Explore careers in personal training, health promotion, and fitness and health management with a bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The growing major will prepare you for success in a variety of fields, including those related to worksite wellness, performance training, recreation, coaching, sport science and community health education.

Curriculum within the exercise science program is designed to provide you with a strong understanding of human anatomy and its relationship to human movement. Through real-world, experiential learning, you'll gain expertise in areas like exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor development. Unique coursework, presentations and projects will keep you up to date on the industry's latest techniques, recommendations and best practices. 

Professional development is a key focus of the major. Prior to graduation, you will complete a capstone experience, which requires you to lead and participate in professional discussions, present a project and develop your portfolio. A six-credit, 400-hour exercise science internship will challenge you to integrate and apply what you've learned in the classroom to a real-world, professional setting. These career-preparation courses not only provide you with firsthand professional experience but also give you the expertise and confidence to pursue your goals. 

Our 3+2 program option lets you earn both your bachelor’s degree in exercise science (pre-athletic training concentration) and master’s degree in athletic training in only five years. This accelerated format allows you to start your master's level coursework in your fourth year, saving you time and money and getting you into the field more quickly!

With expert faculty from a variety of backgrounds and countless opportunities to learn outside the classroom, an exercise science bachelor's degree from UWEC will prepare you well for your chosen career. Graduates go on to motivate, inspire and empower others to make healthy choices in every aspect of their lives.

Typical job responsibilities for graduates with an exercise science degree include personal training at fitness centers; performance training for athletes and teams; promoting worksite wellness; conducting research related to kinesiology; and leading exercise programs at hospitals, gyms or nursing homes. The program is also excellent preparation for graduate school and is an ideal major for those wishing to pursue a master's degree in athletic training. 

As an exercise science student, you'll find that UWEC's strong partnerships with local schools, fitness centers, healthcare providers and other health organizations connect you directly with internship and job opportunities, giving you an advantage over other applicants. Graduates are also prepared for a variety of professional and national certifications, which are required for some career paths. 

Exercise science jobs

• Personal trainer
• Sports coach
• Recreational therapist
• Activity specialist
• Sports nutritionist
• Athletic director
• Strength and conditioning coordinator
• Wellness coach
• Exercise physiologist

Varied and comprehensive courses within the exercise science program will help you to learn the foundational concepts associated with physical activity, fitness and health — and how they all relate to exercise prescription and programming. Flexible electives allow you to expand your studies in areas that interest you, including nutrition, business, environmental public health and psychology. Opportunities to make valuable connections by working with the Community Fitness, Homeschool Physical Education, PRIDE (Physical activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire area) and Cancer Recovery and Fitness outreach programs also are available to you.

Those wishing to declare a pre-athletic training career path may find that majoring in exercise science is an excellent fit.

What classes do exercise science majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Anatomical kinesiology 
• Biology of humans 
• Electrocardiography 
• Exercise physiology 
• Global environmental and public health 
• Human nutrition 
• Psychology of sport and physical activity 

Learn more about the comprehensive exercise science major in the UWEC course catalog. 

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