Discover a career that combines your enthusiasm for exercise with your passion for helping others.
Shenandoah’s undergraduate degree program in exercise science prepares you for a fulfilling career in health, fitness and/or competitive athletic performance programs.
It 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 option.
Our program gives you 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.
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 want to use my education to help others and as I genuinely enjoy how the body moves, my academic interests are in exercise science. My dream is to one day get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Sarah Hutchinson ’17 | Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
Learn More About This Program
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A group of Exercise Science faculty and students recently attended the South-East American College of Sports Medicine conference in Chattanooga, TN. Assistant Professor Jessica Kutz and Associate Professor Jessica Peacock took seven students that they mentored on research projects to the scientific conference to allow the students to present their work. Winston Davis and Hannah DeMeester’s poster was selected for the undergraduate awards session and won top 8 overall. They were the only liberal arts university students selected and their work was presented against other large RO1 universities in the southeast. Coach Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft and her field hockey team graciously participated in a season-long study to allow for the data collection of that project. The remaining posters also involved data collection from various SU athletes. Also in attendance and presenting was Exercise Science alumna Emily Heiston ’15, who is currently completing work towards her doctorate in Exercise Physiology at the University of Virginia. This trip was supported by the College of Arts and Sciences Funds for Excellence Grant and the Faculty-Student Collaboration Grant.
(L to R) Justin Mehrer, Austin McCarron, Chris Vangsnes, Winston Davis, Hannah DeMeester, Olivia Gouldin, and Meredith Chang
(L to R) Winston Davis & Hannah DeMeester
I chose Shenandoah because I could obtain a top-notch education and continue to play the game I love. The school is close to home so my family could come watch me play and is offers one of the best degrees in the country with Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. When I visited campus my senior year it felt like home to me and I could see myself fitting in the Universities community very well.
Tyler Hott | Exercise Science, Pre-Athletic Training & Pre-Physical Therapy | Baseball Player, ’17
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 a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes 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.
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.
My on-campus job is working with the athlete trainers for the Shenandoah Football team. I help set up practices and games, provide water to the athletes, tape their wrists, give them ice after workouts, and aid in the rehabilitation after injuries and/or surgeries. This job has educated me on what to do in emergency situations during a game, taught me taping techniques, and enhanced my knowledge in the rehabilitation of an athlete. I have also learned more about the rewards, and struggles, of Shenandoah’s Athletic Training Graduate program, as I work beside these grad students and frequently ask them questions.
Sarah Hutchinson ’17 | Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
The Career Services 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
The Career Services Office 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.
Career services is wonderful! They helped me with my resumé, cover letter, and interviewing skills. They even printed me business cards and my resumé on fancy paper! I also go to the career fairs they host.
Kiersten Coulter ’19 | Exercise Science & Spanish Double Major
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
The major is all about movement. Most of the classes require you to move around and touch each other so it’s easier to learn for kinesthetic learners. The curriculum has a broad range of courses which helps with choosing a future career.”
Kiersten Coulter ’19 | Exercise Science & Spanish Double Major
Freshmen 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 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) 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 CAS 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.
Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
My two advisors are my lifelines. They are available to me whenever I need them and have definitely made life at Shenandoah so much easier! Since SU is a small school, I have relationships with all of my professors.
Kiersten Coulter ’19 | Exercise Science & Spanish Double Major
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.
I truly fell in love with Shenandoah during a campus tour– it is absolutely beautiful here with the water and red bridges. I also don’t have to go very far from campus. There are so many restaurants, a mall, Walmart, and Target within miles. Shenandoah is only an hour drive from home, so my family is still close.”
Kiersten Coulter ’19 | Exercise Science & Spanish Double Major
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
