This program is designed to provide a pathway for high school and transfer students to prepare for careers in health, fitness, and human performance, the program is built on a strong foundation of fitness assessment, physiology, biomechanics, and evidence-informed decision-making. Blending scientific rigor with real-world application, the Exercise Science BS includes electives that allow students to tailor their studies to clinical, corporate, athletic, or entrepreneurial career paths.
Key Takeaways
- Structured online coursework grounded in evidence-based content.
- Purposeful, intensive, hands-on laboratory sessions and experiential learning opportunities.
- Faculty mentorship and engagement in both virtual and on-campus formats.
- A learning environment that mirrors the evolving landscape of healthcare and fitness delivery.
Program Goals
The goal of Harrisburg University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is to provide a modern, hybrid learning experience. The core of the Exercise Science experience is delivered through a thoughtfully designed hybrid format that combines unmatched online instruction with intentional, in-person laboratory sessions and applied research experiences. This model creates flexibility for distance learners, working professionals, military-affiliated students, and other nontraditional learners seeking a high-quality science education without the constraints of a conventional, campus-only model. Graduates of the program will:
- Design comprehensive health and fitness programs for a variety of populations across the lifespan.
- Integrate risk-mitigation strategies and maximize the effectiveness of facility management and wellness-program implementation.
- Be prepared to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Exercise Physiologist Certification Exam.
Choose Your Path
Our Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science offers several tailored pathways to help each student match their classroom and laboratory experiences to their desired career outcome. Across all pathways, students gain:
- Hands-on laboratory and applied learning experiences.
- Faculty mentorship and professional networking opportunities.
- Preparation for nationally recognized certifications.
- A strong foundation for graduate education or immediate career entry.
Whether your goal is graduate school, professional certification, or building a platform that promotes health and wellness, this program equips you with the knowledge, skills, flexibility, and professionalism to lead in today’s health and performance landscape. Students can choose from these pathways:
Pre-DPT Path
Designed for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, this pathway emphasizes health sciences, clinical reasoning, and client-centered approaches. Students graduate academically prepared, professionally polished, and ready to succeed in DPT programs.
Exercise Professional Path
Ideal for students seeking careers in strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, or exercise physiology. This track emphasizes program design, professional leadership and management principles, and applied coaching strategies. Students graduate academically prepared, professionally polished, and ready to succeed in the health and wellness industry.
Health & Fitness Influencer Path
Intended for students who are passionate about communication, digital health, and entrepreneurship. This innovative pathway combines exercise science foundations with media literacy, content creation, and brand development. Students graduate prepared to launch careers in health and fitness in the digital space.
Industry Highlights
The exercise science sector – including careers such as exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, and athletic trainers – is forecast to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade.
For example, exercise physiologist roles are projected to grow by about 9 % from 2024 to 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), and fitness trainers and instructors are expected to grow around 12 % in the same period: both well above overall job growth averages. This rise is driven by increasing health awareness, an emphasis on preventive care emphasis, and demand for personalized fitness and wellness services.
Additionally, Pennsylvania is seeing growth in exercise science and related roles, with some exercise physiology positions projected to increase by about 10.9 % in coming years (Course Advisor).
Program Courses
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science requires a total of 53 semester hours, including these core courses:
BIOL 101 –
General Biology
(4 credits)
This course introduces the student to the major themes of biology, including properties of living organisms, comparison of eucaryotes vs. prokaryotes, patterns of inheritance, the central dogma, mitosis and meiosis, the diversity of life in both plants and animals, classification of organisms, evolution, metabolism, photosynthesis, cell structures, basic structure of the body, infectious disease, biodiversity, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week.
CHEM 150 –
General Chemistry I
(4 credits)
This course with laboratory provides a general introduction to states of matter, atoms and molecules, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, reactions, concentration units, periodicity, chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure, and thermodynamics, which serve as a prerequisite for advanced courses. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Limited to the student enrolled in the BS-Exercise Science degree program.
CHEM 160 –
General Chemistry II
(4 credits)
A study of chemical principles including acid/base chemistry, equilibrium, titration, transition metals, and solutions. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Limited to the student enrolled in the BS-Exercise Science degree program
EXSC 310 –
Fundamentals of Exercise Science
(3 credits)
Review course that allows students to demonstrate competent knowledge and skills in the foundational content areas of exercise science. This course covers normal and abnormal functions of major systems, associated fundamental measurements, and knowledge of human movement as it relates to function.
EXSC 315 –
Health and Fitness Assessment *
(4 credits)
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills associated with evidence-informed health and fitness assessment techniques for varied populations across their lifespan. Students will obtain the skills to select, implement, and interpret various tests for the four components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility
EXSC 340 –
Exercise Prescription and Implementation I
(3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to evidence-informed techniques for prescribing and implementing safe and effective physical fitness programs for a variety of populations across their lifespans. Students will have the knowledge to create programs that address the four components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility.
EXSC 360 –
Exercise Physiology
(3 credits)
This course is designed to examine skeletal muscle structure and function and the immediate and long-term physiological responses and adaptations to exercise of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromuscular systems in a variety of populations across their lifespan.
EXSC 375 –
Exercise Nutrition
(2 credits)
Course designed to examine the interrelationship between nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing. Topics include efficacy of specific dietary regimens including macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and supplements. Students will be able to connect exercise and physical activity and nutritional plans for a variety of populations across their lifespan
EXSC 410 –
Certifications in Exercise Science
(2 credits)
Course designed to ensure student readiness for exercise science related certification examinations. Students will participate in case study modules and develop a patient-client program based on certification criteria and complete a practice exam in preparation for certification
EXSC 440 –
Exercise Prescription and Implementation II *
(4 credits)
This course is designed for students to develop advanced knowledge and skills of evidence-informed techniques for prescribing and implementing safe and effective physical fitness programs for a variety of populations across their lifespans. Students will have the ability to create, implement, and progress programs that address the four components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility utilizing a variety of methods, equipment, and environments.
EXSC 460 –
Psychosocial Aspects of Health Behaviors Across the Lifespan II
(2 credits)
This course builds upon fundamental knowledge from EXSC 330. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge of counseling skills necessary to guide clients in changing health behaviors. Students will gain knowledge in health behavior change theory and motivational interviewing techniques to guide clients in prevention and wellness strategies.
EXSC 475 –
BIOMECHANICS
(4 credits)
The purpose of EXSC 475 is to introduce the student to concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement, particularly those pertaining to exercise, sport, and
rehabilitation. This course will assist the student in developing the ability to link the structures of the human body with mechanical laws and principles. This course includes a lecture and lab.
EXSC 490 –
Comprehensive Review
(2 credits)
Course designed to ensure student readiness for the ACSM-Exercise Physiologist exam, as a program requirement, prior to completing their degree in exercise science. Students will take a practice exam that focuses on ensuring student knowledge in domain-specific areas, after which they are eligible to register for and take the certification exam.
PHYS 120 –
General Physics I
(4 credits)
This course provides an introductory treatment of classical Newtonian physics, covering kinematics in one and two dimensions, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, uniform circular motion, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and simple harmonic motion. The course emphasizes the development of problem solving skills through worked examples, exercises, and homework assignments. Applications of physics to problems in medical technology are highlighted throughout the course. The 3-hour weekly lab component reinforces theoretical concepts covered in lectures through experimentation, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Limited to the student enrolled in the BS-Exercise Science degree program.
