BSc in Exercise Science

Exercise Science is a growing health field that helps people improve and maintain their physical fitness, health, and quality of life. The bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science will prepare you for a variety of exciting careers in sports medicine, personal training, and strength and conditioning coaching. You’ll also be prepared for graduate study in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, kinesiology, and public health.

The Exercise Science program is planned to launch in Fall 2020, pending approval from the University’s Board of Regents.

About the Major

The Exercise Science program combines classroom, laboratory and internship experiences that will give you a comprehensive understanding of physical health, fitness, and human performance. You will learn how to recognize and assess metabolic/physical, cardiovascular and pulmonary functions, and design and implement treatment plans for clients that improve their physical fitness and health.

You’ll also participate in internships designed to promote career readiness or preparation for graduate education in areas such as sports medicine, strength and conditioning, personal training and clinical research. As a UHart student, you’ll have opportunities to work with the University’s Division I athletic teams in these internships.

After completing the B.S. in Exercise Science, you’ll be qualified to sit for exams for professional certification through several organizations listed below. Once approved, the B.S. in Exercise Science will also be the undergraduate pathway to the combined BS/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program at the University of Hartford.

Internships

As part of the Exercise Science major, you’ll complete a career readiness internship based on your career goals. Internships may include:

• Sports medicine: Work with a licensed physical therapist to design and implement injury prevention programs for youth and adolescent sports teams throughout the state.
• Scientific inquiry: Work with a faculty mentor on a research project leading to the production of a scholarly product.
• Personal training: In conjunction with community partners and the wellness center at UHart, you’ll design and implement group fitness classes and individualized personal training plans.
• Strength and conditioning: Under the supervision of a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach at UHart, you will work with the University’s Division 1 athletic teams.
• Introduction to athletic training: Working with a Certified Athletic Trainer at UHart, you will gain experience with the University’s Division 1 athletic teams.

Professional Certifications

After completing the B.S. in Exercise Science, you’ll be qualified for professional certification through various national associations. You may also be qualified to earn the prestigious designation of Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) under the direction of UHart’s Director of Strength and Conditioning or an SCCC approved mentor.

Graduates of the program will have opportunities for career advancement through specialized certifications including:

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) – Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) – Exercise Is Medicine Credential (EIM)
• ACSM/American Cancer Society – Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET)
• ACSM/National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability - Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT)
• ACSM/National Physical Activity Society - Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)