Weight lifting equipment in the HFU gym

Exercise Science, B.S.

This program is designed to provide students with a broad scope of knowledge, skills, and competencies that are critical for pursuing careers in exercise science, including roles in fitness training, health promotion, rehabilitation, athletic coaching, and clinical exercise physiology.

About Exercise Science

Woman in exercise gear with a weight bar resting on her shoulders

Exercise Science is a rapidly growing field with exceptional career potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this sector is projected to grow 10% from 2023 to 2033—significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is driven by increasing societal focus on health and wellness, greater awareness of physical activity benefits, and rising rates of chronic conditions like obesity and heart disease. Graduates with an Exercise Science degree can pursue diverse career paths in health, fitness, sports, rehabilitation, and wellness.
 

Program Overview

Our Exercise Science program equips students with essential knowledge, skills, and competencies for successful careers in fitness training, health promotion, rehabilitation, athletic coaching, and clinical exercise physiology.

We offer exclusive pathways to graduate education through established affiliation agreements, including guaranteed admission to Athletic Training programs and guaranteed interviews for Doctorate of Physical Therapy programs. These partnerships provide our graduates with direct access to local advanced degree opportunities.

Additionally, our curriculum prepares students to sit for the NSCA CSCS Strength and Conditioning Coach licensing exam, further enhancing their professional credentials.

Career Paths

Person in a gym doing a bicep curl with a weight

Clinical Careers

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

  • Work in hospital settings or outpatient clinics
  • Design exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Help patients recover from cardiac events
  • Monitor vital signs during exercise

Fitness & Wellness Careers

Strength & Conditioning Coach

  • Train athletes to improve performance and prevent injury
  • Design comprehensive training programs
  • Our program prepares you for the NSCA CSCS certification

Corporate Wellness Coordinator

  • Develop wellness programs for companies
  • Conduct health assessments and workshops

Personal Trainer

  • Work with individuals to achieve health and fitness goals
  • Design customized exercise programs

Graduate Education Pathways

Our program offers direct pathways to advanced degrees through established partnerships:

Athletic Training (MS)

  • Guaranteed admission to partner programs
  • Treat and prevent sports injuries

Physical Therapy (DPT)

  • Guaranteed interview with partner programs
  • Help patients recover from injuries and surgeries

Additional graduate options include:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Public Health
  • Biomechanics Research
  • Sports Administration

 

Program Information

Degree Awarded
  • Bachelor of Science
Program Type
  • Major
Program Location
  • Main Campus - Northeast Philadelphia

Explore Holy Family

Start Your Application