Overview
For those who are interested in exercise, sports, fitness, or nutrition, exercise science could be a great career option. Exercise science is the study of human movement and how the body reacts in relation to exercise. In the state of New York, there are twenty-one degrees at various levels that focus on exercise science. Students enrolled in an exercise science program will take classes that focus on anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and other related topics.
Once an individual obtains their exercise science degree, they can either pursue a graduate or postgraduate degree in a related subject, or they can enter the field of coaching, personal training, strength and conditioning, or another exercise science-related career. With New York’s vast population and activities, there are endless opportunities for an individual to choose from regarding exercise science programs and careers.
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What Can I Expect to Learn in an Exercise Science Program?
Degree Timetable
While most exercise science degrees will take between four to ten years, it will greatly depend on the level of degree a student pursues. Some programs also offer combined programs for one to obtain their bachelor’s and master’s together as well as accelerated degrees to complete them in a shorter amount of time than it traditionally takes.
Degree Plan of Study
The plan of study for an exercise science degree will be fairly standard across programs. The main topics students will take courses in will include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, kinesiology, and other related topics. Some programs structure their plan of study so students take advanced classes that build off of a previous class on the same topic to give them a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Students in the majority of exercise science degree programs will get hands-on experience during clinical experiences and internships throughout their school career.
Once a student has met all of their program’s requirements in classes, clinical experience/internship hours, etc, they will be confident in their knowledge of the human body and how exercise affects it as well as how to create and implement exercise adaptations for a diverse population. Graduates will be prepared to enter and contribute to the field of exercise science as a professional.
Requirements for Acceptance to an Exercise Science Program
The requirements to be accepted into an exercise science program will be very similar across the board, with variations in minimum test scores, grade point average (GPA), and prerequisite courses. All students applying to graduate programs will be required to have already completed their bachelor’s degree, along with maintaining a certain GPA. Some schools may require students to submit certain test scores like the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students may have to apply to the institution first and then submit a second application to the exercise science program they wish to enroll in. Some programs may require students to submit references, cover letters, or even interview with faculty in the program for a portion of their application process. There are some schools that implement a non-refundable fee for a student’s application to be processed.
New York Bachelors Degrees in Exercise Science
In the state of New York, there are thirteen bachelor’s degree programs focusing on exercise science, they are listed below:
Adelphi University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Adelphi University prides itself in offering small class sizes to provide students with a personalized experience to gain an understanding of exercise science by working with distinguished faculty in the program’s state-of-the-art facilities. Students in the program have the opportunity to complete the required internship at top-notch sites. Those wishing to complete their exercise science degree at Adelphi University also have the option to participate in the Exercise Science 4+1 track to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree in exercise science in 4+1 years respectively. Another option students at the university have is to complete a joint degree in exercise science and physical therapy.
Accreditation
Brooklyn College – CUNY
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Brooklyn College – CUNY offers two different tracks in its exercise science program, fitness professional and pre-health professions. The fitness professional track will focus on courses and knowledge related to exercise testing, exercise training, athletic training, and strength and conditioning. The pre-health profession will develop student’s knowledge and understanding of exercise science and health to prepare them to enter an advanced program in a health-related profession such as nursing, physician assistant, or physical therapy.
Accreditation
Lehman College – CUNY
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Those enrolled in this program have the option to choose between two tracks, Pre-physical Therapy or Exercise and Movement Science. Both tracks give students access to the campus’s state-of-the-art equipment in the Human Performance Laboratory to assist in their learning and hands-on skills. The classes in the program will focus on the topics of sports nutrition, sports psychology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and other related topics. Students will graduate from the program with a solid foundation of how to evaluate health behaviors and risk factors, how to conduct fitness assessments, prescribe and alter exercise programs, and assist individuals in modifying negative health behaviors.
Accreditation
Long Island University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness
Students in this 120-credit-hour program will center their learning on topics of study related to human performance, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and fitness programming. These topics will provide students with a solid knowledge base in physiological, psychological, and scientific concepts and how they relate to sports performance, fitness, and wellness.
Accreditations
Manhattan College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Manhattan College focuses on developing student’s understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, immediate care, psychology, and more to produce well-rounded professionals in the field. Students are required to complete an internship that totals 120 hours at an exercise science-related professional site, some examples of internship sites are at physical or occupational therapy offices, sports performance facilities, and with strength and conditioning coaches. The program at Manhattan College also offers numerous community events such as hosting a physical activity day and recreational programming for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Accreditation
New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
In this 121-124 credit program, students will learn the main components of exercise, fitness, physical activity, health and nutrition. Students can utilize The College of Osteopathic Medicine’s facilities and resources to practice their skills. During their senior year in the program, students will participate in a capstone that combines experiential learning and practical experiences at exercise science facilities to assist in honing student’s critical thinking, communication, and research skills.
Accreditation
Queens College – CUNY
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Exercise Science
This program focuses its studies on combining the disciplines of nutrition and exercise science for students interested in pursuing a career related to the maintenance of cardiovascular health and wellness through physical activity and healthy nutrition habits. Those who graduate from this program can enter a career in corporate- or hospital-based programs related to wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, health, and cardiovascular fitness, community programs to promote healthy nutrition and fitness habits for a variety of individuals, or continue to a graduate degree in a related field.
Accreditation
SUNY College at Brockport
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
As one of eighteen exercise science majors in the country that is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as well as endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), SUNY College at Brockport is a highly regarded institution to complete one’s exercise science bachelor’s degree. Students will graduate with sound knowledge and understanding of the human body’s physiological responses to exercise. The program offers two concentrations, Exercise for Health Promotion or Strength and Conditioning for students to personalize their education. Students will also be able to participate in a group research study, as well as an internship that will take place with one of the program’s 300 off-campus professional sites.
Accreditation
SUNY Cortland
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
In this 120-credit-hour program, students will gain a solid foundation in courses related to exercise science, chemistry, physics, applied sciences, and more. There are three optional concentrations for those in the program to choose from if they plan to pursue a graduate degree in a specific area: Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Athletic Training. SUNY Cortland also allows students to work with the Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE), participate in clubs related to the field, work with faculty members as a client, and even study abroad in multiple countries.
Accreditation
St. Francis College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science
This program produces graduates who are well-rounded in topics like kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology, and sports psychology, enabling them to work in a variety of exercise science-related fields. St. Francis College offers the program in a traditional on-campus degree or fully online, both options will prepare students to pursue a career immediately after graduating or moving on to St. Francis College’s Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science.
Accreditation
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students enrolled in this program have the option to choose a concentration in kinesiology or allied health depending on their career plans. The kinesiology concentration will enable students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a sports coach or certified health and fitness professional. The allied health concentration is for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in topics such as athletic training, sports medicine, or physical therapy. Students enrolled in the St. Thomas Aquinas College program can also take advantage of its Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) chapter, this program’s purpose is to educate and promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits on campus.
Accreditation
Syracuse University
Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science
Syracuse University offers three tracks for students to choose from according to their interests. The general health and exercise science track is for those wishing to pursue a career in fitness, clinical physiology, medicine, or other clinical health-related careers. The pre-physical therapy track enables students interested in becoming a physical therapist (PT) to complete a few requirements for a PT program. The 3+3 DPT track is a program combined with SUNY Upstate Medical University to enable students to complete their undergraduate degree and a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) in six years versus the traditional seven years. Syracuse University is the only program in the area that offers this partnership degree.
Accreditation
University of Buffalo
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students in this science-based program will graduate with a solid foundation in physiological, nutritional, and biomechanical aspects of human physical activity. They will start with a two-year phase of prerequisite courses followed by two years of a professional training sequence with the option to personalize their degree by choosing a concentration in pre-physical therapy, pre-athletic training, pre-health professions, or applied exercise physiology. The University also offers three combined degree programs for students wishing to complete multiple degrees at once.
Accreditation
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Kinesiology and Exercise Science Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Top-Ranked Program
- 1.5 Year Program
Liberty University
M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness
Impact the world of sports, fitness, and wellness with Liberty University’s Exercise Science & Wellness Master’s Degree.
- Four Unique Concentrations
- Complete in 1.5 Years
- Transfer Credits
Liberty University
M.S. in Human Performance
Learn how to develop health and wellness programs and improve physical education and community nutrition.
New York Masters Degrees in Exercise Science
Alongside its vast opportunities for an undergraduate degree in exercise science, New York also offers six master’s degrees in the topic, continue reading below to learn about them.
Adelphi University
Master of Science in Exercise Science
This program is broken down into fourteen credits of prerequisite courses, fifteen credits of exercise science core courses, eighteen credits of elective courses, and a three-credit internship totaling fifty credit hours. Student’s courses will be centered on anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise science labs, and more to produce students who are prepared to work with a diverse population. Adelphi University prides itself on being a flexible STEM-designated program offering online course options and small classes to help students achieve their education and career goals.
Accreditation
Ithaca College
Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
In this hands-on program, students will get the knowledge and skills needed to develop their professional passion. The program offers a Mental Performance or Human Performance Track, with each offering a thesis and non-thesis track. The Mental Performance concentration is for those interested in working in sports or exercise psychology-related fields. The Human Performance concentration is for those interested in pursuing a career working with athletes and/or clients in exercise and fitness settings. Both concentrations offer small class sizes and clinical experience with a variety of individuals to help students sharpen their skills.
Accreditation
Long Island University
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Long Island University’s 36-credit hour program combines exercise physiology with three areas of study, sports nutrition, athletic performance, and inclusive fitness which translates to three tracks for students to choose from. The exercise physiology and sports nutrition track is for those interested in a career related to health and disease prevention, fitness testing and programming, or physical activity intervention. The strength, conditioning, and sports nutrition track is catered towards those who wish to pursue a career in strength and conditioning. The inclusive fitness track is designed for students who wish to start a career related to designing fitness and sports programs for a variety of individuals.
Accreditation
St. Francis College
Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
With the ability to choose one of four concentrations, this program enables students to personalize their education. The High-Performance Coaching concentration was created for those interested in a career in coaching at a variety of levels. The Strength and Conditioning concentration is aimed at students who want to pursue a career in strength and conditioning. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to take the National Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam. The Sports Psychology concentration combines science and application in mental skills training. It is a good choice for those interested in sports and exercise science careers. The last concentration is the Generalist concentration, which is catered to those who wish to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry. Regardless of which concentration students choose, they will also take classes such as exercise and sports nutrition, leadership, applied research in exercise and sports science, and participate in a practicum and capstone.
Accreditation
Syracuse University
Master of Science in Exercise Science
This program awards students with knowledge of how the physiological system is affected by physical activity. Students have the option to choose a track that centers on a research program or an internship depending on their career goals. The program strives to offer small class sizes for a more personalized education experience as well as getting students and faculty involved in nationally-recognized research with facilities such as the Clinical Research Laboratory. Over the span of 36 credit hours, students will focus on skeletal muscle physiology, literature in exercise and sports science, statistical thinking and applications, exercise and aging, and energy metabolism and exercise along with their thesis or internship.
Accreditation
University of Buffalo
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Along with its Bachelor in Exercise Science, the University of Buffalo offers a 36-credit hour master’s degree that focuses on solidifying student’s knowledge of anatomy, physiology, exercise science, physics, and chemistry. Students can pick from two options to complete their degree. The thesis option requires students to complete an independent research study culminating in defending it with a thesis. The comprehensive exam option requires students to participate in a research program followed by a practicum. Students will also have to participate in a clinical experience while working towards their degree to help them gain hands-on experience in real-life situations and create connections in the profession. 75% of graduates from the program were even hired by one of their clinical sites after graduation.
Accreditation
New York Ph.D.’s in Exercise Science
For those interested in further continuing their academic career, New York is home to two institutions that offer a Ph.D. in exercise science, they are listed below:
Syracuse University
Ph.D. in Exercise Science
Students in this program will be able to take part in research-based learning on the topic of exercise science and how it affects human health, disease, and performance. All students will be required to complete an exam at the end of their program along with a research apprenticeship project, creating and defending a dissertation proposal, completing the dissertation, and an oral defense. Those who graduate from Syracuse’s program will be prepared to pursue a career in research related to sport, health, and human performance-related biomechanics.
Accreditation
University at Buffalo
Ph.D. in Exercise Science
In this 72-credit-hour program, students will gain an understanding of the human body and the physiological, biomechanical, and nutritional factors that can affect it. The program requires students to conduct research in their state-of-the-art labs, take and pass the doctoral qualifying examination, and complete ten credit hours of dissertation research. The program provides a variety of research opportunities for the students depending on what topic they are interested in pursuing for a career. Some opportunities include metabolism and diet, exercise nutrition, and pulmonary, muscle, or cardiovascular physiology.
Accreditation
What to Expect with a Career in Exercise Science
For those with aspirations to work in the exercise or fitness industry or continue their education in a related topic, obtaining an exercise science degree is the best way to start. Commonly known as The Empire State, New York has a lot to offer in all things exercise science-related. From the broad number of bachelor, master, and Ph.D. programs, to the never-ending career possibilities in the state, New York is a great option for those interested in becoming a professional in the field.
For those with an exercise science degree, salary can be dependent on multiple different factors. An individual’s level of degree, their area of expertise, and the amount of experience they have can all affect their salary. As of 2023, the average salary for someone with an exercise science degree working in the state of New York is between $31,000 and $110,000
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Exercise-Science-Salary-in-New-York-City,NY#Yearly
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise science-related fields are expected to grow around 10% between 2022 and 2032. Those who are interested in or are currently pursuing a degree in exercise science can be confident that this growth expectation will provide stability for them to begin their careers