As an exercise science major, you’ll choose between two tracks for your specific area of study. The two tracks, Allied Health Sciences and Strength and Conditioning, provide you with the flexibility to prepare for graduate school or enter directly into a professional career.
The Allied Health Sciences track is designed to prepare you to enter graduate studies in allied health programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and other fields.
The Strength and Conditioning track prepares you to serve as a professional in the field of human performance including athletic performance, personal training, fitness training, corporate wellness, research, and clinical exercise physiology.
As an exercise science major, you’ll gain knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, bioenergetics, motor control, and human development.
You’ll study the structure and function of the human body and locate anatomic landmarks. You’ll also learn about how the body moves, metabolic processes, nutrition, and various factors that affect motor control/development and human performance.
While studying exercise science, you’ll become knowledgeable of how to assess health status and conduct fitness testing. You’ll demonstrate an understanding of appropriate exercise techniques and its application to program design.
Exercise science majors also learn how to organize and administer health, physical activity, and fitness programs.
The exercise science major was created with the intention of preparing students to sit for a certification examination in the professional career topic of interest of their choice. Although the specific coursework within the major may not cover every requirement for some certifications, students may be able to complete preparation via independent study or directed reading opportunities.
Students will have the opportunity to prepare for certification exams with the following organizations:
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist – Facilitator (TSAC-F)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)
- ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM-GEI)
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
- NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES)
- NASM Group Personal Training Specialization (GPTS)
Luther exercise science graduates pursue a variety of careers in healthcare, human performance, and health education and promotion.
Some career fields include:
- Athletic coach
- Athletic trainer
- Chiropractor
- Nutritionist/dietician
- Occupational therapist
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist
- Physician assistant
- Strength and conditioning specialist
