Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in exercise science at High Point University prepares students for graduate study in the fields of physical and occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, exercise physiology, biomechanics or wellness. Furthermore, students are prepared to work in commercial fitness, corporate wellness and strength and conditioning.

A Focused Curriculum

The exercise science major is concerned with the many aspects of human movement and its application to physical activity and movement skills. It explores a full continuum of processes and outcomes and is concerned with individuals ranging from young to old, healthy to diseased, and skilled to unskilled.

As an exercise science major, you will be challenged by our courses:

• Human Anatomy

• Strength and Conditioning

• Advanced Exercise Physiology

• Biomechanics

• Health Behavior Change

• Sociocultural Aspects of Obesity

• Exercise Physiology

• Human Physiology

• Epidemiology

• Exercise Testing and Programming

• Exercise and Aging

This program of study focuses on exercise and sport science that also encompasses other fields of science such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, health and nutrition. Majors are also prepared to take certifying examinations offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Recent graduates of the program have gone on to further higher education in medicine, physical/occupational therapy, chiropractic, and traditional graduate programs in exercise science. Our graduates have been accepted at universities such as:

• Duke University

• The Medical University of South Carolina

• Ohio University

• East Carolina University

• St. Augustine University

• James Madison University

• Virginia Commonwealth University

• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

• Seton Hall University

• Wake Forest University

• Virginia Tech

• London Metropolitan University

• The University of Georgia

• Western Carolina University

• Palmer College of Chiropractic

• University of Texas

• The University of Maryland

• Old Dominion University

• The University of Miami

• The University of Alabama-Birmingham

Exercise Science is an interdisciplinary field of study centered on the study of physical activity, fitness, and well-being. Because exercise sciences encompasses a broad range of disciplines, sub-disciplines, and professional practices, a one-size-fits-all approach does not represent the diversity of career, pre-professional and graduate school opportunities within the field.  The department’s curricula is grounded in a shared foundational core (human anatomy, human physiology, analysis & critique of scientific literature, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and the ACSM guideline for exercise testing and prescription) and comprised of four thematic concentrations in the following areas: a) traditional/pre-professional exercise science; b) exercise physiology, c) biomechanics, and d) health and wellness.  In addition the department offers a strength and condition minor to specifically prepare students prepared for taking certifying examinations offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The curricula, in total, provide a balance in supporting pre-professional interests and traditional exercise science end goals. In addition, the curricula is unique and innovative compared to other institutions and provides students with an academic value-added experience consistent with the University’s mission and values.

• Exercise Science – Traditional / Pre-professional (56 credits)
• Exercise Science – Health and Wellness Concentration (40 credits)
• Exercise Science – Biomechanics Concentration (68 credits)
• Exercise Science – Exercise Physiology Concentration (68 credits)
• Strength & Conditioning Minor (24 credits)