Watch an audio-described version of Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science.
Quick Facts
- Delivery: On Campus
- Credits: 120
- Required Observation Hours: 100
- Membership: National Strength and Conditioning Association
Ball State University offers a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in exercise science through the School of Kinesiology in the College of Health.
Why choose an exercise science degree?
- Five concentrations: Choose athletic training, basic and applied science, health and human performance, pre-occupational therapy, or pre-physical therapy.
- Laboratory learning: Practice exercise assessment and human-performance skills through laboratory coursework.
- Career observation: Complete 100 observation hours in settings related to exercise science.
- Professional experience: Complete an internship after meeting program requirements.
- Graduate pathways: Qualified students may pursue an accelerated pathway into athletic training.
What you'll study as an exercise science major
You will study how physical activity affects health, fitness, behavior, and performance.
The curriculum combines foundational sciences with the study of movement and physical activity. Core subjects include:
- anatomy and physiology for training and therapy
- exercise physiology
- biomechanics
- exercise prescription
- fitness and performance assessment
- motor learning and control
- exercise psychology
- resistance training
- chemistry
- professional development
Your concentration will add advanced coursework in a designated area of study. For a full list and specific coursework requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View Exercise Science Courses
Professional certifications may be required or preferred for fitness and strength-and-conditioning positions.
Athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and some clinical exercise physiology positions require graduate or professional education, supervised clinical preparation, certification, licensure, or a combination of these requirements. Additional advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Concentrations
This concentration is appropriate for students interested in applying to clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, medical school, physician's assistant, or chiropractic graduate program upon completion of their bachelor's degree.
Students seeking positions in fitness, health & wellness, or sport performance industries will benefit from this concentration. Upon completion of their bachelor's degree, students could pursue graduate programs in sport performance, exercise physiology, or exercise & sport psychology.
This concentration prepares students to pursue a Master's of Athletic Training program upon completion of their bachelor's degree.
This concentration is designed to cover many, but not all, prerequisites for all PT schools. Physical therapists are licensed medical professionals who provide care in a variety of settings. All physical therapists must hold a degree from an accredited graduate program and have passed the national licensure exam. A student can fulfill the graduate school prerequisites while completing the pre-physical therapy concentration in exercise science.
This concentration is designed to cover many, but not all, prerequisites for all occupational therapy schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinesiology studies human movement broadly; exercise science focuses specifically on exercise, fitness, and the body's response to physical activity.
As an Exercise Science major, you'll develop the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to improve health, fitness, and human performance. Common skills include:
- Exercise testing and fitness assessment to evaluate health, strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Exercise prescription by designing safe, effective fitness and training programs.
- Human anatomy and physiology to understand how the body's systems function during physical activity.
- Biomechanics and movement analysis to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
- Strength and conditioning techniques for athletic performance and physical development.
- Health and wellness coaching to help individuals achieve fitness and lifestyle goals.
- Injury prevention and risk management through proper exercise techniques and safety practices.
- Performance evaluation by collecting and interpreting fitness and physiological data.
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Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Exercise Science Major, please contact us. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.