The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science equips students with a variety of skills to support a multitude of fitness and clinical careers. To accommodate these careers, we offer courses that are both academically and physically engaging. Students also have the opportunity to complete 300 hours of practicum/internship experience to develop practical skills in a chosen profession.
The degree involves the systematic study of the mechanisms underlying human movement, exercise, and physical activity. This unique degree offers science-based courses in the field of health and wellness as well as performance-based activity courses. Sub-disciplines include human physiology, anatomy, neuroscience, psychology, motor control, and biomechanics.
The Exercise Physiology Laboratory has facilities equipped for the study of physiology and performance testing. Body composition, cardiorespiratory testing, electromyography (EMG), and performance measurements are performed in our teaching facilities and research laboratories.
This degree is appropriate for students interested in personal training, sports administration/management, sport leadership, exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, athletic coaching, and fitness specialties. Upon completion, a number of students apply and are accepted into the following professional schools: physician assistant, dental, medical, pharmacy, and physical therapy.
Career Opportunities in Exercise Science:
“There are endless opportunities with a Kinesiology major. I have become a well-rounded student and strong leader. The faculty, staff, and students push me to be the best student that I can be. The variety of classes that are offered prepare students for life after graduation. Because of the available organizations I have become a confident leader and feel that I am prepared for graduate school.”
Kinesiology Graduate, Physical Therapy at Marshall University
The Department offers a course in “Strength and Conditioning in Sport” that is nationally recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) where students have an opportunity to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). The “Exercise Testing and Prescription” course prepares students to obtain their personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine. Other courses offered include, but are not limited to, Track & Field, Nutrition and Fitness, First Aid & CPR, Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology and Psychology of Physical Activity.
Course highlights:
KHP 350: Strength and Conditioning for Sports - This course is nationally recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association where students are prepared to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists and train athletes.
KHP 415: Biomechanics of Human Movement - This course examines the application of mechanical principles in the study of the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by those forces.
KHP 420G: Exercise Physiology - An in-depth study of the immediate and long-term effects of exercise on the human organism.
KHP 450: Introduction to Exercise Testing and Prescription - This course prepares students to obtain Health Fitness Certifications and the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The course addresses principles of exercise testing and prescription of apparently healthy individuals and individuals with controlled disease.
Completion of the program requires a 2.0 GPA and 120 total hours including:
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of scholarship awards from the College of Education.
For incoming freshmen the scholarship application deadline is February 1.
For transfer and current students the scholarship application deadline is April 1.
Students can find many opportunities to join organizations. Many of our kinesiology (exercise science) students are involved in:
Kinesiology and Health Promotion Club
If you are interested in promoting a healthy lifestyle, or interested in exercise science, physical therapy, physicians assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports psychology, sports medicine, or physical and health education this is the student organization for you!
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$99,710
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
246,800
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
37,300
new jobs (average)
Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreOccupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$96,370
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
139,600
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
16,100
new jobs (average)
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. They stand for long periods and may need to lift or move clients.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MorePhysician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$130,020
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
148,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
39,300
new jobs (average)
Physician assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreAthletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$57,930
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
33,800
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
4,800
new jobs (average)
Many athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers, or physicians’ offices, or for professional sports teams.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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College of Education
128 Taylor Education Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0001
(859) 218-2698
