Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

• A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
• Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
• Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
• Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
• Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
• A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Healthcare Science majors must complete 45-48 credits in the major.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

• SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
• COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
• THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
• PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)

Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

• Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
  • Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) (Met with related requirements)
  • Math (Other than MAT 100, MAT 208, or MAT 209; MAT 110 is recommended.)
• Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
  • History or Political Science
  • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3 (Met with related requirements)
• Culture & Language (9 credits)
  • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101) 
  • World Language – 2 courses in sequence (6 credits)
• Creative Expressions (6 credits)
  • Literature (ENG)
  • Art, Music, or Theatre

Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

• Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level) (3 credits)
• Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level) (3 credits)

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines.

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science features a dynamic and adaptable curriculum that revolves around exploring the connections between human movement, physical activity, exercise, performance, and public health.

Semester 1 - (15 credits)

• SRH 101: Search Sem-Enduring Questions or HNR 160 Honor Search-Enduring Questions
• COM 101: Composition and Research
• THE 105: Foundations of Theology or PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy
• PSY 101: Introductory Psychology
• World Language I
   

Semester 2 - (15 credits)

• Gen Ed SEARCH (Art, Music, Theater) or other General Education Course
• PHI 105 or THE 105
• EXS 200 Health Promotion
• AT 113 Emergency Response
• World Language II
   

Semester 3- (16 credits)

• BIO107/117 Anatomy and Physiology I w/lab
• EXS 210 Strength and Conditioning Training
• Gen Ed SEARCH (HIS or POS)
• Gen Ed SEARCH (COM)
• Elective
   

Semester 4 - (16 credits)

• BIO 108/118 Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab
• BIO 211 Kinesiology
• THE/PHI 200 level Ethics requirement (recommended THE 210, PHI 200 or 210)
• MAT Requirement
• Elective
   

Semester 5 - (15 credits)

• AT 433 Exercise Physiology
• EXS 250 Group Exercise Teaching and Leadership
• HCS 330 Healthcare Literacy and Advocacy
• EXS 310 Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Gen Ed SEARCH (LIT)
   

Semester 6 - (15/16 credits)

• EXS 365 Exercise Testing and Assessment
• EXS 350 Nutritional Aspects of Exercise and Wellness
• HCS 320 Healthcare Science and Cultural Competency
• Gen Ed SEARCH (Pathway 3)
• Elective
• PED 133 CPR/AED for the Professional
   

Semester 7 - (15/16 credits)

• EXS 450 Exercise Testing and Prescription
• EXS 420 ECG Interpretation and Pharmacology
• EXS 410 Organization and Administration in Exercise Science
• Gen Ed SEARCH (Pathway 3)
• Elective
• PED 133 CPR/AED for the Professional
   

Semester 8 - (15+ credits)

• EXS 465 Exercise for Special Health Population
• EXS 495 Exercise Science Internship
• Elective
• Elective (If needed)
   

CERTIFICATIONS

Coursework within the exercise science program provides the necessary knowledge and competencies to satisfy the entrance into the certification process of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. 

• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Exercise Specialist
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
• Health Education/Promotion Specialist
   

Graduates can pursue a career in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Fitness Centers
• Colleges and Universities
• Corporate Fitness Facilities
• Insurance Companies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for careers in exercise science range from $45,380 to $59,990 in May 2022. Employment in this field is expected to grow 14 percent.

Patricia O. Reger, Ph.D., PT

• Dean, College of Health Sciences
• patricia.reger@alvernia.edu
• 610-736-8283