Why an Exercise Science Degree? You Can Lead Others to Healthier Lives

Imagine a degree program with the potential to reduce or reverse the progression of diseases, enhance rehabilitation practices, and improve the quality of life for people of all ages. Welcome to the exciting world of exercise science, a degree that explores the “why” and “how” of human movement.

The B.S. in Exercise Science

Female runner performing a test in an exercise science lab.

Exercise science is an area of exploration that fits comfortably into today’s interest in finding new and more effective ways to be and stay healthy. The exercise science degree, typically a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science, dives into the many areas that affect human movement:

• Biomechanics and Kinesiology
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Nutrition.

The ultimate goal of an exercise science degree is to develop practical applications for their discoveries. The secrets exercise scientists seek to unlock result in longer and healthier lives, more effective rehabilitative and practices, and contribute new knowledge that benefits the healthcare community in general.

Here’s How You Can Improve the Lives of Others

The comprehensive scope of an exercise science degree includes

• Learning how and why cells and systems of the human body respond to physiological stress
• Seeing how exercise can prevent and treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• Exploring optimal physical function in healthy individuals and those with underlying conditions or diseases.
• Developing nutritional plans for populations facing ongoing deficiencies
• Improving physical preparation and determining performance standards for physically intense occupations.
• Exploring exercise biomechanics to help athletes improve performance and minimize the risks of injury.

B.S. in Exercise Science Degree Coursework 

A bachelor’s in exercise science includes classes and lab experiences in many areas:

• Exercise science measurements
• Motor learning and control
• Kinetic anatomy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic disease
• Exercise nutrition
• Physiology of exercise
• Scientific and psychological concepts that influence physical activity

“We are a science supporting all areas of physical activity – and lack of it – for people in any life stage,” says one exercise science program director. “We care about helping clients and patients become who they want to be. They may be an elite athlete, a 5K participant, or someone who wants to maintain strength as they age.”

Why It’s the Right Time for an Exercise Science Degree

There’s never been a better time to consider earning the B.S. in Exercise Science, especially where the curriculum is set up to allow class flexibility according to specific interests.

Some students, for example, may want to explore the role of nutritional supplements. Other students may wish to learn about developing exercise routines for those recovering from heart attacks or strokes.

Another way exercise science programs provide flexibility and specialized learning is to provide hands-on internship experiences as part of the degree plan.

There’s clearly an increased need for those who understand the science of exercise and how it contributes to overall health and wellness.

• National statistics show a dramatic rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Worldwide, people are doing less physical activity due to technology.
• Life expectancies are increasing and with that come age-related diseases and conditions.
• Today, about one-third (32%) of large companies with health benefits offered incentives to employees who completed a Health Risk Assessment (HRA).
• More than 84% of companies with 200 or more workers now offer workplace wellness programs.

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university offering a B.S. in Exercise Science degree. This degree studies the physiological, scientific, and psychological concepts related to physical activity. It’s a 124-hour program many students complete in three years.

Our B.S. in Exercise Science graduates are eligible to sit for many nationally recognized certifications, including a Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Our year-round program includes:

• 31 credit hours of general education
• 27 credit hours of physical science and mathematics
• 41 credit hours of core courses
• 25 credit hours of electives of distinction
• 9 credit hours through an internship experience.

The CUKC electives of distinction provide exercise science students with opportunities such as:

• Clinical education experiences
• Independent study options
• Individual research
• Course selections based on personal education and professional goals.

Contact our admissions advising team when you’re ready to learn more. You’ll also get access to this free eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.