Exercise Science

An action-packed degree

Exercise science is the study of human health, wellness, and movement. Our degree will arm you with the knowledge and skills to launch you into a profession in the health, fitness, or sports fields.

In your courses, you’ll develop foundational knowledge of kinesiology, fitness, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and more.

You’ll explore the boundaries of what the human body can do through research, internships, and real-life, hands-on experience in the field.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, mentored by outstanding faculty who are experts in the field.

Explore the exercise science curriculum

What jobs can you land after graduating?

  • Athletic coordinator
  • Cardiopulmonary rehab specialist
  • Clinical exercise physiologist
  • Coach
  • Corporate wellness specialist
  • Exercise specialist
  • Group fitness instructor
  • Fitness director
  • Fitness and performance coach
  • Health and wellness coach
  • Health educator
  • Medical sales representative
  • Medical scribe
  • Patient service specialist
  • Personal trainer
  • Physical activity director
  • Physical therapy technician
  • Registered behavioral technician
  • Rehabilitation technician
  • Research assistant or fellow
  • Research specialist
  • Sports performance trainer
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Teaching sports professional

What advanced-degree programs would you be able to enter?

Our exercise science graduates have applied their training to help solve the nation’s growing health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and an assortment of other negative health indicators.

Due to the science-based, pre-med curriculum, many students like you advance into graduate or professional schools, on their way to becoming athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, physicians, and more. 

Surveys of former excercise science program alumni indicate recent graduates have matriculated successfully into the following programs:

Physical Therapy Programs

  • Armstrong State University
  • Bellarmine University
  • Central Michigan University
  • Hampton University
  • Indiana State University
  • IU Indianapolis
  • Rosalind Franklin University
  • University of Findlay
  • University of Michigan
  • University of South Florida
  • Washington University

Occupational Therapy Programs

  • Elmhurst College
  • IU Indianapolis
  • Rush University

Master's in Kinesiology Programs

  • IU Indianapolis
  • Univeristy of Michigan
  • University of Minnesota

Other Graduate or Professional Studies

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis: Ball State University (master's)
  • Athletic Training: Indiana State University
  • Cellular Physiology: IU Indianapolis
  • Chiropractic: Palmer College of Chiropractic (D.C.)
  • Dentistry: IU Indianapolis (D.D.S.)
  • Informatics: IU Bloomington
  • Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
    • Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
    • Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Medicine: IU School of Medicine (M.D.)
  • Optometry: IU Bloomington (O.D.)
  • Orthotics and Prosthetics: Northwestern University (master's)
  • Physical Therapy Assistant: University of Indianapolis (master's)
  • Physician Assistant Studies
    • Butler University
    • IU Indianapolis

Do more. Learn more. Achieve more.

Ben Vickery smiles onsite at the Community Health facility.

Get more experience

As an exercise science major, you will complete two internships over the course of your studies. You’ll gain practical experience working in the field at fitness centers, hospitals, and clinics for cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Larken seen here helping kids with disabilities ride bikes

Engage in enhancing lives

Service-learning experiences allow you to connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world as you serve your community. You’ll put your knowledge into action in community programs like the adapted movement programs, where children with disabilities work on their motor skills.

A person stands with electrodes on their chest and a breathing apparatus on their mouth.

Participate in research

Whether you plan to go on to graduate school or start your career, conducting research is a great way to get valuable experience in your field. No matter what you want to investigate, you’ll find opportunities to work in the lab, write articles for scientific journals, and more.

About our master's program

Are you thinking about what comes next?

The Master of Science in Kinesiology degree adds to your understanding of kinesiology and human performance. As a graduate student, you’ll be assigned an advisor who helps plan your course of study based on individual goals and experience. You can choose the thesis track, non-thesis track, or the option that includes a public health certificate.

M.S. in Kinesiology

Find your future in exercise science

The exercise science track will launch you into high-demand, entry-level careers in the health and fitness fields.

Or, you may choose to continue your education in a graduate or professional program. You'll have the foundational knowledge and years of hands-on experience to apply to programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, or other health-related degrees.

35% of graduates

in 2018 were admitted to graduate or professional schools.

70% of all students

admitted to physical therapy programs come from kinesiology backgrounds.

Put your education in motion