Exercise Science Major (BS)
An exercise science major allows you to combine your interests in health and science to improve the lives of others. You learn the mechanisms behind bodily motion through coursework rooted in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. An aging population and increased interest in healthy living have created a growing demand for exercise science professionals.
Exercise Science Concentration Options
Choose the concentration area that's the best fit for your professional goals and interests.
Career Paths
There's a growing demand for fitness-educated professionals in health (medicine, physical therapy) and applied professions (sport management, strength and conditioning). The American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) examination is the official senior exit examination for the exercise science major.
Common career areas:
Around 75% of incoming exercise science majors identify physical therapy as their occupation of choice, and approximately 80% of those who apply to graduate programs in physical therapy gain admission.
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
- Chiropractor
- Personal Trainer
- Wellness Coach
- Community Health Educator
- Physical Educator
- Coaching
- Exercise Physiologist
- Athletic Director
Graduate School
Many exercise science students pursue graduate study in fields such as:
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- sports health care
- chiropractic medicine
Truman students have a high medical school acceptance rate of 54% compared to a 41% national average acceptance rate. Truman also has affiliations with select graduate programs that provide qualifying students with special advantages such as priority consideration in the graduate admissions process.
Learn more about priority consideration
What do Truman’s exercise science graduates say about their Truman experience?
Meet some of our graduatesStudent Opportunities
Internships and Practicums
As an exercise science major, you gain practical experience, learn new skills, and make professional connections through an internship or practicum.
Undergraduate Research
Gain valuable research experience working alongside a faculty mentor on research design, data analysis, and preparation for presentation or publication.
Labs and Facilities
As an exercise science major, you can use research, practicum, and lab facilities, including the Athletic Training Clinic, Human Performance Laboratory, and Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory. You also have access to a cadaver lab (only 4% of undergraduate programs in the nation offer cadaver-based anatomy).
Student Organizations
Getting involved with student organizations provides an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills. Membership in the exercise science honor fraternity on campus can help expand your professional network.
Exercise Science/Master of Athletic Training 3+2 Program
Earn a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a Master of Athletic Training in five years.
Truman Direct/Automatic Admittance
Qualifying exercise science majors at Truman can receive automatic enrollment in the Master of Athletic Training program.
Explore Related Programs
Majors and Pre-Health Professions
Graduate Studies
Master of Arts in Education (Specialization Area: Physical Education)