FAQs: Exercise Science

» What type of students are ideal for this program?
» Will the exercise science program prepare me for certification?
» What kind of employment opportunities are in this field?
» What if I decide to pursue graduate school after obtaining a B.S. in exercise science?
» What is unique about exercise science program at Becker?

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Q: What type of students are ideal for this program?

• Physically active
• Have a math and science background
• Are open minded and enjoy working with a diverse group of people

Q: I understand that most employers expect fitness professionals to have earned a certification from a nationally recognized fitness organization. Does the exercise science curriculum at Becker College prepare me for these examinations?

Yes. You may take several certifications during your sophomore or junior year, such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Certified Physical Trainer (CPT), and weight management consultation after you complete the related course work. However, some certification exams do require that candidates hold a bachelor of science degree or be enrolled as a senior college student. Based on your interest, you may choose to take the Exercise Specialist certification exam from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or (and) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) during your senior year or after graduation.

For more information on certification, visit the following web sites:

» American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
» American Council on Exercise (ACE)
» National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
» National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)
» National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)
» International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)
» National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
» National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
» American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA)
» National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
» National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Q: What employment opportunities are available in this field?

According to a 2010 article in the publication “Inside Higher Education,” the exercise science major has surged in popularity over the last 20 years. This can be attributed to increasing global awareness of fitness benefits, and a rapidly aging population demanding special attention. Many students are pursuing careers in coaching or as a fitness professional. More than 70% of graduates from the health and fitness concentration plan to look for job in the field directly after graduation.  There is a diversity of career and job opportunities.

The following are examples of potential job opportunities:

• Personal trainer/wellness specialist
• Fitness consultant
• Fitness center manager
• Health and fitness program coordinator
• Sports coach or strength and conditioning coach

The following are examples of potential job locations:

• Corporate wellness programs
• YMCA
• Health clubs
• Community wellness and sports programs
• Hospitals rehabilitation centers
• Sporting goods corporations
• Special interest groups such as Olympic training centers
• High school, college or professional sports teams
• Resorts
• Military-based fitness programs

For more information about positions visit the American College of Sports Medicine or the following web sites:
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACPR)
American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)
Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Sciences (AAESS)
Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine (CASM)
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research
Ethics and Safety Compliance Standards
Gatorade Sport Science Institute (GSSI)
IDEA Health and Fitness Association
International Association of Fitness Certifying Agencies
International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS)
International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association
North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine (NASPEM)
Sports Medicine Australia
Sports Medicine New Zealand

Q: What if I decide to pursue graduate school after obtaining a bachelor of science degree in exercise science?

Electives are available to prepare students for graduate study in the field of their interest, including community health, health promotion and wellness, athletic training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, and chiropractics.  Professors in the exercise science program have unique work experiences including coaching athletes, physical therapy and research. These diversified backgrounds help students who need specific guidance to pursue a career path they are interested in. Our flexible curriculum also makes it possible for students to complete a minor with no or limited additional courses.

Q: What is unique about the exercise science program at Becker?

• The program has distinguished faculty with extensive and diversified work experience.
• Small class sizes
• The program provides a breadth of knowledge and skills in the exercise science field.
• The program focuses on hands on training through skill classes and lab activities which bridges the gap between the theories learned in the classroom and real world application. Internship opportunities are also available for senior students. A variety of internship sites can be chosen based on the student’s interests.
• Programs are continually reviewed, updated and improved by an advisory board of industry professionals.
• Flexibility is a unique feature of the program.