Exercise Science | Springfield College

Exercise Science

Major
Bachelor of Science
About This Program
Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Choose one concentration: Strength and Conditioning, or two tracks: Fitness Management and Personal Training or Clinical
  • Learn in our Strength and Conditioning Facility and in our Human Performance Lab
  • Complete three separate fieldwork/internship experiences
  • Fieldwork/internship opportunities (national and international) include traditional fitness settings, spa and wellness settings, professional sports, university, and college athletics, clinics and hospitals
  • Program curriculum
  • Learning outcomes
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming Events

Check back later for more events!

Springfield College exercise science student Kathleen Katie Beliveau works out with a classmate on October 31, 2023

With an international reputation as a leader in the field of exercise science, Springfield College was one of the first institutions in the United States to develop the Applied Exercise Science major. So, we know our stuff.

The major is a rigorous and demanding science-based professional preparation program designed to prepare graduates to work in exercise, fitness and wellness professions. Graduates are employed in corporate, commercial, and agency fitness settings as well as personal training and strength and conditioning. 

In addition to the major requirements, students can choose one concentration, Strength and Conditioning, or two tracks that are consistent with their professional goals:  

  • Strength and Conditioning Concentration: Provides students seeking positions in the field of strength and conditioning the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective program design and implementation to enhance athletic development.  Completion of the concentration will allow students to be eligible for and academically prepared to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Associated (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. 
  • Fitness Management and Personal Training Track: This track builds on the strong science based undergraduate applied science exercise program.  The track is an interdisciplinary program including courses from the Management, Sport Management and Physical Education programs.
  • Clinical Track: Prepares students for a range of career opportunities in health care. Students who choose to pursue this track will engage in hands-on learning, which is a hallmark of our majors, while pursuing the prerequisite sciences needed for advanced studies in the medical field.

The program is designed to assist students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the YMCA. 

What can Springfield Offer You?

Applied Exercise science majors Katie Beliveau, Alex Work, McKenzie Lyons, and Dante Lingley gives a sneak peek into what their life as a Springfield College students is like, how it is to work beside world class faculty and labs.

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What job can I get with a degree in Exercise Science?

Are you passionate about health, fitness, and helping others achieve their wellness goals? A degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College is your launchpad to a dynamic and rewarding career path with diverse opportunities across multiple industries.

Our Exercise Science degree isn't just about a job—it's about building a meaningful career where you can make a tangible difference in people's lives. Whether you dream of training elite athletes, supporting patient recovery, or promoting workplace wellness, Springfield College provides the knowledge, skills, and connections to turn your passion into a profession.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Exercise Physiologist
$54,860
Median Salary
10%
Job Projected Growth
2,200+
Job Projected Openings

Exercise physiologists develop physical activity programs to help people improve components of their fitness, such as cardiovascular function, muscular strength, or flexibility.

Exercise physiologists work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to help clients improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems.

Applied exercise physiologists study the physiological effects of exercise. They may research topics that explore the link between exercise and illness, such as whether increasing physical activity slows the progression of disease.



Fitness Trainers and Personal Trainers
$46,480
Median Salary
14%
Job Projected Growth
47,500+
Job Projected Openings

Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.


"Applied Exercise Science allows you to understand the body from the inside out, and it provides you with the knowledge to work with many different types of populations that have different needs and goals, which I think is really exciting."


Ashima Fillbach, Class of 2025
Ashima Fillbach
"I chose Applied Exercise Science because I was always interested in fitness and sports, but I didn't know what career path to take. After a few short years of going through the program, I was exposed to endless opportunities that I didn't even know existed."
James Russo, Class of 2025
James Russo Testimonial
"The Applied Exercise Science program at Springfield College offers outstanding resources that prepare students for professional success. With state-of-the-art equipment and brilliant faculty, the program provides students with the skills needed to not only be prepared, but excel after graduation." Ryan Delaney, Class of 2027
Ryan Delaney Testimonial
"I choose AT specifically because it combines a lot of the major interests I have. First, I get to continue working in the athletic community, which I didn't want to have to leave after finishing my sports seasons. I also love learning about the human body and how it is affected by exercise." Lexi Pris, Class of 2027
Lexi Pris - Springfield College

Human Performance Lab

Our Human Performance Lab provides a research space for students and faculty members to be innovative, to discover, and to make a difference. Experiential learning comes to life in this environment, and you can be part of it.

A student stands by a computer while a participant rides a stationary bike.
Incoming first year Springfield College students participate in June Orientation on Alden Street
Core Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed in faithfulness to the Springfield College mission and to further strengthen the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body.

Student at the Learning Commons
Career Center

The Career Center’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students and alumni to effectively make well-informed career decisions. The staff is committed to student learning and development, and offers a variety of opportunities and programming for students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.

Applied Exercise Science Accreditation

The Springfield College exercise science major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the strength and conditioning concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).

 

CAAHEP CAAHEP

The American Kinesiology Association Logo

American Kinesiology Association Membership

The School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation is a member of the American Kinesiology Association.

An advocate for kinesiology at the national and international levels, the American Kinesiology Association supports educational opportunities in the fields of exercise science and sport studies, health education and physical education, and sport management and recreation management.