Why Choose Exercise Science at Bethel University?
Exercise Science is the study of how the human body moves, performs, and recovers, and this degree turns that science into a launchpad for health and performance careers. You build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, then learn to assess fitness, prescribe exercise, evaluate injuries, and train the body for both health and performance.
What makes the program versatile is its three emphases. Whether you are aiming toward physical therapy, occupational therapy or athletic training, or a broader path in fitness and human performance, you select the emphasis that matches your goal and build the specific prerequisites graduate and professional programs expect. You finish ready for the next step, with a capstone that ties the whole major together.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A command of kinesiology and the analysis of human motion and motor skills
- A grasp of exercise physiology, including cardiorespiratory function and fitness testing
- An understanding of human anatomy and physiology across the body's major systems
- The ability to assess, develop, and evaluate strength and conditioning programs
- Skill in musculoskeletal evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and referral guidelines
- The ability to prescribe, assess, and test exercise for health and performance across populations
- A foundation in the biomechanics of sport, exercise, and human movement
- Insight into the psychology of sport and exercise and its role in performance
- An understanding of motor development and movement control
Courses You'll Take
These core courses anchor the major before you select an emphasis:
HHP 321, Kinesiology
HHP 322, Physiology of Exercise
BIO 201, Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 202, Human Anatomy and Physiology II
EXS 347, Techniques of Strength and Conditioning
EXS 372, Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Therapeutic Interventions
EXS 415, Exercise Prescription, Assessment and Testing
EXS 420, Biomechanics of Sports and Exercise
HHP 425, Psychology of Sport and Exercise
EXS 497, Exercise Science Capstone
You will also complete Medical Terminology, Tests and Measurements, and Introduction to Health and Human Performance, then select one emphasis:
- Occupational Therapy / Athletic Training emphasis adds Group Exercise, General Chemistry I, and Physics I.
- Physical Therapy emphasis adds Introduction to Biology II, General Chemistry I and II, and Physics I and II, building the prerequisites for doctor of physical therapy programs.
- General emphasis adds nine hours chosen from General Medical Conditions and Pharmacology, Principles of Motor Development and Movement Control, Principles of Motor Development, and an internship.
Career Possibilities
Exercise Physiologist
Designs and oversees fitness and exercise programs that improve health, often working with clinical or athletic populations.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Develops and leads training programs that build athletes' strength, speed, endurance, and injury resistance.
Physical Therapist
Helps patients restore movement and manage pain, following a doctor of physical therapy program.
Occupational Therapist
Helps people regain the skills for daily living and work after injury or illness, following a graduate OT program.
Athletic Trainer
Prevents, evaluates, and rehabilitates injuries for athletes and active people, following the required credentialing.
Rehabilitation Aide
Supports therapists in helping patients recover strength, mobility, and function.
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