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 in:

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 students have been accepted into many highly respected graduate programs such as those listed below:

The Department of Exercise Science offers the B.S. degree in Exercise Science. To graduate with this degree, students must complete the following:

B.S. in Exercise Science

*Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology concentrations – 68 credits; Health & Wellness concentration – 40 credits; Traditional/Pre-Professional concentration – 56 credits

Requirements for the B.S. in Exercise Science (40-68 credits)

All concentrations require the following core courses:

Exercise Science Core Requirements (24 credits)

• BIO 2060. Human Physiology (4)
• BIO 2070. Human Anatomy (4)
• EXS 2100. Analysis and Critique of Scientific Literature (4)
• EXS 2200. Exercise Physiology (4)
• EXS 2300. Biomechanics (4)
• EXS 3200. Exercise Testing and Prescription (4)

Concentrations

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)

Read more about the course requirements for each concentration.

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:

1. Traditional/Pre-Professional exercise science
2. Exercise Physiology
3. Biomechanics
4. Health and Wellness

In addition, the department offers a strength and conditioning 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.