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Students participate in a spin class.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Human movement is a science. Exercise science at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the knowledge and tools to examine exercise, physical activity, rehabilitation and nutrition toward the goal of improving human health.

Why Study Exercise Science at St. Thomas?

Our program explores human movement by putting theory into practice. From collaborative research with faculty to clinical and internship experiences, you gain invaluable practical experience with advanced instruments and equipment. Many of our graduates pursue graduate school, as well as careers in physical and occupational therapy, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, athletic training and pharmaceutical sales.

Become an Innovative Leader

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Scholarships
  • Internships
  • Course Requirements

    You complete courses focusing on human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, ultimately gaining an understanding of body movement and function. You also explore psychology, biology, chemistry, physics and math which will make you a versatile professional prepared for the future.

    Four-Year Plan

    You start by completing foundational biology and chemistry courses, progressing to classes focusing on invaluable hands-on research experiences. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your four years at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

    Scholarships

    We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.

    Internships

    All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with large corporations, community-based organizations and physical therapy clinics. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You complete courses focusing on human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, ultimately gaining an understanding of body movement and function. You also explore psychology, biology, chemistry, physics and math which will make you a versatile professional prepared for the future.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You start by completing foundational biology and chemistry courses, progressing to classes focusing on invaluable hands-on research experiences. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your four years at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

    Scholarships

    Scholarships

    We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.

    Internships

    Internships

    All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with large corporations, community-based organizations and physical therapy clinics. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.
    Student guides participant through an exercise.

    Career Paths

    There are a number of career paths available to you after graduating from St. Thomas.
    • Athletic trainer
    • Occupational therapist
    • Physical therapist
    • Clinical exercise physiologist
    • Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
    • Recreation and fitness specialist
    • Pharmaceutical sales representative
    • Graduate school – physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy, etc.

    Opportunities Aplenty

    100%
    100% of our students complete a 100-hour internship with department faculty support and guidance.
    1 of 2
    We are 1 of 2 schools in Minnesota to have an Anatomage table, allowing you to virtually dissect and understand the human body.
    10/10
    Ten out of ten students in the Biomechanics course complete a research project and write a grant for external funding.
    Female student with tablet at hockey rink

    Sports Science Institute

    The Sports Science Institute offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for undergraduate students to work directly with D-I student-athletes, using cutting edge technology to gather data and help teams train.

    State-Of-The-Art Facilities

    You will have many opportunities to engage with innovative equipment and technology in the exercise science program.

    Anatomy and Biomechanics Lab

    Two Anatomage tables, electromyography (EMG)

    Physiology Lab

    V02 Max and ECG, treadmills, polar heart rate station, force plates

    Musculoskeletal Lab

    BodPod, pQCT, Dexa
    Exercise Science video image.

    Improve Human Health

    Exercise science students use their knowledge of human movement and the natural sciences to help others work toward a healthier life. Through impactful research with faculty to internships, our students are gaining important skills needed to move our world to a better future.

    Take the Next Step​

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.