clinical health professions.
• Pre-Physical Therapy: Prepare for graduate study in physical therapy or related areas.
• 3+3 DPT program with SUNY Upstate Medical University: Earn a B.S. in exercise science and a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) in 6 years instead of the usual 7.

Research Opportunities

Join faculty-mentored research projects and contribute to the next scientific breakthrough. Collect and analyze data. Publish as an author or co-author on scholarly articles. Present your findings at conferences.

It all starts in our dedicated on-campus exercise science labs:

• Cardiovascular Laboratory: Assess cardiovascular structure and function to explore the impact of exercise on emerging markers of cardiovascular disease risk.
• Kinesmetrics Laboratory: Apply objective measurement tools to understand physical behaviors’ (sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity) consequences on health.
• Clinical Research Laboratory: Measure cardio-metabolic risk factors—such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes—and the effects of exercise in obese populations.
• The Hypoxia/Altitude Simulation Laboratory: Assess the role of low oxygen (hypoxia) on human physical performance using a high-altitude simulation chamber.

Extracurricular Opportunities

• The Exercise Science Club student organization gives you professional networking and leadership opportunities, all while meeting people who share your interests in wellness, health, and exercise.
• First-year exercise science majors can live together, share first-semester courses, and explore career interests through guest speakers, lab demonstrations, and site visits through the Health and Exercise Science Learning Community.
• Join recreation activities from sports clubs to intramural teams in expansive facilities, including the Barnes Center at the Arch.

Study Abroad

Experience Exercise Science Across the World

• Take a 3-week research and teaching expedition to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest in Nepal, where you’ll learn how the human body responds to high altitude.
• Take a 3-week course to Peru in South America and visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, where you'll learn about highland native populations and how the human body responds to high altitude.
• Collaborate with local community partners in Grahamstown, South Africa, to implement and evaluate a mutually-designed health education program.

Careers

Choose Your Career Path in Exercise Science

Some graduates choose to pursue a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) program or another clinical health program. Other graduates are top candidates for advanced study in training and coaching, including certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Related Programs

• Public Health B.S.
• Nutrition Science B.S.