Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports
Bachelor of
Science in
Exercise Science,
Wellness & Sports
Exercise Science is the study of body movement and the adaptation to the movements. Practitioners assess fitness, evaluate health behaviors and risk factors, design exercise programs, and educate and motivate others to develop a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise science and related fields are fast growing due to increased awareness of physical exercise and wellness. As just one example, jobs for fitness trainers and instructors are projected to grow by 19% from 2021 through 2031. Over that decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be 65,000 openings in fitness training and instruction per year on average.
The B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness, and Sports from GCU offers concentrations in exercise science, coaching, and optional tracks for pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, and pre-physician assistant. It provides broad foundational knowledge including nutrition, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, human performance and more.
Exercise Science, Sports, and Leisure Studies
Why Study Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports at GCU?
- Courses prepare students for certifications and graduate programs. Partnerships with several universities provide an inside track to physical therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic graduate programs. As one example, Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia will accept at least two GCU students per year who successfully meet all criteria for admission to their Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program.
- Student-faculty research is highly encouraged and includes hands-on access to all lab equipment.
- Internship opportunities are available within the Hackensack Meridian Health system, a variety of school systems, and private practices in the region.
- GCU’s faculty bring expertise and experience in biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, muscle biology, the use of technology in training, Tai Chi and Qigong, rehabilitation and movement sciences, and more.
- Your learning experience isn’t limited to the cognitive level, but also extends to spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. And you’ll further develop your skills in critical thinking, communications, and interpersonal relations.
What Students Might Be Interested in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports?
Students who are passionate about health and wellness, enjoy helping others achieve their goals, and have a scientific curiosity about sports, exercise, nutrition, and the human body are a great fit for the exercise science major. Emotional intelligence, patience, positivity, and the ability to motivate others are also important.
What Can I do with an Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports Degree?
GCU’s Exercise Science degree provides a broad spectrum of practical and foundational knowledge leading to numerous career fields. With optional tracks in pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, and pre-physician assistant, GCU’s exercise science program can prepare you for graduate school in a variety of health-related fields. A sampling of careers and median annual salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are shown below. Note: Exercise science jobs that require a double major, minor, and/or an advanced degree and additional certifications and licensures are marked with an asterisk:
- Fitness Trainers/Instructors - $40,700
- Athletic Trainers - $48,420
- Health Education Specialists - $50,990
- Exercise Physiologists - $51,350
- High School Health & Phys-Ed Teacher* - $61,820
- Chiropractor* - $75,000
- Occupational Therapists* - $85,570
- Medical Scientist* - $95,310
- Physical Therapists* - $95,620
- Physician Assistant* - $121,530
B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports Program Information
You’ll need to successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and 36 credits in exercise science plus 58 – 62 credits in related areas such as human anatomy and physiology, human biology, and chemistry for health sciences.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
Students choose one of two concentrations: Exercise Science or Health and Physical Education.
Exercise Science Concentration
Students must complete 36 exercise science credits, plus courses in related areas, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ES100 | Exploration of Exercise Science | 1.0 |
| ES111 | Found Ex Science & Wellness | 3.0 |
| ES220 | Introduction to Nutrition | 3.0 |
| ES251 | Biomechanics 1 | 3.0 |
| ES252 | Kinesiology & Applied Anatomy | 3.0 |
| ES330 | Exercise Physiology | 4.0 |
| ES350 | Exercise Testing & Prescription | 4.0 |
| ES390 | Internship I | 3.0 |
| ES391 | Internship II 2 | 3.0 |
| ES470 | Research Methods in Exercise & Sport | 3.0 |
| Exercise Science electives | 6.0 | |
| Related Courses | ||
| BI111 | Life: Human Biology | 4.0 |
| or BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| or CH151 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences | |
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking | 3.0 |
| or BI203 | Experimental Design & Statistics | |
| MA109 | College Algebra 3 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 58.0 | |
- 1
ES251 Biomechanics can be substituted with PH111 Physics in Everyday Life I and PH112 Physics in Everyday Life II, or PH115 College Physics I and PH116 College Physics II, or PH121 University Physics I and PH122 University Physics II.
- 2
ES391 Internship II can be substituted with ES392 Coaching Internship or ES471 Research Project in Exercise Science.
- 3
Evidence of algebra proficiency may replace MA109 College Algebra.
Transfer students are required to take a minimum of 14 ES credits at GCU, and a minimum of 23 credits including the interdisciplinary courses required for the major. Students may choose to complete the requirements for one or more tracks.
Health & Physical Education Concentration
Students must complete 48 credits in exercise science and related areas (or, 60 credits for students who do not complete the Specific Subject for Grades K-12 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement program), including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Health Sequence Courses | ||
| BI111 | Life: Human Biology | 4.0 |
| ES111 | Found Ex Science & Wellness | 3.0 |
| ES160 | First Aid & CPR | 1.0 |
| ES213 | Human A&P for Health & Phys Ed | 3.0 |
| ES220 | Introduction to Nutrition | 3.0 |
| PS221 | Child & Adolescent Development | 3.0 |
| ES252 | Kinesiology & Applied Anatomy | 3.0 |
| ES/HPE280 | Substance Use Abuse | 1.0 |
| ES/HPE281 | Sexuality and Health | 1.0 |
| ES330 | Exercise Physiology | 4.0 |
| ES340 | Health & Weight Management | 3.0 |
| ES350 | Exercise Testing & Prescription | 4.0 |
| Required Physical Education Sequence Courses | ||
| ES/HPE260 | Motor Development Learning & Teaching | 3.0 |
| HPE310 | Adaptive Physical Education | 3.0 |
| ES/HPE355 | Methods of Secondary Health & Phys Ed. | 3.0 |
| PE (1 credit) courses that include at least one single, dual, and team activity | 6.0 | |
| Total Credits | 48.0 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Additional Courses if Student does not complete the Specific Subject for Grades K-12 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement program | ||
| ES390 | Internship I | 3.0 |
| ES470 | Research Methods in Exercise & Sport | 3.0 |
| Exercise Science electives | 6.0 | |
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
Transfer students are required to take a minimum of 14 ES credits at GCU and a minimum of 23 credits, including the interdisciplinary courses required for the major. Students seeking teacher certification also complete the teacher certification courses as shown in the School of Education section of the catalog.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Joshua Burns, N.D., D.C.
Assistant Professor of Integrative Health
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Jeffries Hall Room 144
jburns@georgian.edu
732-987-2462
Vincent C.W. Chen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (529)
vchen@georgian.edu
732-987-2494
Sachiko Komagata, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Integrative Health
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (527)
skomagata@georgian.edu
732-987-2663
Michael Wortley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (529)
mwortley@georgian.edu
732-987-2475
If you’re interested in our exercise science, wellness & sports program, here are other programs at GCU you might be interested in exploring:
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