Exercise Science
Study how the human body moves, performs, and heals — and use that knowledge in fitness, rehab, and graduate healthcare fields. The B.S. in Exercise Science at Shawnee State pairs strong science with required internships so you graduate with real experience.
Program Overview
Shawnee State University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the growing fields of health and fitness, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitative care. Whether your goal is to become a wellness coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist, our program lays the foundation for both immediate employment and advanced graduate study.
You’ll study the human body in motion — exploring physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and biomechanics — while learning to assess, prescribe, and monitor evidence-based fitness and rehabilitation programs. Our flexible degree options allow you to tailor your path based on career goals, with several tracks designed to prepare you for entry into graduate-level allied health and rehabilitation science programs.
At Shawnee State, you’ll learn in small classes with supportive faculty and complete required internships, gaining real-world experience before graduation. Whether working in a clinical, athletic, or community setting, you’ll graduate prepared to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of others.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Exercise Science
Degree
B.S.
Format
On campus, full-time
Length
4 years
Credits
120
Why Study Exercise Science at Shawnee University
Required internships — two practicums of about 150 hours each — so you have hands-on experience in fitness or clinical settings before you graduate.
Tracks that line up with graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training, that prepare you for direct entry into fitness and wellness careers.
Coursework grounded in physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and nutrition — the science professional schools and employers expect.
Faculty with experience in clinical, sports, and research settings, including Department Chair Tony Ward. Small classes and direct access to your professors, not auditoriums.
The 120-credit B.S. layers general education, exercise science core, your chosen track, and electives. The core gives you the language and methods of the field; the track lets you specialize.
- Exercise physiology
- Kinesiology
- Motor learning and development
- Nutrition
- Exercise testing and prescription
- Biomechanics
- Internships in exercise science
Every student completes at least two mandatory internships in off-campus health clubs, fitness centers, or clinical settings. Each runs about 10 hours per week and totals roughly 150 hours per semester, supervised by certified personal fitness trainers, exercise physiologists, or other qualified professionals.
By graduation, you'll be able to:
- Assess fitness levels for clients with and without health conditions
- Design and deliver individual and group exercise prescriptions
- Apply physiological and biomechanical principles to improve health and performance
- Lead wellness promotion and injury prevention efforts
- Communicate effectively with clients and other healthcare professionals
On campus in Portsmouth, Ohio, in the Department of Allied Health Sciences.
Graduates step into roles such as:
- Personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach
- Cardiac rehab and clinical exercise specialist
- Wellness or health coach
- Sports performance and team conditioning roles
- Pre-professional preparation for PT, OT, AT, or chiropractic graduate programs
Demand is strong across hospitals, outpatient clinics, fitness facilities, school athletic programs, and corporate wellness.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Exercise Science Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates work in personal training, cardiac rehab, wellness coaching, strength and conditioning, and clinical support — and many continue to graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
Yes. The program has track options that orient your coursework toward graduate-school prep or direct entry into the workforce.
Yes. The science core is built to meet the prerequisites of most rehab and allied health graduate programs.
Program handbook
For the most current handbook and advising materials, contact:
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Exercise Science program aligns with national expectations for undergraduate preparation in health and human performance.
