Exercise is medicine — and the professionals who understand it are essential to every dimension of health. GCU's B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports prepares you for careers in fitness, health promotion, corporate wellness, coaching, and preprofessional health programs — with specific tracks for students planning to pursue physical therapy, physician assistant studies, or occupational therapy. Two concentrations, multiple professional tracks, and a direct pathway to GCU's M.A. in Integrative Health.
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The B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports offers two distinct concentrations built around different career goals. The Exercise Science Concentration (36 ES credits + related science courses) prepares students for careers in fitness assessment, health promotion, athletic training, corporate wellness, and pre-professional health programs — including physical therapy, physician assistant studies, chiropractic, and occupational therapy. The Health & Physical Education Concentration prepares students for NJ Teacher of Health & Physical Education (K–12) certification with TOSD Endorsement — a direct path to teaching PE in New Jersey schools.
GCU's Exercise Science program partners with Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia) so that eligible students can earn their GCU B.S. in Exercise Science and SJU's Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) in seven years — saving one year of school compared to a traditional 4+3 pathway. Saint Joseph's University accepts at least two GCU students per year through this partnership. Students must declare their intent to apply no later than one year before SJU's summer D.P.T. start date. It's one of the most direct and affordable paths to a physical therapy career available to NJ undergraduates.
In addition to the Pre-Physical Therapy Track, the Exercise Science Concentration supports multiple preprofessional pathways with specifically designed course add-ons: the Pre-Physician Assistant Track (26 additional credits including genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry, and medical terminology), the Pre-Occupational Therapy Track (9 credits of psychology and lifespan development), and the Pre-Medical Track (36–37 additional credits for students planning medical school). Each track is built around the core Exercise Science major, letting students earn their bachelor's degree while meeting graduate school prerequisites.
The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is designed for students whose career goals center on food science, dietetics, nutrition counseling, and clinical nutrition 7 and it's offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. GCU oversees all coursework, and students register through GCU and receive GCU credit. This concentration includes coursework in lifecycle nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, food economics, and related biochemistry, all while satisfying pre-professional prerequisites.
Exercise Science students with a 3.2 GPA or higher can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU's M.A. in Integrative Health program after completing 75 credits and at least three-fourths of their major requirements. Accepted students can take up to 12 graduate-level Integrative Health credits (4 courses) while still completing their undergraduate degree — with no GRE required. Acceptance is deferred until the undergraduate degree is conferred. It's one of the most time efficient routes to a graduate health degree available at GCU.
GCU Exercise Science Pre-Professional Partnerships:
| Track | Partner | Advantage |
| Pre-Physical Therapy | Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) | GCU B.S. + SJU D.P.T. in 7 years |
| Pre-Physician Assistant | Various PA programs | GCU B.S. + PA school readiness |
| Pre-Occupational Therapy | Various OT programs | GCU B.S. + OT school readiness |
| Pre-Medical | Various MD/DO programs | GCU B.S. + medical school readiness |
| Advanced M.A. Admission | GCU M.A. Integrative Health | Graduate coursework before graduation |
Exercise science is the scientific study of human movement — how the body responds to exercise, how physical activity affects health across the lifespan, how to assess fitness and prescribe effective exercise programs, and how sport performance can be optimized. It’s one of the most versatile undergraduate degrees in the health professions, providing both direct career entry options and strong preparation for graduate study in physical therapy, physician assistant studies, chiropractic, athletic training, occupational therapy, integrative health, and medicine.
GCU’s B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports is built around a rigorous science core — human anatomy & physiology I and II, exercise physiology, biomechanics (or physics), kinesiology & applied anatomy, exercise testing & prescription, nutrition, research methods, and chemistry — alongside two concentration tracks that channel that science foundation toward specific career and educational goals.
The Exercise Science Concentration is designed for students who want to work directly in fitness, wellness, corporate health, and health promotion settings — or who are planning graduate school in physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, integrative health, or medicine. The program’s faculty have built specific, structured preprofessional tracks that align the Exercise Science major with the exact prerequisite requirements of these graduate programs, minimizing extra coursework and maximizing efficiency.
The Health & Physical Education Concentration prepares students for NJ K–12 teacher certification in Health and Physical Education with a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement — a career path that is both mission-aligned and in consistent demand across New Jersey school districts.
The Nutrition Sciences Concentration delivers 79 credits through an online consortium, covering the complete health sciences core alongside nutrition-specific coursework: food science, lifecycle nutrition I and II, medical nutrition therapy, food economics, and integrative nutrition coursework, plus the pre-professional science requirements (general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics). Students in this concentration automatically satisfy the Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-PA track requirements.
Two required internships provide real-world professional experience before graduation. The program’s faculty include accomplished researcher-practitioners who bring genuine expertise in exercise physiology, biomechanics, integrative health, and coaching science to small, hands-on laboratory and classroom settings.
GCU’s B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports is a great fit if you:
The health, fitness, and wellness industry is expanding — and so is the clinical side of exercise science. Here’s a look at the range of careers a GCU Exercise Science degree prepares you for.
Exercise Science Concentration:
Health & Physical Education Concentration:
| Career | Entry Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainers | $48,000–$58,000 | $64,800 | $82,000+ |
| Chiropractors (D.C. required) | $62,000–$78,000 | $91,500 | $125,000+ |
| Fitness Trainers & Instructors | $36,000–$50,000 | $52,800 | $72,000+ |
| Health Education Specialists | $46,000–$58,000 | $63,400 | $85,000+ |
| Physical Therapists (D.P.T. required) | $78,000–$92,000 | $102,400 | $120,000+ |
| Physician Assistants (PA-C required) | $110,000–$125,000 | $131,700 | $150,000+ |
| PE Teachers (K–12) | $52,000–$62,000 | $76,200 | $90,000–$105,000+ |
Job Outlook
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Students choose one of two concentrations: Exercise Science or Health and Physical Education.
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 |
| MA109 | College Algebra 3 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 58.0 | |
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.
ES391 Internship II can be substituted with ES392 Coaching Internship or ES471 Research Project in Exercise Science.
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.
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 | |
Note: Praxis II Due Date is November 15 of Year 4.
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.
Admissions Requirements First-Year Students:
Note: Students planning the Exercise Science Concentration and pre-professional tracks should arrive prepared for Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry in the first or second year. Strong high school preparation in biology and chemistry is beneficial. For the Pre-PT, Pre-PA, or Pre-Med tracks, calculus-level math preparation is recommended.
Transfer Students:
Pre-Physical Therapy Partnership (SJU):
Advanced Admission to M.A. in Integrative Health:
By the time you earn your B.S. in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports from GCU, you’ll be able to:
Q: What’s the difference between the Exercise Science Concentration and the HPE Concentration? A: The Exercise Science Concentration is for students planning careers in fitness, health promotion, corporate wellness, or graduate school in physical therapy, PA studies, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, integrative health, or medicine. It includes biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and two internships. The Health & Physical Education Concentration is for students who want to become certified PE teachers in New Jersey — it includes the required health and PE methodology courses and leads to NJ Teacher of Health & Physical Education (K–12) certification with Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) Endorsement. Both share a substantial common core.
Q: How does the Saint Joseph’s University D.P.T. partnership work? A: GCU and Saint Joseph’s University have a formal partnership agreement under which SJU annually accepts at least two qualifying GCU students into its D.P.T. program. Students who meet SJU’s admission criteria and complete the Pre-Physical Therapy Track add-on coursework can earn their GCU B.S. in Exercise Science and SJU D.P.T. in seven years total — typically three years at GCU followed by the D.P.T. program at SJU. Students must declare their intent to apply through the GCU partnership no later than one year before SJU’s summer D.P.T. start date. Speak with Dr. Chen (Health Studies Internships Coordinator) or Chair Dr. Wortley about planning this pathway from your first year.
Q: Do I need to choose a pre-professional track when I first enroll? A: No — but the earlier you commit to a track, the better positioned you’ll be to complete all prerequisites efficiently. The Pre-PA Track, for example, requires 26 additional credits including two semesters of chemistry and microbiology. If you wait until your junior year to declare, completing these prerequisites may extend your time to graduation. Discuss your goals with your advisor in the first semester so you can plan your sequence early.
Q: What certifications can I earn alongside this degree? A: The Exercise Science Concentration provides excellent preparation for professional fitness certifications including ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) credentials. These are typically pursued after graduation. Additionally, ES160 First Aid & CPR is required in the program — a basic professional credential for any health and fitness career.
Q: What is the Nutrition Sciences Concentration, and is it really online? A: The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is a specialized track within the B.S. in Health Sciences designed for students interested in dietetics, nutrition counseling, food science, and clinical nutrition careers. It is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities Y meaning some courses are taught by GCU faculty and others by partner institution faculty, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. All coursework is overseen and approved by GCU, and students register through GCU and receive GCU credit. The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is one of two GCU programs offered through this consortium arrangement.
Q: What is the Advanced Admission pathway to the M.A. in Integrative Health? A: After completing 75 credits (and at least three-fourths of your major credits) with a 3.2 GPA or higher, you can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s M.A. in Integrative Health program. You’ll need three letters of recommendation (including one from an Integrative Health faculty member), an admission interview with Dr. Komagata, and a maintained 3.0 GPA throughout. Once accepted, you can take up to 4 graduate IH courses (12 credits) as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the M.A. program is deferred until your bachelor’s degree is conferred.
Q: Can student athletes study Exercise Science at GCU? A: Yes — many student athletes choose Exercise Science for exactly the right reasons: their lived experience as athletes gives them practical context for the biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition content of the curriculum. The Coaching Minor/Concentration is also available within the program for students interested in transitioning from athlete to coach.
Q: When should I apply? A: Rolling admissions — apply any time. Priority deadlines are November 1, January 1, and March 1. Students planning pre-professional tracks (Pre-PT, Pre-PA, Pre-OT) are especially encouraged to apply early and connect with an advisor to map out their four-year plan from day one.
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