Movement Science Degree, Exercise Science Concentration, B.S.

Movement Science student running on a treadmill during a lab activity.

Step Into a Healthier Future with Exercise Science

The Exercise Science concentration is a great choice for students interested in careers in fitness, strength and conditioning, or helping people recover through exercise. All students in the major take core classes that cover how the body moves, stays healthy, and performs—including courses in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, and motor learning or development. Students also take classes that focus on research and understanding different cultures in health and wellness.

To stay on track in the program, students need to keep at least a 2.5 GPA in their major classes and meet certain checkpoints along the way, like getting CPR certified and completing professional development activities. Students interested in Exercise Science apply to the concentration—usually in their sophomore year—once they’ve completed certain classes and observation hours. A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required to apply.

Once accepted, students explore topics like injury prevention, group fitness, strength training, fitness testing, program planning, and working with special populations. Students finish the program with a hands-on internship that helps prepare them for careers or graduate study in the field.

Program Highlights

  • Gain practical skills through internships and clinical opportunities
  • Explore fitness and health through both physical training and mental well-being
  • Connect with industry professionals through events and organizational memberships

The Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Commission on the Accreditation of the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). CAAHEP accredited programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that they meet the Standards and Guidelines of students seeking employment in the health, fitness and exercise industry as adopted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and related organizations. The Exercise Science Program is also recognized by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) as an Education Recognition Program (ERP) that meets approved and standardized strength and conditioning & personal training curricula. 

Westfield State University and the Exercise Science concentration has been recognized as an Exercise Is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) Recognition credential Silver Level through our primary professional organization, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA). EIMOC goals are to provide opportunities for physical activity, create a culture on campus that embraces movement as a daily facet of life and provide the behavioral tools necessary to enact that change to facilitate lifelong physical activity habits and meet public health goals. Exercise Science students are the ambassadors for the EIMOC program. The mission of EIMOC is to foster collaborative relationships and leadership on campus between exercise, health and other disciplines that support EIMOC. The vision of EIMOC is to see all campus and community members adopt principles of physical activity throughout their lifespan with evidence-based resources and connecting university health care providers with university health fitness specialists to provide a referral system for exercise prescription. 

Logos for CAAHEP, NSCA, and EIMOC.

Ready to Make an Impact in Health and Fitness?

Apply now and start your journey in Exercise Science!

Empowering Future Fitness Leaders with Knowledge and Experience

  • Group of students jumping off a green gymnasium floor

    Foundational Knowledge for Diverse Careers

    Blending scientific theory with hands-on learning, students develop a deep understanding of how the human body moves and responds to physical activity. They explore the science behind improving health, fitness, and athletic performance, gaining skills valuable in rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and wellness coaching. With a focus on real-world application, the concentration equips students to design safe and effective exercise programs that support people of all ages and abilities. 

  • Student riding a stationary bike during a workout in the campus fitness center.

    Certification-Ready Training

    Students in the Exercise Science concentration are thoroughly prepared to pursue certification exams from leading organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The curriculum is designed to align with the certification requirements, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with the professional credentials necessary to advance in the competitive fitness and health industry.

  • Student performing a strength training exercise with free weights.

    Hands-On Learning and Internship Opportunities

    The program emphasizes real-world experience, ensuring students apply their learning through internships. These internships offer invaluable opportunities to work in fitness centers, sports clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and more. Students leave the program not only with a strong academic foundation but also practical experience that makes them job-ready and capable of tackling challenges in health and performance environments.

Program Details

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program students will have met the academic requirements necessary to sit for an examination for a nationally recognized certification in exercise and sport science.

2025 Program Outcomes:

  • Culminating Experience Pass Rate: 100%
  • Graduate Positive Placement: 100%
Learning Outcomes
  • Students will understand and demonstrate cultural competence.
  • Students will understand the need for and will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications and be able to utilize different forms of current technology.
  • Students will use reflective practices to plan, implement and evaluate program, personal, community and professional goals.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to explain the relevance of scientific and theoretical knowledge appropriate to his/her chosen field of study to everyday problems.
  • Students will utilize critical inquiry to advance knowledge and apply that knowledge to practice.
  • Students will understand the importance of and will engage in professional behaviors including pursuit of appropriate credentials.
  • Students will understand the role of Physical Activity in the Health and Wellness of individuals across the lifespan.
  • Students will value and participate in Civic Engagement.

What Can You Do With a Movement Science Degree, Exercise Science Concentration, B.S.?

A B.S. in Movement Science with a concentration in Exercise Science prepares you for a variety of careers focused on health, fitness, and human performance. The program combines academic coursework with hands-on experience, equipping you to work in commercial gyms, corporate wellness programs, hospital-based settings, and more—or to continue on to graduate study in related areas. Here’s what you can do with this degree:

  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Corporate Wellness Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation or Physical Therapy Aide
  • Health and Fitness Program Director
  • Graduate Study Opportunities
Student smiling while exercising in the fitness center.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Movement Science Major Core (27 credits)

All majors in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance must complete the twenty-seven (27) credits of courses specified below. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Major Core is required to be eligible to graduate with a degree from the department.

Scientific Foundations (21 credits)

Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)

The courses listed below are concentration-specific and must be taken depending on the concentration you are studying.

Cultural Competence (3 credits)

The courses listed below are concentration-specific and must be taken depending on the concentration you are studying.

Professional Development Procedures

In order to progress through the Movement Science majors, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Movement Science majors are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following courses:
  • MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health
  • MOVP 0194 - Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
  •  Additional Requirements:Student Acknowledgement Form Copy of Degree Evaluation First Aid/CPR Certification Earn a minimum of 12 Professional Development points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; three in each area) Writing Sample (ENGL 0101; graded B- or higher) Additional requirements that are specific to Physical Education can be found on the Physical Education concentration page.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing is required for those completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Major Core area (27 credits)
  • Minimum GPA of 2.7 in the courses required within the chosen concentration (Physical Education requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the concentration)
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • First Aid / CPR Certification
  • Membership in a professional organization
  • Earn a minimum of 16 Professional Development Points across four different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; four in each area)
  • Three (3) Faculty Recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department

Additional requirements for Physical Education students can be found on the Physical Education concentration page.

Additional information can be found in the SMHP Department manual.

Exercise Science Concentration

The Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Commission on the Accreditation of the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Upon successful completion of the program the student will have met the academic requirements necessary to sit for an examination for a nationally recognized certification in exercise and sport science.

Exercise Science Concentration Entrance (Acceptance) Requirements

All students in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance may apply to the Exercise Science Program (ESP). Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science with a concentration in Exercise Science. The  number of students accepted will vary in accordance with retention and graduation rates. The ESP is minimum 4-semester commitment, and, therefore, students are encouraged to apply during the end of first semester of their second year.

Admissions Minimal Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive, and based on the following criteria.  Students interested in applying for entrance to the Exercise Science Program must meet the following prerequisite requirements:

  1. Complete MOVP 0100 
  2. Be accepted into the Movement Science Major
  3. Enrolled in, or completed, MOVP 0101 
  4. Observation hours (minimum 20 hours at four different types of facilities)
  5. Current CPR and First Aid certification
  6. Member of Professional Organization
  7. Minimum overall GPA of 2.7

Application materials may be found in the Exercise Science Program Manual.

Transfer students will be considered on an individual basis based on University policies explained in the Admission section of this Bulletin, in addition to courses and clinical experiences completed at the previous institution. Any courses considered equivalent to the required courses must be presented to the Department Chair and/or Program Director(s) for approval prior to application. A copy of the course description, course syllabus and confirmation of grade/course completion is required for review.

Once accepted into the Exercise Science Program, the student will be required to meet the academic and clinical requirements of the program as outlined in the Exercise Science Program Manual. Students must be granted Advanced Standing and complete an internship in order to graduate from the Exercise Science Program.

Required Course List:

The following is a listing of the Exercise Science concentration course requirements beyond those of the Movement Science core:

Note:

Additional information about the Exercise Science Program may be found in the Exercise Science Program Manual.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a welcoming campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 17:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    Of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Personalized Attention from Dedicated Faculty

At our institution, faculty members hold advanced degrees in the subjects they teach. Imagine a learning environment where personalized attention is not just a promise but a reality. Your professors are not just educators; they are mentors committed to expanding your horizons. Through a blend of dynamic coursework and hands-on projects, we're dedicated to not just teaching but elevating your knowledge and skills.

Movement Science faculty member in conversation with two students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more.

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Movement Science Degree, Exercise Science Concentration, B.S.