Bachelor in Exercise Science

Why pursue a computer science degree at North Central College?

A bachelor's degree in exercise science will prepare you for a career as an exercise professional in the rapidly growing world of fitness and human performance. Its broad-based curriculum balances the applied art of fitness programming with the scientific fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. North Central’s exercise science program is also recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Students in the major are prepared for a career in strength and conditioning, corporate fitness and wellness, personal training and human performance. Many students choose to use the exercise science major to prepare for graduate programs in physical therapy, exercise physiology, chiropractic or others.

You can also:

• Engage in practical hands-on learning in a new state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory.
• Connect with exercise professionals in the field.
• Take advantage of advising support if you wish to pursue graduate studies.
• Benefit from a curriculum recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Educational Recognition Program (ERP).
• Exercise Science students will be able to take advantage of our new Human Performance laboratory in the Science Center.
• Participate in undergraduate research.

Curriculum for the B.A. Degree

Major Requirements

A maximum of 51 credit hours in KIN allowed.

• KIN 147 - First Aid
• KIN 195 - Motor Learning and Development
• KIN 222 - Foundations of Exercise Science
• KIN 247 - Human Anatomy
• KIN 250 - Introduction to Sport Management
• KIN 280 - Human Physiology
• KIN 317 - Kinesiology
• KIN 345 - Training Techniques
• KIN 347 - Physiology of Exercise
• KIN 354 - Applied Nutrition and Body Weight Management
• KIN 410 - Fitness Evaluation
• KIN 420 - Exercise Program Design for the Fitness Professional
• KIN 497 - Internship
• BCM 140 - Nutrition
• BIO 147 - Anatomy and Physiology
• PSY 250 - Statistics

One of the following:

• PSY 255 - Research Design and Experimentation
• SOA 200 - Research Methods in Social Sciences: Quantitative

Prerequisite Courses

• 100-level Biology course or strong science background
• MTH 118 - Finite Mathematics or equivalent

Recommended Electives

• NSC 280 - Drugs and Behavior
• PSY 385 - Health Psychology

Curriculum for the B.S. Degree

Major Requirements

A maximum of 51 credit hours in KIN allowed.

• KIN 147 - First Aid
• KIN 195 - Motor Learning and Development
• KIN 222 - Foundations of Exercise Science
• KIN 247 - Human Anatomy
• KIN 250 - Introduction to Sport Management
• KIN 280 - Human Physiology
• KIN 317 - Kinesiology
• KIN 345 - Training Techniques
• KIN 347 - Physiology of Exercise
• KIN 354 - Applied Nutrition and Body Weight Management
• KIN 410 - Fitness Evaluation
• KIN 420 - Exercise Program Design for the Fitness Professional
• KIN 497 - Internship
• BCM 140 - Nutrition
• BIO 147 - Anatomy and Physiology
• PSY 250 - Statistics

One of the following:

• PSY 255 - Research Design and Experimentation
• SOA 200 - Research Methods in Social Sciences: Quantitative

Additional Requirements for the B.S. Degree

• MTH 152 - Calculus II
• PSY 250 - Statistics
• PSY 255 - Research Design and Experimentation

One of the following sequences:

• CHM 141 - General Chemistry I: Bio-organic Molecules
• CHM 142 - General Chemistry II: Environmental Chemistry

-or-

• PHY 141 - Physics I
• PHY 142 - Physics II

One of the following:

• PSY 210 - Child Development
• PSY 220 - Psychology of Adolescence
• PSY 230 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging

Prerequisite Courses

• 100-level Biology course or strong science background
• MTH 118 - Finite Mathematics or equivalent

Recommended Electives

• NSC 280 - Drugs and Behavior
• PSY 385 - Health Psychology

Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with a rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and to lead.

Internships

• Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy, Lisle, IL
• Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
• Academy of Human Performance, Naperville, IL
• Area sports performance facilities
• Area physical therapy clinics
• Area fitness centers

Graduate Schools

Graduates in exercise science have been accepted at:

• Benedictine University
• Midwestern University
• Palmer Chiropractic
• Pacific University
• University of Idaho
• University of Illinois-Chicago
• Rush University
• Soma Institute

Careers

Graduates in exercise science include:

• Physical therapist
• Personal fitness trainer
• Strength and conditioning specialist
• Chiropractor
• Youth fitness specialist
• Corporate fitness

How to Apply

International Applicants must submit:

• North Central College online application or Coalition Application
• Official secondary school transcripts that include at least 3 years of grades
• Official university transcripts with course descriptions (transfer applicants only)
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT Scores (choose one)
• Passport copy

*North Central notifies applicants of their admission decision and scholarship award within approximately two weeks of receiving a completed application.