Exercise Science

Overview

At SIUE, the exercise science program combines coursework in both the basic sciences and exercise sciences, along with real-world internships to ensure our students are prepared to excel in a variety of professional health and fitness settings. The program is based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) professional certifications. Our students develop a solid academic foundation and have the opportunity to develop the skills and abilities that are critical in the growing fields of health, fitness, medicine, and physical and occupational rehabilitation.

Students will typically need four academic years to complete all general education and major requirements.

What can I do with a degree in exercise science?

Few academic programs offer such diverse opportunities for employment and professional development upon graduation as exercise science.

The exercise science curriculum prepares graduates with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for employment as:

Strength and conditioning specialists
Personal trainers
Corporate, community and commercial fitness leaders

Graduates with a degree in exercise science find careers in:

Clinical health settings
- Medicine
- Nursing cardiac rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Health or fitness settings
- Corporate fitness
- Personal training
- Health and wellness promotion
Sports training and performance
- Strength and conditioning
- Athletic training
- Sports medicine

Demand for exercise science graduates is expected to remain strong due to an increased emphasis on prevention of illness using exercise as a means of promoting good health, as well as treatment of disease or injury through physical therapy, occupational therapy or medicine.

Fast-Track and Direct Admit Programs

The fast-track three-year exercise science undergraduate program is offered for highly motivated students. Through the fast-track program, general education and major requirements can be completed in three years.

The direct admit exercise science undergraduate program allows students to declare the exercise science major and enter the program in the first year of their undergraduate studies. Learn more.

Accreditation/Faculty

Accreditation

The exercise science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as well as the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) and is the only accredited program in the state of Illinois.

The program reports annual outcome data and is held to the high standards of CoAES. Over the last five academic years, the exercise science program at SIUE reported a 98% retention rate and a graduate placement rate of 82%. This program is not designed for professional licensure. For more information, please contact Dr. Bryan Smith, program director, at bryasmi@siue.edu.

Faculty
Classes in the exercise science program are taught by faculty in the Department of Applied Health

Grad/Professional School Preparation and Internships

Graduate and Professional School Preparation

The exercise science program provides an excellent academic foundation for students choosing to pursue graduate and professional degrees in a wide array of health careers, such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, nursing and athletic training.

In addition, students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science are eligible to sit for two important industry certifications:

American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist certification
National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, which is for professionals who design and implement strength training and conditioning programs for athletes in a team setting

Exercise Science Internship Program
The exercise science internship program is designed to provide students the opportunity to merge their academic knowledge with practical professional experience, while earning academic credit. Students seeking a degree in exercise science are required to complete an internship.

Internship experience benefits include:

Clarification of career direction and goals
Observation of professionals in the chosen field
Hands-on application of academic coursework, theories and principles
Participation in decision-making processes
Gain a greater understanding of facility management and business operations
Demonstration of leadership and organizational skills
Obtain practical job experience and professional contacts

More information about the exercise science internship program is available on the Department of Applied Health website.

Student Research/Facilities

Exercise Science Student Research

Students in the exercise science program may optionally participate in research associated with faculty members for elective class credit (KIN 499 Individual Research). Previous research in the exercise science program has led to students presenting posters of their scientific work at state or national meetings, or having their work published in scientific publications. Research participation can help make students more attractive to graduate schools and future employers.

Students may also apply to the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program.

Examples of research performed by students working with faculty and presented at national conferences:

Comparison of two heart rate technologies to predict VO2max
Accuracy of polar heart rate monitors to predict VO2max
The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiac autonomic nerve fiber innervation in high-fat diet-fed mice
The effects of fat-type on LPS-induced liver inflammation

Facilities

Exercise Physiology Laboratory
The Exercise Physiology Laboratory (EPL) is a 3,000-square-foot, self-supporting facility dedicated to student training and faculty research. The EPL houses the Body Composition Laboratory, the Cardiovascular Laboratory and the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory in support of scientific investigations that range from the whole body to the cellular and molecular level. Undergraduate exercise science and graduate exercise physiology students will have the opportunity to practice and apply clinical and scientific skills.

Physical Activity Clinic
The Physical Activity Clinic (PAC) is a private, temperature-controlled exercise facility that is utilized for instructional exercise courses and faculty research initiatives. The PAC houses a wide range of aerobic, resistance and plyometric exercise equipment.

What can I do with a degree in exercise science?

Numerous career opportunities await students graduating with a degree in exercise science. Demand for exercise science graduates is expected to remain strong due to an increased emphasis on prevention of illness using exercise as a means of promoting good health, as well as treatment of disease or injury through physical therapy, occupational therapy or medicine.

At SIUE, approximately 70% of our graduates either go on to graduate school or enter health-related professional programs.

Completion of the exercise science program provides an excellent foundation for students choosing to pursue graduate and professional degrees in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, chiropractic, physician’s assistant and athletic training.

Approximately 30% of our graduates enter the field of exercise science directly in areas like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, sports medicine, community health and wellness, and personal training.

Overview of Exercise Science Program: This five-minute video provides a brief overview of the many career paths that exercise science offers.

Athletic Training: Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation or injuries and medical conditions.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Work with patients who have been diagnosed with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina, coronary artery disease, heart attack and other conditions.

Exercise Psychology: Work with the general public to increase motivation and participation in exercise, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and advising on the psychosocial benefits that exercise can offer.

Exercise Science: An exercise physiologist studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. They can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness or performance.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists treat injured, ill or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

Pre-Medicine: Students will be prepared to attend professional schools in medicine, osteopathic medicine or physician assistant.

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Develop and supervise specific conditioning programs to increase athletic performance such as speed, agility, strength, endurance, flexibility and power. Positions usually require a master's degree and certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.