Exercise Science: A Degree to Improve Quality of Life for Many People

The textbook definition of exercise science is exploring “human movement, using components of biological, physical and health sciences. These are used to explore structural and functional changes that occur to the body on physiological, biochemical and biomechanical levels.” Translation: a degree in exercise science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for people throughout your career. What could be more rewarding than that?

The Value of an Exercise Science Degree

Exercise science is an emerging, important field of study that covers a wide range of subject matter and leads to many different career pathways and opportunities for post-graduate education.

An exercise science professional’s abilities can lead to breakthroughs and best practices such as:

• Understanding how the body’s cells and systems act under physiological stress
• Preventing and treating diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• Preserving functional capacity in senior adults
• Creating and helping implement nutritional plans
• Discovering insights strength and conditioning coaches can use in treating professional or student-athletes
• Improving and maintaining the physical capabilities of the U.S. armed forces and law enforcement personnel.

Who’s a Good Fit for the Exercise Science Degree?

Well, exercise science majors often are those who’ve been active in sports and fitness activities their whole lives…not always competitively but as a discipline.

Some run, some prefer biking, and others go to the gym. All, however, are acutely aware that exercise habits provide mental, emotional, and physical benefits.

Like you, many high achievers know they want to attend college and have at least thought about a professional degree related to healthcare or health science. Most who choose the exercise science degree have a strong record in science and math classes and find subjects like physiology and anatomy fascinating.

And while their focus might center on fitness, nutrition, and proper exercise, exercise science students don’t want to limit themselves to fitness coaches or athletic trainers. They have bigger dreams, like showing organizations how to have healthier employees or inventing new techniques for improved physical rehabilitation.

Outcomes for an Exercise Science Degree

Of course, every university’s degree in exercise science (typically a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science) will have its differences, and prospective students should review the curriculum carefully.

One component to look for is an internship experience – typically 9 or more credit hours – aligned with the student’s specific area of interest.

Here are five outcomes you should expect from the exercise science program you choose:

1. You’ll accumulate a solid foundational knowledge in exercise science that will enable you to work within the wide-ranging exercise science field.
2. You’ll have the ability to apply the knowledge and skills needed to assess human physiology and motion-related characteristics of individuals from varied populations.
3. You’ll have the skills to design and implement exercise programs for healthy individuals and those with controlled chronic diseases.
4. You’ll have wide-ranging exercise science classes and lab experiences that will inform you about behavioral and cultural influences. These aspects affect the ability to start and maintain a healthy, physically active lifestyle.
5. Your B.S. in Exercise Science degree will provide education encompassing cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning fields. All three of these areas are essential in exercise science-related roles and lay the foundation for successful graduate study in exercise science or exercise physiology.

The World Needs What Exercise Scientists Know

The number of Americans with chronic conditions continues to rise, even as the interest in getting and staying fit seems to be on everyone’s “to do” list.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that six of 10 adults today have at least one chronic condition that can shorten life expectancy or keep them from enjoying life as they want to.

It doesn’t have to be that way. A recent research study in the Journal of Sport and Health Sciences shows specific exercise therapies can help alleviate symptoms with 26 different diseases. With a B.S. in exercise science, you can help lead the way for many to have healthier lives.

Exploring Exercise Science at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university. The CUKC College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science degree in as little as three years.

Our exercise science degree program provides excellent preparation for students interested in dual credentials in many areas, including

• Chiropractic
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

In our degree program, students receive hands-on instruction and gain practical experience through campus lab experiences, in class, and the field, through a nine-hour internship. Our “electives of distinction” allow for great flexibility in your area of interest.

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