Join one of the fastest-growing undergraduate majors at Walsh University! Our B.S. in Exercise Science blends studies in human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and research with real-world, hands-on experience. Students gain access to state-of-the-art labs, immersive internships, and career-focused opportunities that prepare them for growing fields in health, fitness, and rehabilitation.
Whether you’re passionate about improving human performance, promoting lifelong wellness, or helping others recover and thrive, our comprehensive curriculum equips you for success. Rooted in critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program provides a strong foundation for careers and graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, physician assistant programs, and more.
Start your journey at Walsh and turn your passion for movement into a career through our undergraduate degree in Exercise Science.
At Walsh University, all required courses within the Exercise Science program are taught by faculty who are not only experts but pioneers in the field—each holding a PhD in Exercise Physiology. These professors are active researchers, constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge. What's even better? They regularly involve students in their investigations, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to be part of innovative projects that shape the future of exercise science.
The Exercise Science faculty are committed to helping students prepare for their careers ahead. Outside of our required curriculum, students are encouraged to select courses from our long list of electives which include courses such as: personal and community health, organization and administration of sports, advanced care and prevention of athletic injuries, sports nutrition, advanced exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention, sports psychology, bioethics, coaching sports, faculty research assistant, and more.
At Walsh University, we empower our Exercise Science students with the hands-on experience they need to excel in both sport performance and general health assessment. By the very first semester, you'll gain practical skills in assessing key biometric parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and body composition—laying a strong foundation for confidence and expertise that you’ll build upon throughout your coursework.
Every Exercise Science major at Walsh University completes both an internship and a service-learning experience before graduation—ensuring a well-rounded, real-world education. Through our service-learning field experience, students have the opportunity to design and implement personalized fitness programs for community members living with well-managed chronic conditions or age-related disorders. Guided by expert faculty, this hands-on experience allows students to put theory into practice in a meaningful, impactful way. Together, these two immersive opportunities bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional application—preparing students to step into their careers with experience, empathy, and confidence.
All Exercise Science majors complete a core of courses in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, general psychology, first aid and CPR, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, exercise testing and prescription, research methods and elementary statistics, pathophysiology of chronic disease, exercise management of chronic disease, research seminar, and internship.
Then, the curriculum tracks differ to ensure that students meet all of the pre-requisites required of their desired graduate program. These cross-departmental courses may include heavier foundations in general biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, business, and care/prevention of athletic injuries. To learn more about our specific majors, please review the curriculum guides using the links below:
Because Walsh offers graduate programs in both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy , high performing students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in either area may choose to apply for an accelerated course of study. We also offer an accelerated curriculum track for students interested in pursuing Athletic Training graduate studies at Youngstown State University. An accelerated avenue permits students to begin their graduate work an entire year early, resulting in a substantial time and cost savings. Please review the accelerated graduate degree program curriculum guides using the links below:
With a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and applied movement science, Walsh graduates pursue diverse careers in health, wellness, and rehabilitation fields:
Physical Therapist**
Occupational Therapist**
Athletic Trainer**
Physician Assistant**
Chiropractor**
Clinical Exercise Physiologist**
Researcher*
Strength & Conditioning Coach*
Sport Performance Coach*
Wellness Specialist
Personal Trainer
Fitness Instructor
Health/Wellness Writer
Recreation Program Director
Corporate Wellness Director
**Requires a graduate degree
*May require a graduate degree
Median Annual Salary: $101,020
Job Growth (2023–2033): 14%*
Median Annual Salary: $98,340
Job Growth (2023–2033): 11%*
Median Annual Salary: $60,250
Job Growth (2023–2033): 13%*
Median Annual Salary: $58,160
Job Growth (2023–2033): 10%*
Median Annual Salary: $133,260
Job Growth (2023–2033): 28%*
*Much faster than average—3% is the average projected growth for all occupations from 2023–2033
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
