The exercise science degree provides students with a strong science foundation that emphasizes preparation for further specialized graduate study or direct entrance into a related career field, such as fitness management, fitness journalism, ergonomics, prosthetics, nutrition, pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales, coaching, or mind-body studies. Some of Ithaca’s exercise science graduates can be found teaching at the University of North Carolina, providing research assistance for the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado, and in private practice in osteopathic medicine.

Our flexible, broad-based program combines major courses with a large number of electives. In addition to core courses in exercise science, you’ll take classes in other disciplines: communications, humanities, social sciences, computer applications, ethics, and the applied sciences. Courses in the major emphasize current research as well as its practical application. Our professors often collaborate with their students in meaningful research projects; in fact, students frequently present their findings at professional conferences sponsored by such organizations as the American College of Sports Medicine.

Some students combine the exercise science major with a minor, such as sport and exercise psychology, aging studies, or nutrition science. Alternatively, you may take preprofessional courses in preparation for further study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, or physical therapy. The program also provides a great foundation for graduate study in biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, or neuromuscular control.