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Department of Kinesiology College of Health & Human Services

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Bachelor Of Science, Exercise Science

Program Description

The Exercise Science program mission is to study the scientific basis of how the human body functions across the lifespan in response to physical activity, exercise and sport.

Exercise Science curriculum integrates knowledge from such science disciplines as biology, chemistry, and physiology so that students will gain a deep integrative understanding of human body functions at the mechanical, cellular, organ, and systems levels.

The major in Exercise Science qualifies an individual for career possibilities in cardiac rehabilitation, sports medicine, chiropractic, athletic training, geriatrics, health related fitness programming (fitness and corporate), and further scientific training in graduate school.

The Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Specialist concentration is designed for students who want to develop the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to work in a clinical rehabilitation setting. Students who complete this emphasis are prepared for careers in cardiac rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology, electrophysiology, and clinical graduate programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and other health related professional preparation programs.

Note: Students graduating with a BS in Exercise Science will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

Pre-major Exercise Science

Pre-Major Requirements

All incoming first year or transfer students interested in the BS/Exercise Science are admitted as Pre-Exercise Science Major students.

Pre-major students are required to complete the following courses, as well as, meet GPA and grade requirements to move officially into the Exercise Science major and select a major concentration. After students have completed all their pre-major coursework (or course equivalents), they should contact their major advisor who will review their student record. Students will also need to designate their major concentration (Health Fitness/Strength Conditioning or Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation to their advisor. After records have been reviewed and approved, advisors will submit a form to bring students into the major.

  1. An overall GPA of 2.0.
  2. Completion of the Pre-Major required courses with a “C-“ or better. Only first and second attempts will be considered.

Exercise Science Pre-Major Courses

Bio 10, Bio 22, Chem 1A/6A and Chem 1B/6B (or equivalents as indicated on assist.org.

Personal Trainer/Strength & Conditioning Program

Exercise Science program provides students with knowledge, skills, and expertise required for advanced training in many areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, orthotics, prosthetics, and exercise physiology/biomechanics.

ERP - National Strength and Conditioning Association (Education Recognition Program - copyright)

Personal Trainer/Strength & Conditioning Certificate

Exercise Science Resources

Pre-Major Exercise Science

Major Concentrations

Advising Sheets

Mentoring & Tutoring

  • Ask a PT Student Office Hours
    Mentors from Sacramento State's DPT Program
    TBD for Spring 2023
  • Exercise Science Tutoring for Major Classes
    TBD for Spring 2023
    Email: tutorkinesiology@csus.edu