Exercise Science is a discipline organized around the human movement system, physical activity, athletic performance, and wellness. The academic focus of the program is interdisciplinary in nature and has unique courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, health and wellness, human anatomy, human physiology, sport performance, nutrition, and the sociocultural aspects of fitness.. The program offers students individualized options for pre-professional preparation in the health sciences and traditional graduate school programs in exercise science. In addition, students are prepared for a number of certification exams and careers paths in the field.
Human Biomechanics & Physiology Laboratory
The Human Biomechanics & Physiology Laboratory consists of 13,500 square feet of awe-inspiring research, teaching and clinical space. The centerpiece of the lab is our biomechanics area that consists of a large, open space surrounded by 24 motion capture cameras, featuring three force plates and an instrumented treadmill. In addition the biomechanics area boasts truly unique functional motion-capture-areas with a golf simulator, turf field and wooden court surface. The physiology component of the lab includes an environmental chamber, wet lab, anti-gravity treadmills, metabolic carts, a wireless EMG for tracking muscle activity and a DEXA scanner that measures bone density.
Undergraduate research
HPU students worked to better understand how common foot injuries occur when football players are on the field by partnering with one of the globe’s largest brands, Adidas International, Inc. Three HPU students spearheaded the research alongside Dr. Kevin Ford, associate professor of physical therapy, Dr. Jeff Taylor, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Dr. Yum Nguyen, assistant professor of athletic training. The project, funded by Adidas, involved testing multiple styles of innovative football cleats with advanced instrumentation and technology in the Human Biomechanics and Physiology Lab. The team presented their research at national and global conferences in San Diego and Europe.
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 students have been accepted into many highly respected graduate programs such as those listed below:
| Physical Therapy |
Occupational Therapy |
University of Delaware
University of Pittsburgh
MGHIHP
Emory University
University of Miami
University of Maryland
Virginia Commonwealth University
Duke University |
Washington University at St. Louis
Belmont University
James Madison University
East Carolina University
St. Louis University |
| Medical Programs |
Exercise Graduate Programs |
Duke University (ABSN)
George Washington University (ABSN)
Marymount University (ABSN)
Seton Hall University (PA)
Wake Forest University (PA)
Methodist University (PA)
Life University (DC)
National University (DC) |
Appalachian State University
Ohio University
Temple University
University of Connecticut
University of Georgia
Northern Colorado University
University of Pittsburgh (PhD)
Syracuse University |
Featured Graduate Profiles:
Erika Peoples, ’16 – Attending graduate school for her master’s in Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
“High Point has provided me with an education that I would not have been able to receive elsewhere. I was drawn to the university for its small class sizes as well as the opportunity for research and growth. The professors in the Exercise Science field go above and beyond, preparing students for furthering their education or building them with the skills necessary to take into the workplace. All of my professors helped me navigate through my four years and taught me so many lessons along the way. That is what I loved at HPU: the character and guidance my professors gave to me.”
LJ Georgetti, ’15 – Attending graduate school for physical therapy at Thomas Jefferson University
“High Point University helped me achieve this goal by preparing me inside and outside the classroom. At HPU, I have been surrounded by some amazing faculty members who have influenced me as a student to constantly improve and work hard. They have also made learning unique and exciting. Additionally, HPU has offered one of the best Biomechanics Laboratories around with state-of-the-art equipment which has allowed me and my classmates to participate in experiential learning.”
Nicole Giordano, ’15 – Post-bac ORISE fellow at the Food & Drug Administration
“I think the most impactful moment was when I decided to pursue a career in research. I participated in the Cutting Edge Exercise Physiology ‘Maymester‘ after my sophomore year. As a part of that course, you get to attend the American College of Sports Medicine’s national meeting and apply what you have learned in exercise physiology. After that trip, I realized that I was really interested in the idea of doing research as opposed to going to medical school, like I had originally been planning, because of all of the science I was being exposed to.”
The Department of Exercise Science offers the B.S. degree in Exercise Science (44-63 credits).
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 and comprised of four thematic concentrations.
Exercise Science Core Requirements (28 credits)
- BIO 1399. Introduction to Biological Principles (4)
- PHS/BIO 2060/2061. Human Physiology/Lab (3/1)
- ANA/BIO. 2070/2071 Human Anatomy/Lab (3/1)
- EXS 2100. Analysis and Critique of Scientific Literature (4)
- EPY 2200. Exercise Physiology (4)
- BMC 2300. Biomechanics (4)
- EXS 3200. Exercise Testing and Prescription (4)
Exercise Science Concentrations
- Traditional/Pre-Professional exercise science (BS.EXS) – 60 credits
- Exercise Physiology (BS.EXS.EPY) – 63 credits
- Biomechanics (BS.EXS.BMC) – 60 credits
- Health and Wellness (BS.EXS.WEL) – 44 credits
To graduate with this degree, students must complete the following:
B.S. in Exercise Science
| Major Requirements |
44 – 63 credits* |
| University Core Requirements |
50 credits |
| Electives |
15 – 34 credits* |
| TOTAL |
128 credits |
* credit hours vary depending on concentration.
The curricula, in total, provide a balance in supporting pre-professional interests and traditional exercise science end goals. 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.
Read more about the course requirements for each concentration.
