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A student-athlete's foot is being wrapped by an Exercise Science major

Exercise Science is the study of physical movement, the associated responses and adaptations to exercise. The combination of an aging global population and heightened awareness of the impact bodily health has on lifestyle, longevity, and happiness has created a constant demand for professionals with the unique skill set of exercise scientists.

Exercise Science Major Course Requirements and Learning Outcomes

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science will be well-prepared for entry-level careers in fitness, wellness, sports performance, medical fields and/or entrance into graduate-level educational programs such as:

In Massachusetts alone, job growth for Exercise Science field is projected to be nearly 30% by the year 2032.

The Curry Difference

Well-Rounded, Well-Prepared Graduates - Curry College's Exercise Science curriculum was developed to allow students to explore and develop skills for a multitude of career options, creating well-rounded graduates and career flexibility.

Interdisciplinary - Whether pursuing careers in personal training, cardiac rehab, or athletic training, students will rarely work in isolation. As such, the Exercise Science program uniquely emphasizes taking an interdisciplinary approach to movement science.

Hands-on Learning - The Curry Exercise Science program emphasizes hands-on learning for practical application. Students will go beyond traditional classroom learning to practice skills both in the classroom AND through two required internships.

Multi-avenue Exploration - We believe it is important to give students perspective on business, client acquisition and retention, which are common themes within the Exercise Science field, but not often addressed while in college. Therefore, the Exercise Science program at Curry includes courses like 'Marketing and Revenue Streams' with a Sports Management focus.

Global Perspective - Through partnerships with Curry's Career & Experiential Learning, students will be encouraged to experience the health sciences abroad through elective course offerings, providing them a global perspective to a vast field.

Courses You'll Love

Anatomy and Kinesiology
Clinical Exercise Physiology and Prescription
Exercise Testing and Programming for Human Performance
Nutrition for Health and Fitness
Prevention and Care of Sports Injuries

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Academic Programs:

ACCEL Nursing Program (post-graduation)
Coaching Minor
Public Health and Wellness Major
Sport and Recreation Management Major/Minor

Clubs/Organizations:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Student Membership
Exercise Science Club
Fitness/Rec and Intramurals
Public Health Club
Women in STEM

New! Consider a Minor in Exercise Science

Our new minor introduces students to the professional field of exercise science and encourages students to embrace the interconnectedness of many fields of study all with the goal of improving health for all.

Students will emerge with a foundational understanding in human movement mechanics as well as introductory application to exercise and nutrition programming. This minor is ideal for students looking to expand their knowledge in the role that multiple body systems, lifestyle, and genetics play in developing a holistic approach to health and fitness.

Required Courses for the ES Minor
(16 required credits plus one elective at + 3-4 credits):

EXSC 1000: Foundations of Exercise Science Professionals (2 cr.)
BIOL 1075/1175: Anatomy and Physiology I, Lecture + Lab (4 cr.)
BIOL 1085/1185: Anatomy and Physiology II, Lecture + Lab (4 cr.)
EXSC 1200: Nutrition for Health and Fitness (3 cr.)
EXSC 2001: Applied Anatomy & Kinesiology (3 cr.)

Electives

Choose a minimum of one elective (3 or 4 credits):

SRM 2070: Sport Motivation and Performance (3 cr.)

OR

EXSC 2020/2021: Exercise Physiology Lecture + Lab* (4 cr.)

*Requires taking CHEM 1001/1002 or CHEM 1010/1110 as a pre-req

Program Learning Outcomes for the ES Minor:

  1. Assess, Design, and Implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for participants who are apparently healthy and those with controlled disease.
  2. Evaluate health behaviors and risk factors, identifying necessary modifications or emergent scenarios.
  3. Analyze the role that multiple body systems, lifestyle, and genetics play in development of a holistic approach to health and fitness.
  4. Design appropriate exercise prescriptions with consideration of the participant's goals, medical history and current fitness levels for both healthy populations and those with controlled disease.
  5. Demonstrate skill in motivational techniques to encourage positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion.
  6. Recognize various roles, industries, and global impact that Exercise Science professionals can influence in regard to health promotion.
The Exercise Science Lab at Curry College

New Exercise Science Lab

Curry's new Exercise Science Lab, located in the Kennedy Academic Building, features a variety of industry-standard equipment and provides our students with hands-on practice and collaborative learning.

Life-Changing Opportunities Await

Start with a foundation in the liberal arts. Add attentive faculty and countless opportunities to learn by doing. That’s what you’ll get with a bachelor’s degree from Curry. Learn what’s waiting for you today.

Dr. Courtney James

Professor Courtney James, Exercise Science

Dr. Courtney James is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and has been lecturing for subjects within the health sciences over the past 7 years. Owning her own practice, Dr. James has built her career focusing on healing through guided exercise. Identifying the increasing societal need for more health professionals with the unique skill set of exercise scientists, this program was brought forward to Curry College. Emphasizing learning through practical experience, this program aims to create graduates who are eager to find fulfilling careers helping individuals to improve their wellbeing through health and fitness.