BS in exercise science
From clinical care to athletic performance, Rowan University’s exercise science major prepares you to help individuals improve their physical strength and live healthier lives.
Why choose Rowan’s exercise science program?
Exercise science is about more than workouts—it’s about understanding how the body functions and applying that knowledge to enhance performance, prevent injuries and reduce chronic disease.
In Rowan University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in exercise science degree program, you’ll gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and nutrition, while learning to design evidence-based training and wellness programs.
Additionally, we’ll prepare you to pursue nationally recognized certifications from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Beyond the classroom, you’ll get practical experience through professional development hours and opportunities to work with real patients under faculty mentorship. This combination ensures you graduate with the credentials and the confidence to succeed in exercise science or take the next step into advanced health professions.
Key considerations
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Months To Complete
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Studying exercise science at Rowan
What you’ll learn
Rowan University’s BS in exercise science degree is a 120-credit program that integrates coursework in human performance, health promotion and movement science with foundational studies in biology, chemistry, psychology and nutrition. Together, these classes give you the science background and practical skills to understand how the body works and how exercise impacts health.
Through courses in areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and strength training, you’ll learn how to assess risk factors, evaluate movement patterns, perform fitness testing and create individualized exercise prescriptions for different populations, including older adults, recovering individuals and athletes. Upper-level classes address topics like exercise for special populations, human disease and advanced nutrition, and research and seminar courses help you apply what you’ve learned in real-world and professional settings.
Exercise science key courses
- Basic Nutrition
- Essentials of Strength Training
- Foundations of Exercise Science
- Motor Control and Learning
- Safety First Aid Basic Understanding of Athletic Injuries
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
The exercise science major is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association's "Education Recognition Program." This program recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.
The exercise major received an additional accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The primary role of this accreditation is to establish standards and guidelines for academic programs that facilitate the preparation of students seeking employment in the health, fitness and exercise industry. Review standards and competencies required for accreditation.
How you'll learn
As an exercise science major, you’ll build your résumé long before graduation. The program includes professional development, in which you’ll participate in 40 hours of structured experiences that expose you to different career paths in health, fitness and performance.
You’ll also complete a 250-hour internship tailored to your professional goals, allowing you to work directly in a clinical, athletic or corporate wellness setting. Throughout the program, you’ll apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, make industry connections and practice communicating with patients.
Individual faculty mentoring is part of the process, too. Professors not only provide guidance on coursework but also on career planning and research, often connecting you to graduate assistantships and other professional opportunities as you enter the field.
Admission requirements
Your career in health and fitness begins here. Follow the application checklist below to apply to Rowan’s exercise science degree program.
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
After submitting your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing materials. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and aid
Rowan University’s BS in exercise science degree program is designed to be an affordable way to prepare for health and performance careers.
I’ve gained the ability to use my knowledge on how the body functions and apply that to my job and future jobs.
Vito N. Gloucester County, NJ
My internship gives me a glimpse into what a therapist’s day is like. I shadow meeting patients, learn what techniques are used and even perform exercises with the patients.
Emily A. Salem County, NJ
The major is fun and you can do a lot with it. It’s versatile and there isn’t only one thing you have to do with it. It’s flexible to what you can do with it.
Erwin L. Mercer County, NJ
I’m learning a lot about specific populations and how we would modify or include exercise and the benefits from that.
Nicole U. Gloucester County, NJ
Exercise science can be very practical. We’re not learning information just to know, we’re learning it to apply it to help people.
Michael O. Camden County, NJ
Careers and outcomes
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Using exercise science to make a real impact
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