Exercise Science, B.S.
Experience Exercise Science at Immaculata University
Within this major, you will gain hands-on experience through coursework and internships in the area’s finest hospitals and training and fitness centers to prepare you for employment in the exercise science field. As people become increasingly aware of the benefits of good health and fitness habits, the demand for trained practitioners in the field of exercise science will continue to expand.
The Exercise Science major at Immaculata offers four tracks so that you can specialize in a path that interests you and your career goals. Learn more about each track offered below.
At A Glance
Program: Bachelor of Science
Audience: Undergraduate students
Format: Face-to-face classes
Next Start Date: August 25, 2025
Cost: Full-time tuition
Time to Completion Four years
"I chose IU to pursue a degree in exercise science because of the experienced faculty who strive every day to bring out the best in students. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, helping to build on your strengths and challenge your weaknesses. Additionally, the opportunity to complete various internships allowed me to network with professional mentors and develop a hands-on skillset outside of the classroom. The challenging curriculum at IU gave me the didactic and practical knowledge along with the confidence to succeed at the next level of education, allowing me to pursue my passion of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The amount of hands-on labs and activities really provided a strong foundation, and when I arrived at PT school, I found I already had more experience than most of my classmates when it came to performing special tests, manual muscle testing and patient handling. In addition, the exercise science coursework gave me a very in-depth understanding of the human body and a strong knowledge base that helped me succeed in becoming a DPT."
Jon Mayer
Physical Therapist at Medical University of South Carolina
Exercise Science Tracks
This interdisciplinary track will help you pursue a career in fitness and wellness, personal training, or strength and conditioning. This program will prepare you for graduate work in exercise physiology, biomechanics and related disciplines. Upon completion of this concentration you will be proficient in assessing a patient or client’s fitness/wellness status and creating exercise programming for teams or individuals. The flexible curriculum allows you to choose courses to meet your career goals and prepare for nationally recognized strength and conditioning, fitness, and wellness certifications.
Athletic trainers are an integral component of the health care continuum and provide preventative, emergency and rehabilitative care to the physically active population. Athletic trainers work closely with other medical professionals and can be found in all areas of athletics or in one of the many emerging settings (performing arts, public safety, occupational health, armed forces, etc.).
4-year Pre-Athletic Training
In this curriculum you will learn foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and exercise science to prepare you for graduate studies in athletic training or related disciplines. Students may apply to Immaculata University’s Master of Athletic Training program to continue their education.
3+2 Accelerated BS/MAT
Students with a strong passion for athletic training and an outstanding academic record should consider applying to this rigorous accelerated five-year program in athletic training. Please see our 3+2 Athletic Training page for more information and highlights about this program. (Note: Students pay comprehensive tuition for the first three years and graduate tuition for the final two years.)
Occupational and Physical therapists are in high demand to help the aging population, to support people with special needs or disabilities, and to assist people as they recover from illnesses or injuries. Immaculata’s pre-occupational/pre-physical therapy curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, kinesiology, genetics, biomechanics, nutrition, and physics to prepare for graduate studies. Through this coursework you will develop skills in patient communication, injury and illness prevention, assessment procedures, and exercise programming.
Our pre-physician assistant track will give you a strong foundation in human movement science while also allowing you to pursue a career as a physician assistant or a related medical profession. This interdisciplinary program includes math and science courses that will give you the foundational knowledge you need for applying to graduate physician assistant programs. Through their faculty advisor, students are provided information, advisement, and services to help with graduate school and professional plans. Students studying in the Pre-PA track begin observational hours by their sophomore year in order to complete the observational hour requirements for most graduate programs.
Experiential Learning with Individuals with Disabilities
As an exercise science student, you have the unique opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities through our three on-campus programs: GetFIT@IU, Young Athletes and Unified Sports. GetFIT is a free fitness program for adults (see Spotlight to the right). As a trainer in the GetFIT program, students work one-one with individuals taking them through a one-hour fitness routine to include cardiovascular activity, weight training, flexibility, mobility and balance training. Through our affiliation with the Special Olympics of PA, volunteers for the Young Athletes program guide children ages 2-7 in functional skills using sports as the foundation. Volunteers for Unified Basketball program assist players ages 8 and in the skills of basketball and play along with them.
Internships
Our students are required to complete a 90-hour internship experience in their senior year. You will choose and internship within a specialized area, providing invaluable training and professional preparation. With our close proximity to Philadelphia’s hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and fitness and recreation centers, you will have excellent learning opportunities.
Our students have completed internships at the following organizations:
- National Institutes of Health
- NovaCare Rehabilitation
- YSC Academy
- Crozer Health
- Special Olympics
- Cooper University Healthcare
- All Star Sports Academy
- CardioKinetics Inc
- Premier Physical Therapy
Student Research
All of our students are required to complete a long-term research project that prepares them for graduate and professional studies. You will have the opportunity to work with our faculty and choose a research project that is tailored to your professional interests. Titles of recently presented projects include:
- “Blood Lactate and Heart Rate Response Post Pre-Season Training in Collegiate Male Soccer Players: A Pilot Study”, American Council on Sports Medicine, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference
- "Using wearable technology to objectively measure the effectiveness of physical activity interventions among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities", Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference, Kutztown University
- "Effect of an Exercise Science Student-Led Exercise Program at Immaculata University on Physical and Social Outcomes in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities", Undergraduate Research at the Capitol, Harrisburg, PA
- "Effect of Getfit@IU on social outcomes among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities", SEPCHE Honors Conference
Graduate Program Agreements
Students majoring in Exercise Science can pursue graduate study at Immaculata University and several institutions. Immaculata's established pathways create seamless transitions while allowing students to save time and money. Learn more about graduate partnership programs.
Exercise Science Lab
In the exercise science laboratory, you can practice and refine hands-on medical skills during class and open lab times.
- Use simulation models to listen to heart and lung sounds, insert adjunct airways and read electrocardiograms.
- Administer CPR on advanced manikins that assess the depth of compressions and rate of breaths.
- Take practical exams in an evaluation room equipped with video technology to record your work and allow you to review and reflect.
Just The Facts
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