Minor

Exercise Science

Exercise science examines how the human body responds and adapts to exercise and physical activity; integrating physiology, movement, and nutrition to enhance overall physical well-being.

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PDFMinor Checklist

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About the Exercise Science Minor

Students in the exercise science minor gain a foundational understanding of human movement, fitness, and health promotion. This program focuses on concepts such as human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition to understand how the body responds to acute exercise and the ability to adapt to long term chronic exercise training.

The program combines classroom learning with practical application, equipping students with skills to assess and enhance physical performance, prevent injuries, and support overall wellness. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized guidance and opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences in fitness and rehabilitation settings. The exercise science minor prepares graduates for advanced studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy, or other health-related fields, as well as careers in fitness training, wellness coaching, and more.

Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn in the Exercise Science minor:

  1. Understanding the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological principles of exercise and physical activity
  2. Proficiency in assessing physical fitness and designing personalized exercise programs
  3. Knowledge of injury prevention, rehabilitation strategies, and health promotion practices
  4. Development of critical thinking and communication skills for application in fitness, wellness, and clinical environments
  5. Hands-on experience in exercise testing, program design, and fitness instruction

Career Opportunities

This program is designed to help students in pursuit of careers in the fitness industry including roles in exercise training, coaching, health promotion, sport science, and athletic training. Students will also gain a strong foundation for graduate studies in exercise science (MS and PhD) and be prepared to attend medical school, dental school, physical therapy school, and physician assistant programs.

  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Wellness Coach
  • Corporate Wellness
  • Sports Medicine
  • Athletic Trainer

Get Started in the Exercise Science Minor:

Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Exercise Science Minor today.

Enroll

Begin by taking BIO 201 General Biology I and BIO 202 General Biology II in your first year

Contact Your Advisor

Get in touch with Dr. Brady Hanson to discuss your interests and goals

Declare

Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Minor Form to the Registrar’s Office

Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.

Exercise Science Faculty

Brady Hanson

Assistant Professor of Biology–Exercise/Health Science

“It is important to understand the whole of the human body – not only how each system functions under normal conditions, but also how its activity and capacity may vary when stressed with the task of exercise. The study of exercise science goes beyond just sport and exercise, offering greater insight into how the human body functions, leading to improved function and overall health.”

—Brady Hanson, PhD, Assistant Professor