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B.S. in Exercise Science
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The B.S. in Exercise Science at York College offers a flexible curriculum with the option to select a focused concentration in either Professional Practice or Fitness Management. This allows students to tailor their education and experience to align with specific career aspirations, whether that's working in clinical settings, athletic performance, or the business side of the fitness industry. The program emphasizes the scientific connection between exercise, nutrition, and wellness, preparing students to become leaders in promoting health and physical capability. It aims to develop a strong understanding of how the human body functions and how movement and exercise regimens affect performance and overall well-being.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the B.S. in Exercise Science blends essential scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on learning. Core courses typically include foundational sciences such as Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Introduction to Molecular Biology, and Statistics for Behavioral Sciences. Specific exercise science courses delve into areas like Foundations of Exercise and Human Performance, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, and Food and Nutrition. Students in the Professional Practice concentration will deepen their understanding of exercise prescription and client assessment, while those in Fitness Management will take courses in areas like Facility and Event Management, Sport Marketing, and Financing Sport Operations. The program's design incorporates engaging lab practice and culminates in an applied internship experience. This comprehensive coursework prepares students for national certification examinations from organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Research Focus: While the Exercise Science program at York College is primarily focused on practical application and professional preparedness, it embeds a strong emphasis on the scientific basis of exercise and human performance. Students are trained to understand how to prescribe strategies for enhancing health, ability, or well-being based on evidence. The curriculum encourages an analytical approach to exercise, drawing on scientific principles learned in core courses like Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. Faculty, often experts in their field, guide students in understanding and applying research in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports nutrition. This focus ensures graduates are equipped to critically evaluate information and make informed, evidence-based decisions in their future careers.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the Exercise Science program, providing invaluable real-world experience. The program culminates in an applied internship experience during the senior year, allowing students to work with local wellness and fitness centers, athletic teams, corporations, and healthcare agencies. These internships provide direct exposure to the world of sports medicine and fitness, enabling students to practice skills learned in labs and lectures. Beyond formal internships, the curriculum incorporates hands-on lab practice and lectures from faculty who are active professionals in the field, ensuring that the education remains relevant and aligned with industry demands. Students also have opportunities to interact with student-athletes, gaining insight into how athletic trainers and strength and conditioning specialists support and treat players.
Global Perspective: York College of Pennsylvania offers various study abroad opportunities that can enrich an Exercise Science major's global perspective. While the core curriculum is focused on preparing students for careers primarily within the U.S. healthcare and fitness industries, exposure to different cultures and global approaches to health, wellness, and physical activity can be highly beneficial. Engaging in international experiences can enhance a student's cultural competence, adaptability, and understanding of diverse health practices and challenges worldwide. This broader perspective can prepare graduates to work with increasingly diverse populations and contribute to global health initiatives, fostering a more holistic view of human performance and well-being in a globalized context.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science from York College of Pennsylvania provides a strong scientific understanding of human movement and its impact on health and performance. Graduates are equipped with practical skills through hands-on learning and internship experiences, making them highly desirable in a variety of health, fitness, and sports-related fields. Whether focusing on professional practice or fitness management, this degree prepares individuals to promote well-being and physical capability.
Personal Trainer: Graduates can work with individuals to design and implement personalized exercise programs, helping clients achieve fitness goals such as weight loss, strength gains, or overall health improvement. This role can be in gyms, private studios, corporate wellness programs, or as an independent contractor.
Exercise Physiologist: These professionals develop and administer fitness and exercise programs for both healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases (like heart disease or diabetes) or recovering from injuries. They often work in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, or clinical settings, monitoring progress and adjusting plans.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Focused on athletic performance, these coaches design and oversee training programs for athletes at various levels (high school, collegiate, or professional). Their goal is to improve endurance, speed, agility, and overall physical performance while preventing injuries.
Wellness Coordinator/Specialist: Graduates can manage and implement health and wellness programs for corporations, community centers, or universities. They promote healthy lifestyle choices, organize fitness activities, and provide educational resources to improve overall well-being in a group setting.
Fitness Manager/Director: For those interested in the business side of fitness, this role involves overseeing the daily operations of a gym, fitness center, or recreational facility. Responsibilities include staff supervision, budgeting, program development, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Rehabilitation Specialist/Assistant: Working alongside physical or occupational therapists, these specialists assist individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions by guiding them through prescribed exercise programs and helping them regain function and mobility.
Sports Coach: With a strong understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and training principles, graduates can apply their knowledge to coach sports teams at various levels, focusing on skill development, strategic planning, and athlete performance optimization.
Health Coach/Educator: Graduates can work to motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits, providing guidance on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to prevent and manage chronic conditions. This can be in community health organizations, private practice, or wellness companies.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist: A specialized role within exercise physiology, focusing on supporting heart attack survivors and individuals with cardiovascular diseases. They develop and monitor personalized exercise plans to improve heart health and overall physical function.
Sporting Goods Sales Representative: Leveraging their product knowledge and understanding of athletic needs, graduates can work for companies that manufacture and sell fitness equipment, athletic apparel, or sports nutrition products to consumers, businesses, or sports organizations.
