Exercise Science
Explore Exercise and Human Performance
Etown’s Exercise Science program equips students with a deep understanding of how physical activity, exercise, and lifestyle impact health and well-being. Through labs, research, and hands-on learning, students apply scientific principles to real-world challenges in health and fitness.
Rooted in a commitment to service and student success, the program prepares graduates for careers in wellness, rehabilitation, and performance or for advanced study in fields like physical therapy and athletic training.
Exercise Science Concentrations & Careers
The Exercise Science program offers students the opportunity to tailor their academic experience through four distinct concentrations, each designed to align with specific career goals and areas of interest. Whether students are preparing for immediate entry into the health and fitness industry or planning to pursue advanced graduate study, these concentrations provide targeted coursework and experiences that build a strong foundation for success. Students can choose from the following pathways: Exercise Science (General), Strength & Conditioning, Pre-Athletic Training, and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Exercise Science
The general concentration in Exercise Science prepares students to design and lead effective fitness, wellness, and performance programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. With a focus on promoting lifelong health through physical activity, students engage in classroom learning, lab experiences, and applied training in real-world settings.
Graduates pursue careers in corporate wellness, clinical health settings, community fitness programs, education, and nonprofit health organizations. Many also earn professional certifications such as personal trainer, exercise physiologist, or health coach.
Hands-on learning and real-world experiences give students the tools to succeed in careers including:
- Fitness Trainers & Instructors - The national median annual wage estimate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $46,180 / year
- Exercise Physiologist - The national median annual wage estimate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $58,160.
This concentration also provides a strong foundation for students planning to continue their education in graduate and professional programs. Common paths include advanced degrees in:
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Physical Therapy (DPT)
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Athletic Training (MSAT)
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Physician Assistant (PA)
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Occupational Therapy (OT)
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Chiropractic Medicine
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Public Health
- Nutrition and Dietetics
To support these pathways, Elizabethtown College offers a number of affiliation agreements with regional universities. These include Physical Therapy Affiliation Programs (3+3 and 4+3 pathways) and Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Programs, providing qualified students with streamlined admission to DPT or MSAT programs after completing their undergraduate degree at Etown.
Strength & Conditioning
The Strength and Conditioning concentration prepares students for high-performance careers training athletes at the collegiate, professional, and high school levels. In addition to the core Exercise Science curriculum, students gain focused expertise in athletic performance, injury prevention, and program design.
This concentration includes CSCS exam preparation through targeted coursework and a required 300-hour internship in a professional strength and conditioning setting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam — an essential credential for professional coaches in sports performance roles.
The national median annual wage estimate for a Strength & Conditioning Coach, according to the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), is $74,098.
Pre-Athletic Training
The Pre-Athletic Training concentration is designed for students preparing to enter competitive Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) programs. Building on the core Exercise Science curriculum, students complete the prerequisite coursework needed for admission into graduate-level athletic training programs.
With a strong focus on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, this concentration provides a solid foundation in both classroom and clinical settings. Students are encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, as MSAT programs are highly selective and enroll a limited number of qualified applicants each year.
Elizabethtown College offers several Athletic Training Affiliation Programs, giving students the opportunity to pursue streamlined admission into MSAT programs through established partnerships with regional universitie and go on to be success in a career as an Athletic Trainer.
The national median annual wage estimate for an Athletic Trainer, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $60,250.
Pre-Physical Therapy
The Pre-Physical Therapy concentration equips students with the academic foundation and prerequisite coursework required for admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. This concentration blends core Exercise Science studies with specialized preparation in human anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation sciences — areas essential for future physical therapists.
Exercise Science is one of the most common undergraduate degrees for DPT program applicants, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). To remain competitive, students are encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, as graduate programs are selective and admit a limited number of candidates each year.
Elizabethtown College supports this pathway through several Physical Therapy Affiliation Agreements with regional universities. These include both 3+3 and 4+3 program options, offering qualified students a streamlined route to completing their DPT after earning their undergraduate degree at Etown and go on to be successful in a career as a Physical Therapist.
The national median annual wage estimate for a Physical Therapist, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $101,020.
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Student Learning OUTCOMES
The Exercise Science program is designed to help students build a solid foundation in the science of human movement and performance. Students will learn to apply scientific knowledge to improve health and fitness outcomes, perform and interpret health screenings and consultations, and develop tailored exercise programs. Students will also learn to design and manage exercise facilities and wellness programs, evaluate and apply current research in the field, and demonstrate the necessary skills for success in clinical, fitness, and community-based environments.
The Bowers Center
The Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being provides purposeful programming that inspires, educates, and empowers students and the campus community to cultivate healthy and active lifestyles, as well as supporting the College’s expanding athletics program. The Bowers Center includes fitness rooms, a demonstration kitchen, and state-of-the-art Human Performance Lab where Exercise Science students can take advantage of unique classroom settings and equipment.
A Future in Exercise Science
An Exercise Science degree is required to sit for the CSCS certification, and both are required to work as a strength and conditioning coach for a college, university, professional sports team (major and minor league), and there are growing opportunities to be a strength and conditioning coach at high schools. Exercise Science degrees work well for individuals also interested in careers in public health, nutrition science, as well as health and wellness coaching.
Related Minors
Any student interested in including athletics in their future career in some way may be interested in the Coaching Minor. While it is is most suited for those looking to coach at some level, the knowledge and skills learned are valuable in any sport-related setting.
The Exercise Science Minor provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in the study of physical activity, exercise techniques, kinesiology, exercise physiology. This minor can complement various majors that prepare students for careers in the health/wellness and fitness industry, public health, health and medical sciences, natural and physical sciences, and many graduate studies in related fields.
Exercise Science Club
The Exercise Science Club fosters professional growth and community among students by providing networking opportunities, access to national conferences, and practical experiences in the field. It plays a crucial role in preparing members for their future careers and further education, especially for those aiming for graduate studies in specialized areas of exercise science. Through its activities, the club not only enhances academic learning but also equips students with the skills and insights needed for success in the dynamic field of exercise science.