Exercise Science - Major

Major: Exercise Science
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science
Total credit hours: 45
Internship/Practicum opportunities: Visit the Career Development Center for internship information.

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Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

Two students doing a blood pressure test on a running machine

About Exercise Science

At Thiel College, earning your Exercise Science degree means more than just getting a diploma; it’s a pathway to making a meaningful impact in health and fitness. Our dedicated faculty will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your career.

This degree also lays a strong foundation for graduate studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. As an exercise science major, you'll study human movement and learn how the body responds to physical activity, health, exercise, and sports, preparing you for a meaningful career in this dynamic area.

Exercise Science Major Objectives

We offer students a collaborative, evidence-based curriculum designed to build essential knowledge and skills for successful careers in exercise and sport sciences. This program also prepares students for further graduate education.

Develop a strong foundation in human anatomy, kinesiology, medical terminology and the physiological basis of exercise and physical fitness
Work closely with exercise, rehabilitation, recreational, educational, and athletic professionals in classes and through a variety of internship opportunities
Prepare for professional certification exams by the National Strength and Conditioning Association or American College of Sports Medicine to qualify students to enter the workplace or continue to graduate school.
Effectively communicate scientific concepts in both written and oral forms.
Cultivate interpersonal skills and learn to be a valuable member of a team.
Network with distinguished Thiel alumni.

Exercise Science Curriculum & Lab

The Exercise Science Laboratory is a teaching and research facility. Our goal is to provide undergraduate students in the Exercise Science major learning and research opportunities. Our curriculum is science based and offers our students an opportunity for independent study that could include original research.

The laboratory contains equipment to give our students hands-on experience in blood pressure measurement, treadmill exercise testing, body composition assessment, biochemistry, and health/fitness evaluation. This equipment includes:

Vald Performance HumanTrack Motion Analysis System
IWorx MC-Peak Metabolic Cart
Blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers
Polar heart rate monitors
Bioelectrical impedance body composition devices
Functional movement screening kits
Y-Balance kits

Review the Academic Catalog (2025-2026) for detailed course listings.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College offers scholarships to students for reasons such as academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more! The scholarships available to exercise science majors are:

Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship at Thiel College
Dr. Florence West Tribute to Dr. Bly
Ruth and Sheridan Brown Allied Health Scholarship
The Dr. Judith A Crissman '64 Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Maenpa Family Biotechnology Endowed Scholarship Fund at Thiel College
Elizabeth McElhaney Scholarship
J. Scott Morrison Endowment for Science and Religion
Arthur E. Smith Scholarship Fund
TWC Amelia Earhart Scholarship
The Ethel Smith Vierheller Award Fund
Irene Wintersteen Memorial Science Scholarship

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

Clubs & Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience. An education major might be interested in the following clubs and organizations:

Environmental Club
Outdoor Recreation Club
Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
Beta Beta Beta (National Exercise Science Honorary)

Visit our Campus Life page to see a full list of student clubs and organizations.

Alumni & Careers

A bachelor's degree in exercise science not only serves as a versatile foundation for diverse career opportunities in health, fitness, and wellness but also prepares you for admission into several graduate programs.

Learn More About Thiel’s Exercise Science Major

At Thiel College, our Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree program combines a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities to provide students with a transformative education. The major’s courses build deep knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of fields.