Keep People Healthy Through Exercise!
Discover a career that combines your enthusiasm for exercise with your passion for helping others.
With our undergraduate exercise science degree, you’re ready for a fulfilling career in health, fitness and/or competitive athletic performance programs.
Our degree also prepares you for professional certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. If you’re thinking about a career in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training, Shenandoah’s undergraduate degree program in exercise science is a great foundation for future study.
My favorite thing about my major is gaining the knowledge to help people take a step toward their goals. Progress over perfection is a motto I have created to remind myself and others that a step in the right direction is extremely rewarding. My major has allowed me to live out this motto and help people return to a healthy state of living.”
Caitlyn Sweet ’24 | Exercise Science
In our program, you’ll gain a strong scientific and practical understanding of the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and exercise on the human body. You’ll learn to assess, design and implement individual and group exercise, physical fitness and/or sports performance programs for a wide range of populations.
My exercise science major required that every student participate in 120 hours of supervised internship. With connections all over the community and beyond, the program makes sure that students have the experience necessary to prepare them for their future careers. Thanks to Shenandoah, I was able to intern in professional women’s soccer with the Washington Spirit and practically apply both my exercise science and psychology background in sport!
Patrick Maneval ’23 | Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Coaching, Biology, and Physiology minors)
You’ll also learn to evaluate health and performance status, conduct fitness and conditioning assessments, write exercise/training prescriptions and motivate individuals to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors or pursue peak performance. Our specific focus on the assessment process gives you the knowledge and skills you’ll need to confidently address the health needs of individuals across a variety of situations.
I love the atmosphere that the professors bring to class. The class sizes are small and you get to know everyone on a personal level, including the professors.”
Taylor Swann ’25 | Exercise Science
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Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With smaller class sizes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
My favorite thing about being a Shenandoah student is the sense of purpose the school gives me. Whether you are an athlete, conservatory student, work-study, etc, the school finds a way to get everyone involved to make Shenandoah and the Winchester community a better place.”
Pearce Bucher | Exercise Science ’21 | Doctor of Physical Therapy student | Baseball
Internship Possibilities
The program offers internship and shadowing opportunities, and gives you the flexibility to decide where you want to conduct your field experiences. Many of our students have developed relationships with local physical therapy and athletic training facilities; however, you may even choose to conduct your internship at a practice in your hometown during breaks.
The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Career and Salary Examples for Exercise Science Majors:
- Fitness Manager: $39,000
- Health Fitness Specialist: $28,249
- Wellness Director: $45,000
- Prosthetist: $52,381
- Club General Manager: $62,500
- Personal Trainer: $27,500
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
You’ll learn in small classes, working with experienced faculty who are dedicated to your development and success. Beyond the classroom, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with credentialed, practicing professionals in your area of interest.
A grade of “C-” or better is required of each course counted toward the major
First Year
- Meet with your advisor twice per semester
- Go to every class. Contact your instructor if you are absent.
- Familiarize yourself with student support services such as tutoring, Writing Center, etc.
- Become actively involved in at least one co-curricular activity.
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| Domain 1 – Written (Ex: ENG 101) | 3 | Domain 1 – Oral (Ex: SOC 210) | 3 |
| Domain 7 – (Ex: FYS 101) | 3 | Domain 2 – (Ex: ART 200) | 3 |
| BIO 121 and Lab (Domain 4) | 4 | Additional General Ed from Any Domain | 3-4 |
| KIN 106, 110, or 113 | 1 | EXSC 130 Intro | 3 |
| Foreign Language (FL) if needed | 3 | Foreign Language (FL) if needed | 3 |
| Additional Courses (as needed) | 3 | ||
| Total | 14-17 | 12-16 |
Sophomore Year
- Begin researching possible careers and fields of interest, and look into pre-requisites for graduate programs in those fields.
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| Domain 5 – (Ex: PHIL 130) | 3 | BIO 232 and Lab | 4 |
| Math 101 or Math 102 or (Domain 3) | 3 | EXSC 250 Research Methods | 3 |
| BIO 231 and Lab or (Domain 4) | 4 | EXSC 340 Practicum | 1 |
| EXSC 270 Kinesiology | 3 | Math 102 if needed (Domain 3) or EXSC Elective or Minor of FL | 3 |
| Foreign Language (FL) if needed | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course or FL | 3 |
| Total | 13-16 | 14 |
Junior Year
- Participate in study abroad, leadership opportunities, service learning, civic engagement, research projects, etc.
- Develop your job or graduate school strategy; begin taking any necessary pre-requisite courses.
- Declare Minor or second Major if not already done.
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| EXSC 352 Nutrition | 3 | EXSC 384 Exercise Physiology with Lab | 4 |
| EXSC 381 Biomechanics | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| *EXSC Elective or Minor Courses | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| **EXSC Elective or Minor Courses | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| EXSC Elective or Minor Courses | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| Total | 15 | 16 |
Senior Year
- Implement the job or graduate school strategy you developed during junior year.
- Complete your Graduation application with the Registrar’s Office.
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| EXSC 387 Strength and Conditioning with Lab | 4 | EXSC 450 Health Behavior | 3 |
| EXSC 410 Testing and Prescription | 3 | EXSC 430 Experiential Learning | 3 |
| EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 | EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 |
| EXSC Elective or Minor Course | 3 | ||
| Total | 13 | 15 |
Total = 110-121 credits; 51 EXSC
Note: 120 credits are required, with 36 credits at 300/400-level.
* one required EXSC elective at the 200+level
** one required EXSC elective at the 300+ level
A grade of “C-” or better is required of each course counted toward the major
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Join the Honors Program
The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.
Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.
I love getting to know students in the SU Honors Program. Their experiences are fascinating and I enjoy hearing about how they chose their specific major at Shenandoah University. There are a variety of different majors within the SU Honors Program and I think it is amazing that we have the opportunity to work together to pursue a greater education in our fields of study. I find encouragement in knowing that we have a common dedication to learning and are willing to push ourselves toward future success.”
Sarah Katherine Brenner ’26 | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Minors in Physiology & Dance
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
Meet the Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing.
You’ll be in smaller classes – the average class size is around 20 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Meet Barry Parker, Ph.D., Department Chair & Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.
Exercise Science Abroad Course Catalog
