student in a fitness room student in a fitness room student in a fitness room

Exercise Science
Major

Exercise science degree

Explore the science of how physical activity, diet and nutrition shape our health and performance. With an exercise science degree from Central Michigan University, you'll gain the expertise to guide people toward healthier, more active lives. Transform your passion for fitness into a rewarding career and make a real impact in the world of health and wellness!

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
52 - 58 Credit Hours

What will I learn with an exercise science degree?

As a CMU Exercise Science major, you'll examine the benefits of physical movement and exercise using a science-based approach. You'll learn through classroom lessons, hands-on labs and an internship.

You can choose from three options: clinical exercise science, health fitness or kinesiology. These paths will prepare you for a career in various clinical or non-clinical areas like cardiopulmonary rehab, cardiovascular testing or general health and fitness settings.

Our advisors can also help you get ready for a graduate program in:

Exercise science program highlights

As an exercise science student at CMU, you can:

  • Pursue specific career goals: Pursue your specific career goals by focusing on clinical exercise, health fitness or kinesiology.
  • Tailor your studies: Tailor your studies to match your interests, choosing courses such as Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs, Nutrition and Performance or Health Implications of Obesity.
  • Join a supportive community: Join a community of like-minded students by living in the Health Professions Residential College.
  • Specialize further: Have the opportunity to pursue a health fitness minor, specifically designed for the exercise science major.

Our exercise science program at Central Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Our Exercise Science undergraduate program demonstrates academic excellence as the first in Michigan to obtain accreditation by CAAHEP through CoAES. Our student outcomes assessment shows students who are satisfied with their education, and students who perform well on national credentialing exams.

Blue Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs logo with CAAHEP acronym on the left

Pathways

Explore careers at the intersection of exercise and health care. The clinical exercise science option prepares you to work with patients in a variety of medical settings. Career options include physical therapy, occupational therapy,​​ cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and diagnostic testing.

This broad-based program prepares you for graduate study in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic studies, and beyond. Coursework combines biology, exercise science, and chemistry studies to give you a well-rounded foundation.

Job opportunities with an exercise science degree

Many of our graduates go on to graduate school in fields like exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy or health sciences. Others begin careers in personal training, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, diagnostic testing and more.

Career Projected Salary
Exercise Physiologist/Specialist $54,860
Fitness/Wellness Manager $110,680
Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor $46,480
Athletic Trainer $57,930
Physical Therapist
$99,710
Exercise/Fitness Trainer $45,380
Rehabilitation Physicians $223,410
Exercise Science Students gaining hands on learning experience

Exercise is Medicine

Central Michigan University has been awarded the prestigious Gold Level designation by the Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) program for the fifth year.

"These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care." - Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine

Request Information about CMU

Loading...

By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.

Privacy Policy