BS in Exercise Science Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Ohio State University Columbus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Education at The Ohio State University is intended for students interested in human movement, physical activity, health, and the science behind physical performance. The program combines scientific study of the human body with exercise assessment, fitness principles, and educational preparation, helping students develop knowledge relevant to exercise programming, health promotion, and physical activity instruction.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in biological sciences, human movement, and general education while developing an understanding of physical activity and health. Introductory coursework in biology, human anatomy, and foundations of exercise science helps students explore the structure of the human body and the scientific principles underlying movement and fitness.

Year 2: Students deepen their understanding of how the body responds to physical activity and exercise. Coursework in exercise physiology, kinesiology, and motor behavior helps students examine movement patterns, physical performance, and the physiological responses associated with exercise.

Year 3: Students focus on applying scientific knowledge to exercise assessment and physical activity programming. Studies in biomechanics, fitness assessment, and exercise prescription help students understand movement efficiency, evaluate fitness-related measures, and develop exercise programs suited to different goals and abilities.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced coursework and practical learning related to exercise science and professional practice. Learning activities involving exercise programming, professional field experience, and applied exercise assessment help students connect scientific principles with real-world physical activity and health settings.

Focus Areas

Exercise physiology, human anatomy, human physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, fitness assessment, exercise prescription, health promotion, physical activity behavior, exercise testing, health and exercise research.

Learning Outcomes

Understand physiological responses to exercise, assess physical fitness, evaluate body composition, measure muscular strength and flexibility, design exercise programs, apply strength and conditioning principles, use exercise-testing techniques, promote healthy behaviors, and evaluate physical activity programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program awards a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Exercise Science. It prepares students for professional certifications offered by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The degree does not lead to Ohio teacher licensure. Certification eligibility depends on the requirements of the relevant professional organization.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology provides a dedicated undergraduate exercise science program that combines scientific coursework, practical assessment, and professional experience. Students can pursue internships and research opportunities through the university's exercise science facilities. A specific program-level QS or Guardian employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not identified in the official information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience through exercise science laboratories, hands-on fitness assessments, research opportunities, and a senior-year internship. The Ohio State University program emphasizes exercise physiology and the application of scientific knowledge to fitness testing, exercise prescription, and performance improvement. Students can explore professional settings such as healthcare, rehabilitation, and sports organizations to connect classroom learning with real-world exercise science practice.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Exercise Science Laboratory: Use exercise-testing and assessment facilities for teaching, research, exercise prescription, and training services.
Fitness assessment: Practise evaluating body composition, muscular strength, flexibility, and other fitness measures through practical coursework.
Exercise physiology: Study physiological responses to exercise through courses such as KNHES 3414 – Physiological Systems in Human Performance and KNHES 3415 – Applied Physiology in Human Performance.
Strength and conditioning: Explore training principles through KNHES 5416 – Theory of Strength and Conditioning.
Exercise testing technology: Eligible students can select KNHES 5417 – Exercise Techniques and Testing Technology in Strength and Conditioning as a professional elective.
Exercise programming: Apply exercise science principles through KNHES 5685 – Adult Exercise Programming-Implementation.
Senior-year internship: Complete KNHES 5191 – Internship: Health and Exercise Science. The program describes a 300-hour senior internship, with possible settings including healthcare, professional sports organizations, and rehabilitation programs.
Research experience: Students interested in research can explore KNHES 4998 – Research in Kinesiology: Health and Exercise Science and may pursue an undergraduate Honors thesis if they meet the relevant requirements.
Professional development: The Exercise Science Club provides opportunities to engage with academic, professional, and social issues relevant to career development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in fitness, exercise programming, health promotion, strength and conditioning, and clinical exercise settings. The program develops skills in exercise assessment, physiological analysis, and physical activity programming, while its scientific foundation can also support applications to relevant graduate and professional healthcare programs.

Potential career opportunities include:

Strength and Conditioning Coach
Personal Trainer
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Corporate Wellness or Health Promotion Specialist

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: Ohio State's academic advising and career resources can help students explore career options, prepare application materials, and plan professional development.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official program information reviewed.
Professional experience: The senior internship and laboratory-based learning help students develop practical experience relevant to fitness, rehabilitation, healthcare, and sports settings.
Professional certifications: The curriculum prepares students for relevant certifications offered by ACSM and NSCA, subject to each organization's eligibility and examination requirements.
Graduate and healthcare pathways: The degree can provide a foundation for further study in exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and other healthcare fields. These careers generally require additional education, training, or professional qualifications.
Research opportunities: Eligible students can participate in undergraduate research and may pursue an Honors thesis, helping prepare for research-focused graduate study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate study in exercise science, kinesiology, clinical exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training, depending on the admission requirements of their chosen program. Students interested in healthcare professions should plan for the additional prerequisites, professional degrees, or clinical training required for their intended career. Advanced study can support specialization in exercise testing, rehabilitation, human performance, or health research.