Study the Impact of Exercise on Health
If you enjoy studying the human body and using exercise to promote health and wellness, exercise science may be the ideal major for you. Our Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science provides a strong foundation that includes coursework in anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. You will take a wide range of courses to prepare you to pursue a variety of opportunities in the health care, fitness, and wellness industries by learning to:
- Evaluate health behaviors and risk factors
- Conduct fitness assessments
- Develop and implement safe and effective exercise prescriptions
- Learn and use motivational strategies to guide people in behavioral change
Other major requirements offer insights into nutrition, business, and other facets of exercise science while allowing you to apply that knowledge in practical experiences working with clients, students, and others.
In addition, the School of Health Sciences core curriculum will provide you a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of how prevention, health policy, and person-centered care affect all health professionals.
Downloadable Program Brochure (PDF)
Pursue One of the Fastest-Growing Majors in the U.S.
The significant growth in people pursuing degrees in exercise science is driven by the fact that employment in areas such as recreation centers, gyms, schools, and corporate wellness programs is expected to grow by more than 13 percent by 2026.
Our Exercise Science major will give you the knowledge and skills to work in the medical and health science fields in such areas as corporate wellness, rehabilitation, sports performance, fitness, and recreation.
You’ll also be prepared to continue on to graduate school in one of many health-care-related fields, including:
- Physical Therapy
- Allopathic or osteopathic medicine
- Athletic training
- Chiropractic medicine
- Exercise physiology
- Occupational therapy
- Physician associate
Exercise Science Program Quick Facts
Total Credits: 129
Career Outlook with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
$123K
Medical and Health Services Managers
24% Job Growth, 2025-2035
$59K
Exercise Physiologists
13% Job Growth, 2025-2035
$62K
Athletic Trainers
13% Job Growth, 2025-2035
Exercise Science Courses and Learning Outcomes
Students will take a wide range of courses to prepare them to work in the healthcare,
fitness, sports
performance, and wellness industries. The School of Health Sciences core curriculum
provides students with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of how optimizing
health, prescriptive exercise, healthcare policy and management, and person-centered
care impact the wellness and healthcare profession.
In their sophomore year, students begin taking courses to prepare for national certifications in individualized and group fitness instruction as well as courses in exercise physiology. In their junior year, students will begin internship preparation, including experiences of hands-on-training in settings both on and off-campus. In their senior year, students complete a capstone project in the exercise science field.
The information below comes directly from the latest Academic Catalog:
The minor in nutrition is highly desirable in today’s health-conscious marketplace and offers an opportunity for students to study personal nutrition, healthy eating for disease prevention or sports performance, food science, or cultural cuisine while strengthening their food preparation skills in the food laboratory
B.S. in Exercise Science/Master of Public Health (Direct Entry 4+1)
Gain scientific knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, physics, nutrition, psychology, and human behavior. Additionally, students will gain practical skills in exercise, fitness, wellness, and clinical areas designed to prepare them to be competitive in the 21st century healthcare workforce. Pursuing a Master of Public Health will teach you to help individuals and the larger community by helping them understand the importance, safety, and needs of wellness, exercise, and fitness
Internships
Students can obtain a wealth of knowledge from books, lectures, and guest speakers, but more complete knowledge can be acquired by having students enter the workforce and assume responsibilities.
Our Exercise Science program takes advantage of our world-class David A. Beckerman Recreation Center and The Peterson Performance Center, a 30,000-plus square-foot centerpiece for athletics at the University of New Haven, to offer on-campus internships and practicums for students in this program. Students will have opportunities to teach group exercise, individualized instruction and strength and conditioning in our Recreation and Performance Centers. Students will also be able to get practical experience from local sports medicine facilities, gyms and fitness centers, local high schools, and other fitness and wellness companies.
We prepare you for all career possibilities
Exercise science will enable you to work in a variety of health and fitness roles and organizations that include:
- High School and Collegiate Sport teams
- Insurance company wellness coaching
- Corporate wellness
- Hospital cardiac rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation
- Sports performance
- University recreation facilities
- Fitness centers
- Personal trainer and other entrepreneurial opportunities
Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC)
HPAC WebsiteSHS Study Abroad Opportunities
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Pre-Medical Studies Designation
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All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.
From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.
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Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional
experience and academic rigor to the classroom.Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.
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From Transfer Student to Commencement as a Charger
Exercise Science major Jace Gifford ’26 reflects on how transferring to the University of New Haven unexpectedly transformed his college experience, leading to leadership opportunities, academic and personal growth, and becoming a finalist to be the student Commencement speaker. His story encourages graduates to embrace uncertainty, trust their...
Sigma Chi’s Derby Days Fundraiser Sets Record
Led by philanthropy chair Matthew Muriel ’26, the University of New Haven’s Sigma Chi chapter raised more than $32,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute—representing the most raised in the chapter’s history and pushing their total raised over the years past $200,000.
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Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.
The Application Process WebsiteWe offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 95 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
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