The Exercise Science Department at Shippensburg University develops students into the next generation of exercise scientists who understand how and why exercise is used for the prevention, management, and treatment of health problems.
Our students have high acceptance rates into master's and doctoral degree programs, including for physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and athletic training.
Exercise Science is also the ideal choice for anyone interested in careers in fitness and performance enhancement, including strength and conditioning, personal training, and group exercise.
The Exercise Science program 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.
Course work Exercise Science, B.S.
Our department offers one major, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Students must choose one of three concentrations within the major to specialize in: Allied Health Pre-Professional, Human Performance & Fitness, and 3+2 Pre-Athletic Training.
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
- General Education: 46 - 47 credits
- Major Requirements: 54 credits
- Free Electives: 19 - 24 credits
- Total Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
Course work for Allied Health Pre-Professional Concentration
A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Allied Health Pre-Professional Concentration prepares students for further study in an allied health field (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, nursing, and more) by integrating applied, hands-on learning experiences with a firm understanding of basic facts, theory, and research about health and physical activity. For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Course work for Human Performance and Fitness Concentration
A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Human Performance & Fitness Concentration prepares students for employment in the health and fitness industry (such as personal training, strength and conditioning, group exercise, wellness coaching, and more) by integrating applied, hands-on learning experiences with a firm understanding of basic facts, theory, and research about health and physical activity. For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Course work for Pre-Athletic Training Concentration (3+2)
Athletic Trainers primarily work with sports teams and athletes on injury prevention and recovery, although opportunities for work outside of the sports world are growing. Students interested in enhancing the physical fitness of athletes (e.g., strength and conditioning) should consider our Human Performance & Fitness Concentration instead.
The 3+2 Athletic Training Program allows students to complete a Master’s degree in Athletic Training in combination with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in only 5 years. The first three years are completed at Shippensburg University and the two additional years are completed at an affiliated University. Currently, we have agreements with Commonwealth University (Lock Haven campus), Jefferson University, and Messiah University.
Students choose a graduate program during their first year of study and will be guaranteed admission to that program if they meet their admissions requirements. This concentration prepares students to meet those requirements, along with all General Education and Exercise Science coursework (at least 96 credits during their first 3 years). The remaining 24 credits will be completed at the selected athletic training graduate program and transferred back to Shippensburg. In the spring of their fourth year, students will graduate from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Pre-Athletic Training, and in their fifth year will graduate from their chosen graduate program.
For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.