Exercise and Movement Science, B.S.
Program overview:
The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Movement Science at St. Francis College provides students with a well-rounded curriculum that covers topics such as kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology, and sport psychology. Students who dream of a career as a personal trainer, gym manager, occupational therapist, physical education teacher, athletic director, or healthcare consultant should consider this program an ideal fit.
The science of health, wellness and sports performance is becoming more important and relevant in our daily lives. At the center of this is exercise and movement science. Exercise professionals work to maximize athletic performance while minimizing injury regardless of sport. Whether interested in traditional sports, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or wellness activities like yoga, a degree in exercise and movement science at SFC separates students from others and put them on a path to helping individuals stay fit, active and healthy.
The program is designed to prepare students for careers immediately after graduation and/or graduate school, as well as professional schools for and other programs such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training and more. Programs in the Health Science and Leadership Department provide a fundamental and thorough education in the liberal arts tradition while concurrently providing pre-professional preparation in the field of health and wellness education.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Create a lifelong fitness plan.
PLO 2: Actively participate in health enhancing activities.
PLO 3: Identify and resolve unsafe exercise environments
PLO 4: List principles of fitness.
PLO 5: Interact with technology educational learning systems.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Program |
|
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI 1 & OC 1 | Writing and Presentation | 6 |
QR 1 | Mathematics | 3-4 |
ITML | Information Literacy, Media, and Research | 3 |
HCE | Creative Voices across Cultures | 6 |
NPW | Science at Work | 6-10 |
BIO-1140 | Anatomy and Physiology I |
|
BIO-1140L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab |
|
BIO-1141 | Anatomy and Physiology II |
|
BIO-1141L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab |
|
PEM | Ethics, Reality, and Logic | 6 |
SHE | Individual and Societies | 6 |
WHG | Our World, Past and Present | 6 |
FH | Personal Wellness | 2-3 |
RS | Religion and Culture | 3 |
| Exercise and Movement Science Major |
|
HC-1001 | Introduction to American Health Service Delivery I | 3 |
HS-1201 | Community Health | 3 |
HS-1207 | Nutrition | 3 |
HS-1305 | Coping with Stress | 3 |
HS-2151 | Theory and Research in Health Promotion | 3 |
HS-3250 | Designing Health Promotional Programs | 3 |
EXM-2208 | Intro to Exercise and Movement Science/Kinesiology | 3 |
EXM-3200 | Biomechanics | 3 |
EXM-3322 | Introduction to Legal Issues | 3 |
EXM-3304 | Organization and Administration of Physical Education | 3 |
EXM-3305 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
EXM-3308 | Motor Learning | 3 |
EXM-4302 | Special Topics in Exercise Science (Special Needs) | 3 |
EXM-4616 | Behavior Change Strategies | 3 |
EXM-4995 | Independent Study in Exercise Science | 1-4 |
| Liberal Arts Electives | 13 |
| General Electives | 17 |
| Total Credits | 121-130 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Our program integrates hands-on training, scientific analysis, and emerging technologies to give students a comprehensive understanding of human performance. Students work directly with certified trainers to develop practical skills in personal training, including client assessment and program design. In the classroom, they explore biomechanics by analyzing world record–setting performances, gaining insight into how technique and efficiency contribute to elite athletic success.
Through immersive lab experiences in exercise physiology, students learn to assess VO₂ max and other key indicators of cardiovascular fitness, preparing them for roles in performance testing and health evaluation. The curriculum is further enhanced by a focus on innovation, introducing students to the application of artificial intelligence in sport, including performance analytics, injury prevention, and data-driven decision-making.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
🏋️ Fitness Trainer or Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Design exercise programs to improve strength, endurance, and overall physical performance.
• Work with individuals, athletes, or teams in gyms, training centers, or sports organizations.
❤️ Exercise Physiologist (with advanced study or certification)
• Develop exercise programs that improve health and help prevent or manage chronic diseases.
🏥 Rehabilitation or Physical Therapy Aide
• Assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or surgeries.
⚽ Sports Performance Specialist
• Help athletes improve speed, agility, strength, and endurance using science-based training methods.
💪 Health and Wellness Coach
• Guide individuals in improving lifestyle habits related to exercise, nutrition, and overall health.
🏃 Corporate or Community Wellness Coordinator
• Design and manage wellness programs that promote healthy living and physical activity.
📊 Sports and Fitness Research Assistant
• Support research in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and human performance.
🎓 Preparation for Graduate Study
• Prepare for advanced programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, sports science, or public health.