Exercise Science

Illinois State’s nationally recognized Exercise Science major studies the science of movement. Our well-equipped labs give students practical experience in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and the psychology of physical activity. The major prepares students for certification by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine.

Why Study Exercise Science?

Exercise Science covers a diverse range of topics related to human movement, such as:

• The way different movements and fitness programs affect the body and its ability to exercise
• How different forces can apply to sports performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation
• Improving and maintaining people’s motivation for exercise
• The various impacts of psychological factors on youth sports, elite performance, burnout, team cohesion, and coaching and leadership behaviors
• Understanding the reasons why people move and how they get better movement skills

Students also have their pick in a variety of careers and professional options.

Allied Health Options

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician’s Assistant
• Nursing
• Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Other Options

• Corporate, commercial, and clinical fitness and wellness
• Graduate School

Related Skills

• Shows a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body
• Possesses knowledge of the body's adaptations to exercise and how to facilitate them
• Understands the role of forces initiating and reacting to the body's movements in skilled and everyday movements
• Understands antecedents of motivation for exercise, and how to work with them to improve motivation
• Understands psychological underpinnings of movement within a variety of populations, such as youth, elite, and aged
• Understands factors that determine the shape of movements (such as energy cost), and how these factors drive movement skill acquisition
• Effectively leads, directs and supervises others
• Effectively relates to and interacts with people of various backgrounds
• Employs good observational skills
• Shows a capacity to work one-on-one or with a group of people
• Effectively assesses individual needs and make appropriate recommendations
• Demonstrates good listening and interpersonal communication

Being Successful in the Field

• Seek professional credential or certification. There is no single credential or certification necessary to pursue a career in Exercise Science, but pursuing a variety of different certifications offered by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association can strengthen profession.

Related Fields

• Athletic Trainer
• Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
• Corporate Wellness Specialist
• Doctor of Medicine
• Exercise Instructor
• Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Specialist
• Exercise Test Technologist
• Facility Management
• Fitness Director
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Personal Trainer
• Physical Therapist
• Physician's Assistant
• Professor
• Public Health Educator
• Public Health Statistician
• School Health Educator
• Sports and Fitness Nutritionist
• Sports Enhancement Instructor
• Sports Fitness Instructor
• Sports Psychologist
• Sport Psychology Consultant
• Strength and Conditioning Instructor
• Researcher
• Weight Loss Center Specialist
• Wellness Program Director

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Applying to Illinois State

Apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Fall Transfers

The preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1 - January 15.

Spring Transfers

For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is April 1 - August 1.

Minimum GPA

3.10

Middle 50% GPA

3.21 - 3.80

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Fundamentals of physics (PHY 105) or College physics (PHY 108)
• Human physiology and anatomy (BSC 181/182 or KNR 181/182)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

3.10

Middle 50% GPA

3.21 - 3.80

Application Period

September 1 - September 30, February 1 - February 28

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising