Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The exercise science major enables students to explore the many links between exercise, fitness, sport performance, and health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for careers in Exercise Science look to be faster to much faster than average through the period of 2016-2026.
Graduates in exercise science will have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective fitness programs in a variety of settings for a variety of populations, formulate strength and conditioning programs for athletes.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared for graduate programs in areas such as athletic training, physical therapy, clinical exercise physiology, chiropractic medicine, and strength and conditioning.
Exercise science majors gain a considerable amount of hands-on experience through classroom activities, community-based learning, on-campus practica, and off-campus internships. The Human Performance Lab in the Alfond Center provides students with many opportunities for hands-on experience in all aspects of exercise testing. We also utilize the fitness center to gain experience in individual and group fitness training and work with sports teams on campus to apply strength and conditioning knowledge and skills.
At a Glance
- Faculty with real-world experience in the fitness and sports performance fields
- Human Performance Lab provides scientific and practical exploration of exercise theory
- Outstanding and flexible internship experiences and observation sites
- Eligible to participate in the Exercise Science Club, a group that promotes fitness and health with the on-campus and off campus communities
- Preparation for the gold standard industry certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association
New Tracks
With greater interest and projected growth in the need for athletic trainers and chiropractors, we have added 2 additional tracks to our Exercise Science major: pre-athletic training and pre-chiropractic.
Pre-Athletic Training Track
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Athletic Trainers is expected to grow 19% during the 2018-2028 time frame; this rate is considered much faster than average for all occupations. Demand for Athletic Trainers currently exists in high school and college athletics settings, with the highest area of projected growth expected with the rise of middle and older age adults’ participation in sports and recreation activities.
Undergraduate Athletic Training programs are being phased out as the new standard for sitting for the national exam for Athletic Training is a master’s degree. The vast majority of Masters in Athletic Training (MAT) programs will be entry-level, meaning it is designed for students from undergraduate programs other than Athletic Training. The undergraduate major providing the most relevant coursework for MAT programs at present is Exercise Science. We have an articulation agreement with the University of Southern Maine's Master's in Athletic Training graduate program (scroll down the page for more information).
Pre-Chiropractic Track
Given the aging population and their need for treatment relating to neuromusculoskeletal and joint problems, as well as their desire to lead longer and more active lives, there will be greater opportunities for chiropractors. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of chiropractors is expected to grow 7% during the 2018-2028 time frame; this rate is considered faster than average for all occupations.
The Exercise Science/Pre-Chiropractic track, with its emphasis on movement and science, prepares students for Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) graduate programs. We have an articulation agreement with Northeast College of Health Sciences (scroll down the page for more information).
Curriculum
There are five tracks available for exercise science majors.
- Exercise Science track – prepares students for entry-level positions in the fitness field, including the commercial, corporate, clinical and community settings
- Pre-athletic training track – prepares students for Masters in Athletic Training (MAT) graduate programs.
- Pre-chiropractic track – prepares students for Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) graduate programs.
- Pre-physical therapy track – prepares students for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate programs.
- Sport performance track – recommended for students interested in strength and conditioning careers, as well as students considering graduate school in strength and conditioning and other related specializations.
- Double major option: Health & wellness promotion AND Exercise Science/fitness specialist track – prepares students for successful employment in the fitness and wellness fields, such as corporate, community, and clinical wellness programs.
*Note: these tracks will also help prepare students for other advanced degree programs, such as exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
Exercise Science Minor
A minor in exercise science is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.
Graduate School agreements
Exercise Science/Pre-Athletic Training
We have an articulation agreement with the University of Southern Maine, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of “B” or better in pre-requisite courses and who apply by February 1st of senior year at Saint Joe’s would receive admission to USM's Master of Science in Athletic Training.
All Exercise Science Programs
We have an articulation agreement with Merrimack College, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the appropriate prerequisite course requirements would receive admission to Merrimack's Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science. Furthermore, students would qualify for various levels of fellowship funding depending on their overall GPA.
Exercise Science/Pre-Chiropractic
We have an articulation agreement with Northeast College of Health Sciences, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of “C” or better in pre-requisite courses and who signed a letter of intent during their first two years at Saint Joe’s would receive admission to NCHS. Furthermore, students would qualify for various levels of fellowship funding depending on their overall GPA.
Other articulation agreements
Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy
We have an articulation agreement with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a grade of “B” or better in pre-requisite courses and who apply by the end of April of senior year at Saint Joe’s would be eligible to complete UMPI's Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant program in one year.
Some of our faculty
B.S., University of Maine Orono
MEd, McNeese State University
BS, Bridgewater State College
BS, Saint Joseph’s College (Maine)
Faculty Research
Dr. Tara Whiton, PhD is a Sport Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and researcher on women’s health issues. Her latest research has centered around prescription medications for mood and anxiety disorders in women of childbearing age (pregnant or non-pregnant).
Student stories
“The class sizes have been incredibly beneficial during my time here. What started as a 30 person class has continued to drop in the amount of students as I have gotten more particular about what it is I’m studying, giving me the opportunity to work closely with other students as well as my professors.
It’s very rewarding to take a class like Care Prevention with Tiffany Miller - Gagnon, where you can be hands-on and really experience what you’ll be doing once you graduate. The feeling I get when helping others is why I’m pursuing this career. Anything I can do to make someone's day better, I’ll do.”
Alumni stories
Career moves
A degree in exercise science can lead to a promising career in fitness, strength and conditioning, athletic training, physical therapy, and much more.