Exercise Science Major, B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Maintaining or attaining good health and fitness through exercise are top priorities for many Americans. While technology exists to track personal fitness, nothing can replace the expertise and motivation that a degreed exercise professional brings to any fitness program.

MSU Denver’s bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science is practitioner-focused with a strong science foundation, making students immediately employable in a variety of health and wellness settings. Students are also prepared for graduate programs in areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or as a physician’s assistant.

Our knowledgeable professors have years of experience in the fitness industry as well as an extensive network of community facilities for internships that will provide students real-world experience working with diverse populations.

The objective of the MSU Denver Exercise Science (EXS) major is the professional preparation of pre-service Exercise Science specialists, qualifying them to sit for established, nationally recognized certification examinations. Upon successful completion of a national certifying exam, EXS graduates may practice as a certified professional in areas such as: Health Fitness Instructor, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, or Performance Enhancement Specialist.

The Exercise Science major does not encompass academic preparation for the Athletic Training professions (care and prevention of athletic injuries). Students who pursue a degree in EXS will not be eligible to take the National Athletic Trainer’s Board of Certification examination.

The degree requirements for the Exercise Science major are listed below.  Please note, this major does require a minor. Visit the University Catalog to learn more about the program, course prerequisites, and other degree requirements. The University catalog can be found HERE.

For a printable list of these course requirements, click here: Exercise Science 2024-2025 Degree Requirements

Below is a sample of what an Exercise Science student’s course schedule might look like for their 4 years enrolled at MSU Denver. This schedule is flexible and students have the freedom to choose their General Studies (GS) courses as well as any minor and elective courses. All students interested in adopting the EXS major should contact one of the advisors listed below for assistance in declaring their major and for specific academic planning.

Below is a list of locations where Exercise Science students have completed their internships

MSU Denver Exercise Science (EXS) students should take pride in the fact that their academic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to ensure students are adequately prepared to become exercise professionals. MSU Denver is one of only 66 undergraduate programs in the United States to have achieved this credential. This prestigious distinction shows prospective employers that MSU Denver EXS graduates have completed a nationally recognized rigorous program of study.

Accreditation by CAAHEP requires MSU Denver EXS faculty to collect data on specific program outcomes to ensure that EXS students are being adequately prepared to enter the competitive job market. See below for outcomes form the 2023-2024 Academic Year:

• 100% of EXS majors successfully completed internship requirements set for by the EXS program, CAAHEP, and CoAES
• 93% of EXS majors completed their degree within six (6) years
• 82% of EXS students that graduated in 2022-2023 and returned the survey reported being full or part-time employed in the profession or pursuing a graduate degree in, or related to EXS