Faculty Blog: What is an Exercise Science Degree?

A faculty blog by Christina Walters, director of Grace College’s exercise science program

As the program director and associate professor of exercise science at Grace College, I meet with many prospective students and parents who are interested in the field. I’m often asked, “What is an exercise science degree?” It’s a question worth asking. In this blog, I’ll answer it, and I’ll describe the post-undergraduate options and opportunities exercise science majors possess.

What is an exercise science degree?

Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field that explores how physical activity affects the human body. A degree in exercise science prepares students to enter this career field confidently and excellently.

Students begin with foundational courses such as Biology and Biomechanics, and then they progress onto more specialized classes like Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning. Because the field is so vast, exercise science majors can choose from a variety of career tracks that extend into graduate studies and/or post-college professional careers.

Think of exercise science as a swimming lesson. At the undergraduate level, it exposes students to the shallow end of the pool, providing an introduction to basic skills, historical content, applicable topics, and expectations in the medical field. From there, students dive deep into further schooling for their future profession.

Students who enter graduate school for exercise science typically advance onto careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, athletic training, and exercise physiology.

Graduate school isn’t the only option for an exercise science major. After their undergraduate education, students may enter into fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, corporate wellness coordination, sport performance coaching, health education, and wellness program management.

At Grace, my goal as the program director is to help students discover their unique talents, develop their abilities, and lead confidently in their chosen field. The example we set in this program will stick with our students and benefit them as they serve their clients. Our alumni are often praised for their preparedness as they enter their next round of schooling or career field. That’s the standard to which we hold ourselves.

If you’ve wondered, “What is an exercise science degree?”, you now know that it’s only an introduction to the journey of serving others in their health and wellbeing.

It’s a journey worth embarking on. So lace up your shoes, and let’s journey into the field together.

Learn more about Grace College’s exercise science program and its two concentrations: health and wellness and fitness and nutrition.