Exercise Science
Exploring Exercise and the Human Body
The Exercise Science program at Elizabethtown College is an interdisciplinary major that explores effects of exercise and physical activity on physical health and well-being. This growing field also incorporates the impact of nutrition, lifestyle, and developmental and psychological factors on exercise and health and has considerable overlap with other disciplines, such as exercise physiology, kinesiology, sports medicine, sport science and athletic training.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Exercise Science?
A B.S. in Exercise Science leads to many careers and/or graduate school options. This includes job opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including the military. An Exercise Science education leads to professional credentials in various areas, including medical, therapeutic, and athletic training. Exercise Science offers a unique science-based, career pathway for graduate and professional education. The health & fitness industry now prefers personal trainers and fitness directors with bachelor’s degrees in addition to certifications. An Exercise Science degree is required to sit for the CSCS certification, and both are required to work as a strength and conditioning coach for a college, university, professional sports team (major and minor league), and there are growing opportunities to be a strength and conditioning coach at high schools. Exercise Science degrees work well for individuals also interested in careers in public health, nutrition science, as well as health and wellness coaching.
Fitness Professional
These individuals work with job titles such as group fitness instructor, fitness trainer, fitness manager, exercise physiologist, sports coach, and fitness manager, among others. They work in a variety of settings, including commercial fitness centers, corporate fitness centers, community health and recreation centers, and private businesses. Fitness professionals can become a Certified Exercise Physiologist or a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or can become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Health Professional
Many graduates use their Exercise Science academic credentials to pursue post-baccalaureate health professional degrees, most commonly in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and chiropractic.
Elizabethtown College has affiliation agreements with several institutions offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT).
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Pre-Physical Therapy Advising
Etown offers a Pre-Physical Therapy Advising track for Exercise Science majors. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) upon completion of their bachelor's degree. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) lists Exercise Science as one of the most common undergraduate degrees to be eligible for DPT program admission.
The Bowers Center
The Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being is a state-of-the-art facility on campus which provides purposeful programming that inspires, educates, and empowers students and the campus community to cultivate healthy and active lifestyles, as well as supporting the College’s expanding athletics program. The Bowers Center includes fitness rooms, a demonstration kitchen, and state-of-the-art Human Performance Lab where Exercise Science students can take advantage of unique classroom settings and equipment.
A Future in Exercise Science
An Exercise Science degree is required to sit for the CSCS certification, and both are required to work as a strength and conditioning coach for a college, university, professional sports team (major and minor league), and there are growing opportunities to be a strength and conditioning coach at high schools. Exercise Science degrees work well for individuals also interested in careers in public health, nutrition science, as well as health and wellness coaching.
Coaching Minor
Any student interested in including athletics in their future career in some way may be interested in the Coaching minor. While it is is most suited for those looking to coach at any level, the knowledge and skills learned are valuable in any sport-related setting.
Exercise Science Club
The Exercise Science Club fosters professional growth and community among students by providing networking opportunities, access to national conferences, and practical experiences in the field. It plays a crucial role in preparing members for their future careers and further education, especially for those aiming for graduate studies in specialized areas of exercise science. Through its activities, the club not only enhances academic learning but also equips students with the skills and insights needed for success in the dynamic field of exercise science.