Exercise science major & minor

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Build a strong academic background and learn practical skills in exercise science. Earn certification in a variety of health and fitness-related careers. Get preparation for graduate school or an entry-level profession.

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Why Study Exercise Science?

Exercise science prepares you for careers ranging from clinical healthcare to human performance. You’ll work with people with various injuries and medical conditions. You’ll also learn about human performance and help improve performance capacity.

Why Study Exercise Science at Luther?

Luther offers courses, labs, and hands-on techniques that prepare you for a profession in exercise science.

You’ll study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and motor learning. This will give you a solid understanding of the structural and functional aspects of the human body. You’ll focus on one specific area of study that interests you. You’ll choose between one of two tracks: allied health sciences or strength and conditioning. Both provide excellent preparation for graduate school or a professional career.

Allied health sciences focuses on the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases and disorders. It also includes learning about diet and nutrition and health systems management. You’ll learn how to work with physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists to provide patient care.

Strength and conditioning focuses on how individuals respond to exercise and physical activity. Exercise science professionals help individuals improve their physical fitness, reduce risk of injury and disease, and enhance functional performance.

Internships

Get real-world experience at a variety of organizations including medical centers, dental offices, clinics, wellness programs, insurance companies, and educational institutions.

Certifications

Luther provides preparation for professional certification exams related to exercise science.

Sports and Recreation Center

Luther’s Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center recently underwent a $1.2 million renovation project, renewing all of the equipment and flooring in this 45,000-square-foot facility. It provides an ideal space for exercise science majors to study, get hands-on experience, and learn.

What You’ll Learn

Exercise Science Major

During your first two years, you’ll complete courses that form the basis of the major. You’ll learn about human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, and motor learning through coursework and related labs.

The allied health sciences track includes completing the exercise science core courses plus 28 credits from electives including anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and psychology.

The strength and conditioning track includes the completion of the exercise science core courses. It also requires specific courses in nutrition, strength and conditioning, fitness assessment, exercise techniques, administration and management of health fitness programs, program design, and an internship.

Exercise Science Minor

An exercise science minor requires a minimum of 20 credits, including two required courses.

Curriculum

My knowledge of the anatomy and ability to communicate with athletes allowed me to seamlessly transition into the physical therapy curriculum and clinical rotations.

Jason Engelken '12