Coursework in Exercise Science: The BS in Exercise Science Online Curriculum

Take Your Next Brave Step

Receive information about the benefits of our programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.

. What Exercise Science concentration do you hope to pursue?
What Exercise Science concentration do you hope to pursue?
We value your privacy.

Maryville’s online BS in Exercise Science comprises 128 credit hours, including general education courses, exercise science major courses, a choice from two industry-relevant concentrations, and electives that let you tailor your degree to your interests or career aspirations. The program is designed to build your foundation in exercise science concepts like movement, nutrition, exercise program design, counseling and coaching, behavioral strategies, and business. Our flexible exercise science program allows you to tailor your education to your goals with concentrations focused in strength and conditioning or wellness management.

Coursework in Exercise Science: The BS in Exercise Science Online Curriculum

The field of exercise science is expanding rapidly as the demand for fitness and wellness services grows. Athletes and the public are increasingly aware of the benefits of healthy and active lifestyles, driving the evolution of exercise professional careers.

Exercise science professionals focus on improving the physical performance and resiliency of those they serve, from athletes, to employees, to the chronically ill. They lead fitness assessment, strengthening, rehabilitation, and corporate wellness programs, with the overall goal of inspiring healthy lifestyle behaviors.

A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science includes coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, injury prevention, community health, and nutrition. By gaining a strong background in general education and exercise science courses, students are prepared to take on exciting and diverse careers such as strength and conditioning coach, health and wellness coordinator, personal trainer, and fitness center manager.

Exercise Science Core Courses (57 Credit Hours)

EXSC 110Introduction to Exercise Science3 Credits
EXSC 210Stress Management2 Credits
EXSC 220Care and Prevention of Injuries3 Credits
EXSC 250Personal and Community Health3 Credits
EXSC 260Health and Exercise Psychology3 Credits
EXSC 309Exercise Physiology I3 Credits
EXSC 310Exercise Physiology II w/lab3 Credits
EXSC 320Biomechanics / Kinesiology w/lab3 Credits
EXSC 322Adaptive Physical Activity3 Credits
EXSC 323Movement in Health and Exercise3 Credits
EXSC 330Nutrition of Exercise Management3 Credits
EXSC 353Virtual Fitness and Health3 Credits
EXSC 390Exercise Science Practicum I3 Credits
EXSC 410Exercise Testing and Prescription w/lab3 Credits
EXSC 431Exercise Related Pharmacology3 Credits
EXSC 440Fitness Management3 Credits
EXSC 451Current Health Issues3 Credits
EXSC 490Exercise Science Practicum II3 Credits
EXSC 491Exercise Science Capstone3 Credits

Strength and Conditioning Concentration (21 Credit Hours)

This concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in strength and conditioning in all levels of athletics, private performance centers, or military and first responder tactical performance. Coursework is focused on applying the principles of exercise science to human performance with a focus on evidence-based practice in performance coaching, tactical strength and conditioning, and program planning.

EXSC 240Methods and Programming in Strength3 Credits
EXSC 243Performance Coaching Strategies3 Credits
EXSC 343Multi-Directional Speed3 Credits
EXSC 341Marketing and Budgeting for Sports3 Credits
EXSC 420Applied Sports / Exercise Science3 Credits
EXSC 430Applied Nutrition3 Credits

Choose one course:

EXSC 480Advanced Program Design3 Credits
EXSC 481Tactical Strength & Conditioning3 Credits

Wellness Management Concentration (21 Credit Hours)

This concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in corporate or community wellness, health coaching, or personal training. Coursework is focused on applying the fundamentals of exercise science to health and wellness management with a focus on evidence-based practice in nutrition, health program planning, and health-behavior change management.

EXSC 350Health Program Planning & Evaluation3 Credits
EXSC 341Marketing and Budgeting for Sports3 Credits
EXSC 420Applied Sports / Exercise Science3 Credits
EXSC 430Applied Nutrition3 Credits
EXSC 450Health Promotion, Disease & Disability Prevention3 Credits

Exercise Science Elective Courses

Choose 2 exercise science elective courses from the below options.

EXSC 240Methods and Programming in Strength3 Credits
EXSC 242General Fitness Training3 Credits
EXSC 243Performance Coaching Strategies3 Credits
EXSC 301Field Experience I3 Credits
EXSC 302Field Experience II3 Credits
EXSC 305Strength Training & Conditioning Lab3 Credits
EXSC 342Human & Sport Performance Training3 Credits
EXSC 343Multi-Directional Speed3 Credits
EXSC 480Advanced Program Design3 Credits
EXSC 481Tactical Strength & Conditioning3 Credits

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Ready for your next step?

A Closer Look at the BS in Exercise Science Curriculum

The curriculum of a BS in Exercise Science program includes a number of core and elective courses designed to give students the foundations for a career in the health and fitness industry. Here are a few examples of courses in the curriculum:

Core Courses

  • Personal and Community Health. Students will look at how an individual’s lifestyle can impact their risk of illness and level of vitality. The course explores health behaviors, mental health, diseases and infections, substance abuse, and other topics. It also introduces the concepts of community and population health.
  • Biomechanics/Kinesiology. This course examines the basic physical concepts of human movement and the biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system. It emphasizes structural anatomy, biomedicine, neuromuscular physiology, musculoskeletal mechanics, and human movement analysis.
  • Fitness Management. Students develop a general understanding of how to manage a fitness center or other wellness facility. Topics covered range from design, marketing, and purchasing to budgeting, personnel, and program development.
  • Stress Management. This course takes a comprehensive approach to physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness of a person. It also emphasizes the conceptual and applied aspects of sport performance enhancement from a sociological and health perspective.
  • Nutrition for Exercise Management. Students will learn the assessment and prescription principles and techniques of exercise management. An emphasis will be placed on mass regulation and the understanding of human digestion, metabolism, diet, and exercise.

Elective Courses

  • General Fitness Training. This course will examine the four EXOS pillars of mindset, nutrition, movement, and recovery for coaching the general population. Students will receive special emphasis on the EXOS Behavior Upgrade Model and theories in behavior change.
  • Human and Sport Performance Training. Students will examine the EXOS training approach, which is based on the pillars of mindset, nutrition, movement, and recovery. The course focuses on applying the EXOS framework to coaching, motivation, movement instruction, and error correction.
  • Tactical Strength and Conditioning. This course will cover the various methods and strategies for improving performance in military, law enforcement, and fire department occupations. Students will complete applied operations projects and study injury prevention and tactical job preparation.

Choosing Between Concentrations

The BS in Exercise Science curriculum offers two major areas of focus. The Strength and Conditioning concentration prepares students for occupations in peak performance coaching for athletes, from professional athletes to amateur fitness enthusiasts. The Wellness Management concentration targets students looking for a career in fields such as personal training, health coaching, and corporate wellness. Here are a few of the courses offered under each concentration:

Strength and Conditioning Offerings

  • Methods and Programming in Strength. This course introduces students to a variety of strength and conditioning strategies, from basic to advanced programs. It also teaches students how to develop advanced training programs for performance enhancement.
  • Performance Coaching Strategies. This course helps students build the skills to connect and communicate with clients from different backgrounds and upbringings. Students will explore how mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics impact performance.
  • Multi-Directional Speed. Students will explore multi-directional speed and athletic movement with a focus on linear and lateral acceleration, max velocity speed, backpedal variations, jumping, and more. Courses will also cover biomechanics, the laws of motion, and motor learning.

Wellness Management Offerings

  • Health Program Planning and Evaluation. Students will learn how to plan and implement health promotion programs in community health settings. Topics covered include assessing population needs, program evaluation, and social marketing.
  • Health Promotion, Disease and Disability Prevention. A discussion of how cultural and environmental factors affect participation in wellness activities, the course covers the importance of individualized care that is sensitive to personal client characteristics.

How the BS in Exercise Science Curriculum Prepares Students for Certifications

Once a student earns a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, they may choose to pursue a number of optional certifications to enhance their job prospects. The BS in Exercise Science curriculum gives students the competencies they need to pursue the following certifications, for example:

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
  • Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
  • EXOS Performance Specialist (XPS)
  • EXOS Fitness Specialist (XFS)

Further Your Education in Exercise Science

By pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, students will gain a solid foundation in concepts including movement, nutrition, coaching, wellness behaviors, program design, and business management. Exercise science professionals have the skills and knowledge to help individuals and communities live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Learn more about how Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science can help you pursue your professional goals. Maryville’s 100% online degree program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and features remote and interactive access to Maryville’s state-of-the-art human performance lab.

Recommended Readings:
Turn Your College Experience into Employability: Practical Career Advice for New Graduates
4 Ideas for Personal Growth This Summer
Benefits of Budgeting for Millennials and Gen Zers

Sources:
American College of Sports Medicine, Careers in Exercise Science
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Exercise Science: Occupational Description
Maryville University Academic Catalog, Exercise Science
Maryville University, Online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Athletic Trainers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Exercise Physiologists