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:
| Biomechanics (BMC) |
Exercise Physiology (EPY) |
Health and Wellness |
BMC of Injury
Adv. BMC
BMC of Daily Living
Occupational BMC |
Adv. EPY
Cellular EPY
Cardiorespiratory EPY
Muscle Physiology |
Sociocultural Aspects of Obesity
Physical Activity Epidemiology
Health Behavior Change
Body and Identity |
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:
| 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:
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. To graduate with this degree, students must complete the following:
B.S. in Exercise Science
| Major Requirements |
40-68 credits* |
| University Core Requirements |
50 credits |
| Electives |
22 credits |
TOTAL
|
128 credits
|
*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)
- PHS 2060 Human Physiology (4)
- ANA 2070 Human Anatomy (4)
- 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)
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)
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:
- Traditional/Pre-Professional exercise science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- 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.
