Overview
Exercise Science at SIUE
The exercise science program in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at SIUE is one of only five percent of programs nationally to have earned accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program is also accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) and offers 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 three academic years, the exercise science program at SIUE reported a 98 percent retention rate and a graduate placement rate of 82 percent.
At SIUE, the exercise science program in the Department of Applied Health 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. The exercise science program provides students with a solid academic foundation and is structured in a way that students 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.
You might enjoy exercise science if you:
- Are interested in working in a clinical health setting, such as medicine, physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Would like to work in a health or fitness setting such as corporate fitness, personal training or health and wellness promotion
- Want to work in a sports training or performance setting such as strength and conditioning or athletic training
- Like working with people.
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, and corporate, community and commercial fitness leaders. Students will typically need four academic years to complete all general education and major requirements.
The Accelerated Exercise Science program is offered for highly-motivated students. Through the accelerated program, general education and major requirements can be completed in three years.
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 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 Health/Fitness Specialist 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
