traditional undergraduate on campus

Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in exercise science is an interdisciplinary program that gives students the knowledge and experience to enter careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, health sciences, nutrition, personal training and more. Students can tailor this degree by choosing from concentrations in pre-athletic training/kinesiology, pre-occupational therapy or pre-physical therapy.

Program Benefits

  • Graduate with the skills you need to be competitive in the job market. 
  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
  • Take advantage of incredible internships and jobs available in the exciting Nashville market.

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca’s exercise science program, you’ll be equipped to enter a variety of career fields or to pursue graduate study. This degree gives you a solid foundation in exercise science with courses like biology, anatomy/physiology, kinesiology, sports medicine and nutrition. Many of our students couple this degree with a minor in nutrition, giving them the ability to provide more informed and comprehensive treatment plans for their clients. You’ll be able to tailor your education by choosing from the following concentration tracks: 

  • Pre-athletic training/kinesiology
  • Pre-occupational therapy
  • Pre-physical therapy

This degree also provides incredible opportunities for hands-on learning with three practicums in a variety of healthcare fields. This field experience gives you insight into career opportunities in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, health sciences, nutrition, personal training and more. You’ll find that Nashville is an exciting city for studying exercise science, with the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators and Nashville Sounds located just a few miles from Trevecca’s campus.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your exercise science degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and your goals and who will help you understand how biblical principles apply in exercise science vocations.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Career Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science in exercise science, you’ll be equipped to enter the workforce and/or to pursue graduate studies. Your degree prepares you for roles such as: 

  • Personal trainer
  • Health coach
  • Wellness coach
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Athletic trainer
  • Athletic director
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Nutritionist

Faculty

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


Behavioral Science Statistics
PSY 2060

An introductory course in statistics. Topics include basic measurement concepts, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, the normal curve, standard scores, correlation, regression, random sampling and probability, binomial distribution, hypothesis testing, t test, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Introduction to SPSS is also included.

General Biology II
BIO 1520

A study of diverse structures and functions observed in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, with emphasis placed on plants and vertebrates. The study of the Kingdom Plantae will include investigation of plant life cycles and reproductive strategies. Topics including respiration, digestion, and reproduction will be introduced in the study of vertebrate animals. An introduction to ecology and the impact of humans on a variety of organisms will also be included. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.

Basic Nutrition Across the Lifespan
EXS 2000

This course will explore the nutritive value of foods and provide an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of macronutrients, energy, vitamins, and minerals for the human body across the lifespan.

Practicum I: Exercise Science
EXS 2240

This course involves the application and direct observation of principles/standards learned throughout the academic course offerings. The student will choose from a broad range of clinical settings (PT/OT clinical sites; athletic training rooms; personal training facilities, medical clinic, physician’s office, etc.) to complete the practicum observation hours. Practicum site should align with the student's career goals and must have academic advisor's approval. The Exercise Science Practicum Manual will serve as the guiding reference and will include the following benchmark requirements (documented observation time logs, weekly journals, summary of learning experience, clinical site supervisor evaluation and a practicum-specific assignment). A minimum of 40 contact hours required. Graded S/U.

Anatomy-Physiology I
BIO 2010

A study that includes the anatomy of the body as a whole. Emphasis will be on anatomical structures and organizational relationships of the organs and systems of the body. General physiology of each system and the major influence systems have on one another is emphasized. Laboratory studies include dissection of the cat and study of various skeletons, models, and charts. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.

Anatomy-Physiology II
BIO 2020

Designed to introduce the anatomy and physiology of multiple subsystems including the endocrine, vascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The focus will be on developing a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these subsystems that can then be applied to clinical case studies and laboratory experiments. A major objective of this course is to develop critical thinking skills that are essential for students entering various medical careers where they will serve Christ by serving others. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.

Medical Terminology
ALH 3060
Designed to help the students who major in one of the allied health areas to recognize, spell, pronounce, and define medical terms correctly.
Introduction to Exercise Science
EXS 2230

A foundational course for students who are majoring or minoring in Exercise Science. This course provides an overview of selected topics in the field of Exercise Science and other related health science disciplines, including: history of exercise science, anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise nutrition, biomechanics, motor control and motor learning, and athletic training and sport medicine. This course is designed to introduce students to the Exercise Science discipline and to demonstrate how professional fields related to the discipline can be pursued, modeled, and practiced from a Christian worldview. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare students for further courses within the Exercise Science curriculum.

Physiology of Exercise
EXS 3090

The study of the physiological effects of exercise on the human body. Special emphasis is given to factors which affect performance whether in a competitive situation or in one's personal fitness lifestyle.

Kinesiology
EXS 3100

Examines the knowledge necessary for successful analysis of human motion. Successful application of the course content will give all human performance workers a greater understanding of how the various body parts react to human movement.

Practicum II: Exercise Science
EXS 3240
This course involves the application and direct observation of principles/standards learned throughout the academic course offerings. The student will choose from a broad range of clinical settings (PT/OT clinical sites; athletic training rooms; personal training facilities, medical clinic, physician's office, etc.) to complete the practicum observation hours. Practicum site should align with the student's career goals and must have academic advisor's approval. The Exercise Science Practicum Manual will serve as the guiding reference and will include the following benchmark requirements (documented observation time logs, weekly journals, summary of learning experience, clinical site supervisor evaluation and a practicum-specific assignment). A minimum of 40 contact hours required. Graded S/U.
Sport Medicine
EXS 3500

A study of conditioning and the care and prevention of athletic injuries. $30 lab fee charged.

Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
EXS 4300

Study of the process and procedures of exercise testing and prescription. Emphasis will be placed on prescribing and testing individual and some group exercise programs.

Senior Seminar: Exercise Science
EXS 4500
This course is the capstone course directly related to the student's intended pursuit of either acceptance to a graduate school or a chosen career in the exercise science area. It will, therefore, be taken after the majority of course work within exercise science academic program is completed. This weekly seminar will disseminate information about graduate school requirements or future employment opportunities. Students will prepare resources for use in subsequent career or in preparation for graduate school (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation and mock interview). A current research project on an approved topic will be required.
Therapeutic Modalities
EXS 4515

Presents the physical agents used in treating athletic injuries. Emphasis will be given to each modality's theoretical and physiological effects on the healing process and presents the indications and contraindications for use. The course includes two lecture periods and one laboratory period. $30 fee charged.

Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation I
EXS 4525

Provide an introduction to the theory, scientific principles, and evidence for the use of various types of exercise employed by healthcare professionals for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health, biomechanical efficiency, and physical function. Emphasis will be placed on applying a foundational understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to basic interventional techniques as they relate to musculoskeletal performance and neuromuscular reduction. Case based instruction, lab-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized.

Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation II
EXS 4530

A deeper application of the theory and principles that drives therapeutic development of the human being at each level of care. Constructive investigations into current and emerging evidence surrounding tissue healing and pathophysiology, neuromotor development, movement economy and biomechanics. Case based instruction, lab-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized, with exposure to high-incidence post-operative protocols and precautions introduced as necessary.

Research Methods and Design-Exercise Science
EXS 4540

Gain an understanding of the key sections of research associated with the discipline of exercise science. Including research design, research participants, IRB, sampling, ethical consideration, data sources/collection and the components of graduate-level research.

General Education — 49-51 hours

Area of Concentration or a Different Minor — 15-27 hours

Electives — 0-11 hours

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.

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