St. Charles / St. Louis
Exercise Science (BS)

The Department of Exercise Science, a unit of the College of Science, Technology, and Health, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science which emphasizes fitness and conditioning of individuals across the lifespan, promoting a movement-oriented lifestyle. Exercise Science is the second largest undergraduate program at Lindenwood University.

The exercise science program is closely aligned with the standards of practices of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The St. Louis exercise science degree program will prepare you for several levels of certification through these leading organizations upon graduation. The program's coursework is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Recognized Program for Strength and Conditioning (NSCA ERP).

The curriculum integrates research, instruction, evidence-based practice, and outreach programs. Students will study physiology and functional adaptations to movement and exercise. Areas covered are body composition, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, fitness administration, program prescription and implementation including several laboratories with enriching hands-on experiences. Internships are also required in areas of, but not limited to, personal training, strength and conditioning, community health, corporate fitness, specific populations, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise administration, corrective exercise, nutrition, sport performance enhancement, or large group instruction. Exercise Science allows for great flexibility of many different and divergent career tracks. The program also serves as a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in exercise science or related fields and professional schools for careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or chiropractic.

Degree Requirements

Many students who are interested in continuing their education after their bachelor's degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and physician assistant often use the Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science degree program in conjunction with additional prerequisites. Prerequisites will vary based on the professional schools to which you apply and it is important to express your interest in attending professional school as soon as possible to your academic advisor.

• Course requirements - Exercise Science (BS)
• Advising Sheet and Sample 4-Year Plan (2023-24)

Lindenwood University Exercise Science Faculty

The St. Louis exercise science program faculty members at Lindenwood University are comprised of certified professionals who are instructors, mentors, and academic advisors ready to pass on their years of knowledge and experience to you. Smaller class sizes and easy accessibility to instructors at Lindenwood University makes for an excellent learning environment where you can excel and succeed.

What Can I Do With an Exercise Science Degree from Lindenwood University?

With a bachelor of science degree, you are qualified to seek employment in the health and fitness industry, including positions as a wellness coach or a personal trainer and to seek admission into many allied health (e.g., nutrition and dietetics), therapy (e.g., occupational or physical) and medical careers (e.g., medicine, optometry, dental, etc.). The program also serves as a strong foundation if you wish to pursue advanced degrees in exercise science or related fields and professional schools for careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or chiropractic.