Overview
The field of exercise science, which is the study of human movement and how exercise can affect the body, has expanded tremendously in the last decade alongside the ever-growing fitness and sports industries. Ohio offers a variety of degrees for those interested in pursuing their exercise science degree in the state. Individuals can pursue one of thirteen bachelor’s, three master’s, or one doctoral program in the topic. Students ready to leap into a program can expect to take classes that focus on anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, biomechanics, and other related topics.
Once an individual has graduated from their exercise science program, they can choose to pursue a higher degree such as physical therapy or exercise physiology, or jump right into their career in strength and conditioning, personal training, or even in cardiac rehabilitation clinics.
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What Can I Expect to Learn in an Exercise Science Program?
Degree Timetable
Most students in an exercise science program can expect to be in school for four to ten years depending on the level of degree they begin with. Some institutions may offer accelerated or flexible programs that can be completed at an individual’s own pace.
Degree Plan of Study
While many exercise science programs will use a similar plan of study layout for courses, there can be some differences between institutions regarding the order courses are taken and advanced courses in certain topics depending on if a student chooses a concentration. The majority of focus in an exercise science program will be on ensuring the student has a strong foundation in their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise prescription, and other related courses. Students can expect to participate in a variety of internships or clinical experiences so they can put their knowledge and hands-on skills to the test in real-life situations in diverse settings.
Once a student has completed the necessary coursework, clinical experience/internship hours, and other program requirements, they will be well prepared and confident in their abilities to assess a patient, create and implement exercise programs, and be able to decide how and when to adapt exercise based on an individual’s limitations.
Requirements for Acceptance to an Exercise Science Program
Many schools require the same things when it comes to applying to their exercise science program, but there can be some variation in things like test scores or pre-requisite courses. Anyone who wishes to pursue a graduate degree must first have obtained their bachelor’s degree, usually in a related field to exercise science. Students can expect to submit test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as well as maintain a certain Grade Point Average (GPA) to be considered. Some schools may require the submission of references and cover letters, or even conduct interviews with faculty members in the program. Several institutions require a non-refundable application fee.
Ohio Bachelors Degrees in Exercise Science
In Ohio, there are thirteen bachelor’s degree programs that center around the topic of exercise science. They are listed below:
Ashland University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This program is geared towards those who wish to assist people who wish to create and maintain healthy habits through exercise and rehabilitation. Ashland University offers seven tracks for students to choose from: Pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-med, pre-athletic training, pre-chiropractic, and accelerated nursing. Students will have the opportunity to work with professors from a variety of backgrounds, work with faculty in the campus’s lab, participate in research, and apply what they learn in the classroom through real-life scenarios.
Accreditation
Baldwin Wallace University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students in this program will learn the skills and knowledge related to anatomy, exercise prescription, physiology, and fitness and health assessment to gain an understanding of exercise science, fitness management, and strength and conditioning as a whole. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to enter the exercise science field as a professional able to conduct fitness testing and create and implement exercise programs for a diverse client population. The program allows students multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience through its labs, research, clinical experiences, community outreach programs, and required internships.
Accreditation
John Carroll University
Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science
John Carroll University prides itself in its ability to provide small class sizes to give students one-on-one support to help them achieve their academic and career goals. Students will build their foundation with courses related to anatomy and physiology to understand how the body works differently when quality of life and health vary. Labs and independent studies practicums will enable students to conduct their own research. Students who graduate from the program can feel confident in its 98% acceptance rate for students continuing to pursue a degree in another health-related professional school.
Accreditation
Kent State University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Focused on the scientific study of exercise and human movement, Kent State’s program will produce professionals who are prepared for careers in rehabilitation, sports performance, health promotion, and fitness. Students will pick a concentration to allow them to focus on their interests. The exercise physiology concentration is for those wishing to enter graduate school in the topic of exercise physiology. The exercise specialist concentration is for those who want to work in a clinical setting, such as cardiac rehabilitation. The pre-physical/occupational/podiatric medicine concentration is for those who wish to continue their education in one of those topics. The strength and conditioning concentration is for students who wish to work in the field of strength and conditioning.
Accreditations
Ohio Dominican University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Allowing students to gain personal interaction with the program faculty through small class sizes is a great starting point for their educational journey in exercise science. Ohio Dominican University’s program will focus on topics related to anatomy, biology, nutrition, exercise physiology, and more. Students can take advantage of their close proximity to downtown Columbus, where they will have a variety of internship opportunities to participate in.
Accreditation
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science in Education, Exercise Science
This program focuses on ensuring its students have a strong foundation in exercise physiology and kinesiology while ensuring they have a sufficient amount of opportunities to work with their peers and professors in research, evaluation, and hands-on experiences that pique their interest. Students will choose an internship from a variety of settings to put their skills to the test and get a feel for what life will be like in their future careers. Graduates from this program have gone on to work as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or have pursued graduate degrees in areas like physical therapy or medicine.
Accreditation
The University of Akron
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
In this program, students are allowed to choose between two tracks. The applied exercise physiology track centers on the knowledge and skills students will need to pursue a job in physical activity and health promotion. The pre-professional track is designed to allow those interested in continuing their education in graduate programs in areas such as medical school, athletic training, or physical therapy to complete prerequisite courses. Both tracks will prepare students to start a career in an exercise science-related field.
Accreditation
Tiffin University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students in this program will learn the principles of exercise physiology to prepare them for a career in the professional field. They will take courses related to chemistry, exercise physiology, and biology to understand how physical activity and exercise can play a role in disease prevention, treatment, and recovery. Students will have the chance to utilize the state-of-the-art lab equipped with a variety of instruments. The program requires students to participate in a professional internship in a variety of settings such as cardiovascular rehabilitation facilities or physical therapy clinics.
Accreditation
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Graduates of this program will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue an entry-level job related to exercise science or to continue their education at the graduate and professional levels. The program focuses on courses related to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, fitness program administration, and more. Students will be able to take advantage of the University of Cincinnati’s internship experiences in a variety of settings to get hands-on experience in the area of expertise they wish to pursue.
Accreditation
University of Mount Union
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This four-year program is catered to individuals who wish to pursue a career in the exercise physiology or kinesiology fields. Offering small class sizes allows students to kindle a relationship with their professors to create a space for exceptional learning. Students in the program can utilize Mount Union’s state-of-the-art facilities to practice their skills or conduct research with their professors and peers. The program also offers a unique Seminar Series that is made up of two courses offered during student’s sophomore and senior years. The seminars each have a particular focus based on where the student is at in their curriculum to better cater toward the topics the students will benefit from at that point in their academic career.
Accreditation
Wilmington College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
In this 52-58 credit program, students will focus their learning on topics related to nutrition, biology, anatomy, physiology, exercise testing, and more. The program offers three concentrations for students to choose from to personalize their academic career. The allied health concentration was created for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in a related health field such as physical therapy. The pre-athletic training concentration will give students a solid foundation to move on to a graduate degree in athletic training. The sport performance concentration is for those wishing to start a career in a field related to exercise programming. Students can also take advantage of the required internships to give them additional training and hands-on experience in real-life situations.
Accreditation
Wittenberg University
Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Wittenberg University is unique in that it offers a B.S. and B.A. in exercise science to offer a multidisciplinary approach to the field. Both degrees are a four-year program that will enable students to be prepared academically and practically to be successful in their future endeavors. The programs focus on anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and exercise testing and prescription. Students will have the opportunity to complete internships and research that pique their interests in the field.
Accreditation
Xavier University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students in this program will become knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, biophysics, biochemistry, rehabilitation, and physical activity to be able to plan and execute exercise programs for a diverse population. Students graduating from this nationally recognized university’s program will be prepared to find a career in health and fitness, clinical rehabilitation, sport and athletic conditioning programs, or pursue a higher degree in a related field. 99% of students who graduate from Xavier successfully start their career or enter graduate school within six months of graduating.
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.
Ohio Masters Degrees in Exercise Science
For those interested in furthering their education in the topic of exercise science, Ohio offers three master’s degrees in the topic that are listed below.
Ashland University
Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science
Alongside its B.S. in Exercise Science, Ashland University also offers an M.S. in Applied Exercise Science which is only one of seven offered in the nation. It is geared toward those interested in learning knowledge related to strength and conditioning to help push individuals toward their peak physical performance levels. The program strives to be flexible by offering the option to complete the degree online with one day of in-person meetings. Students graduating from this program can expect to find jobs as strength and conditioning coaches, fitness directors, and more.
Accreditation
Cleveland State University
Master of Education in Exercise Science
This 33-credit hour program was designed to provide students with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills they need to be successful in the field of exercise science. Students will learn the cultural, social, and environmental factors that can alter physical activity and human performance as well as how to adapt exercise for a variety of populations. Students will be able to utilize the program’s labs for hands-on experience as well as take part in an internship to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences. The program also offers both on-campus and online courses to work around all student’s schedules.
Accreditation
The University of Toledo
Master of Science in Exercise Science
This program offers two areas of specialization for students to choose from based on their interest, Athletic Training or Exercise Physiology. Both programs begin at 36 credit hours which include both classes and research. Either specialty will also require students to complete clinical experiences to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Accreditation
Ohio Ph.D. in Exercise Science
Along with its bachelor’s and master’s programs, Ohio offers one Ph.D. in exercise science for those wishing to pursue a higher level of education. Continue below to learn about the program.
The University of Toledo
Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science
In this 72-credit-hour doctoral program, students will have the opportunity to complete advanced studies and research in the field of exercise science. The program consists of different courses and independent research over four years. Students will be able to work with a member of the faculty acting as their mentor to create a program within their mentor’s focus of research to meet the student’s graduation needs.
Accreditation
What to Expect with a Career in Exercise Science
An exercise science degree is a great starting point for any individual who wishes to work in the exercise or fitness industry or pursue a higher degree in a related topic. With Ohio offering a variety of degree levels in the topic, prospective students can have their choice in programs to obtain their degree. Upon completion of their degree, graduates have an array of career options in the state of Ohio ranging from clinics, youth sports, and even multiple professional sports teams if that is their goal.
Salaries for those with an exercise science degree can greatly depend on the level of their degree, their area of specialization, and the experience they have in the field. As of 2023, an individual who obtained their degree in exercise science can anticipate their salary to be in the range of $39,000 – $64,000.
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=exercise+science&location=ohio
In terms of growth in the field of exercise science, prospective students and new graduates can feel confident in knowing the field is expected to continue to grow in the next few years. The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects exercise science-related fields to grow approximately 10% by the year 2032.