Interested in studying various forms of physical activity and their impact on health, society and quality of life? As an exercise science major, you’ll take classes that examine physical activity in educational, wellness/fitness-oriented, therapeutic and performance-based settings. In addition to your diploma, you’ll also earn entry-level certification from either the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Your ability to conduct research in an applied setting is an important component of the exercise science major. This includes the options to conduct collaborative research with Central faculty members or to present your work to larger audiences at conferences across the country. If you choose to be part of the Emerging Scholars program, you will complete an honors thesis during your senior year.
Real-life experiences can positively impact your learning as well as your growing résumé. If you’re interested in a health profession, consider a robust job-shadowing opportunity, a focused internship or practicum experience.
An astounding 58 percent of Central College graduates who go to graduate school do so in health-related fields.
In Central’s state-of-the-art exercise science building, you’ll find a dedicated classroom for the exercise science program that features taping stations instead of desks. The human performance lab features a hydrostatic underwater weighing tank, one of only three in the Midwest. The building uses LCD screens and classroom capture, which enables all classes to be videotaped so you can review them later. The adjacent Ron Schipper Fitness Center features a 2,000-square-foot exercise science area.
If you’re thinking of continuing your education in a graduate program in the health field, look to Central faculty members for expert advice and mentorship. They will ensure that you have a well-rounded background in the sciences and are fully prepared to take your entrance exams. The exercise science acceptance rate is very high, and Central has a great reputation with graduate schools because they know Central students are prepared and will be successful.
Enhance your development as a global citizen and earn credits toward your major when you participate in one of Central’s international programs. Our Wales program expands your studies with “Outdoor Pursuits,” which includes rock climbing, spelunking and more. It’ll help you get that much more ahead while gaining international experience. Get the attention of prospective employers and graduate schools by adding this to your résumé. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Huma Liptak, a 2018 Central College graduate, joined The Fit Moines Podcast to discuss her role as a nutrition coach and balancing her own health and wellness as an athlete and medical student.
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The exercise science major is thoughtfully designed to give students a choice of tracks, all built upon a solid academic core. By design, majors learn all of the content necessary for successful careers and then have the opportunity to practice in an applied setting.
Depending upon their chosen track, students engage the field by doing internships, practical experiences, undergraduate research and laboratory work. Students have the choice of four tracks: health promotions, health and exercise science, physical education or strength and conditioning.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Want to find out more about Exercise Science at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
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