Exercise Science
Exercise Science is now part of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
Exercise Science is the study of behavioral, nutritional, physiological, psychological, and functional adaptations to movement, physical activity, exercise, sport, and athletic performance. You will gain a detailed understanding of the physiologic response to exercise. You will have academic and active learning experiences that will teach you to design and implement exercise programs for a wide breadth of populations.
Starting in Fall of 2024, Exercise Science will be a STEM designated program and will have two concentrations: fitness and human performance and a pre-health professions concentration.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to the field of exercise science are growing. With an undergraduate degree in exercise science, students can expect to work in hospitals, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, sports organizations and much more. Exercise science majors may also find fulfilling roles in research and education, contributing to advancements in understanding human movement and optimizing exercise prescriptions. Additionally, the expanding interest in preventative healthcare and the aging population’s need to maintain active independent lives ensures exercise science majors a range of fulfilling career paths.
What can you do with an exercise science degree?
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Athletic Director, Trainer, or Coach
- Physical or Occupational Therapist or Assistant
- Nutritionist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Medical Fitness Specialist
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Group Fitness/Aerobics Instructor
*Please note that additional education is required for some of the examples given
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE – EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR
All students will follow the required Exercise Science major (including general education requirements) and then complete the remaining credits in their chosen concentration.
Exercise Science Major
| Course | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 100 | The Christian Tradition | 3 Cr. |
| THEO 300 | Any 300-Level Course | 3 Cr. |
| VUE 101 | Valparaiso University Experience | 4 Cr. |
| VUE 102 | Valparaiso University Experience | 4 Cr. |
| WIC | Writing Intensive Course | 3 Cr. |
| Cultural Diversity | 3 Cr. | |
| Humanities (2 courses) | 6 Cr. | |
| Social Science (2 courses) | 6 Cr. | |
| BIO 151 + Lab | Anatomy & Physiology | 4 Cr. |
| BIO 152 + Lab | Anatomy & Physiology | 4 Cr. |
| BIO 210 + Lab | Microbiology | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 124 or 131 |
Quantitative Analysis | 4 Cr. |
| XS 101 | Wellness & Stress | 1 Cr. |
| XS 151 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 1 Cr. |
| XS 250 | Medical Terminology | 3 Cr. |
| XS 277 | Physiology of Exercise | 2+2, 3 Cr. |
| XS 340 | Motor Learning | 3 Cr. |
| XS 370 | Kinesiology | 2+2, 3 Cr. |
| XS 372 | Biomechanics | 3 Cr. |
| XS 387 | Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription | 2+2, 3 Cr. |
| XS 415 | Research Methods in Kinesiology and Sport | 3 Cr. |
| XS 450 | Certified Personal Trainer | 2+2, 3 Cr. |
| XS 477 | Advanced Physiology of Exercise | 3 Cr. |
| Additional Required Courses | ||
| HS 203 | Human Health & Disease | 3 Cr. |
| HS 440 | Exercise & Chronic Conditions | 3 Cr. |
| BIO 260 | Human Nutrition | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 110 | General Psychology | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 215 | Lifespan Development | 3 Cr. |
| SMGT 310 | Psychology of Sport | 3 Cr. |
Each student will choose either the Fitness & Human Performance Concentration or the Pre-Health Professions Concentration to complete the Exercise Science degree.
