Study exercise physiology for a variety of different career pathways and professional opportunities. This course selection includes basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, as well as the applied exercise sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
Earn an Exercise Physiology Degree to Help and Restore Clients' Fitness
Ever wanted to take your love of exercise and translate it into a career? At Ohio University’s exercise physiology program, you’ll get the science background, practical skills, and faculty support for any ambition.
When you jump into our program at Ohio University, you’ll find a challenging, rigorous curriculum packed with the critical courses needed for not just one career path but many, ranging from physical therapy to athletic training and more.
Choose What You Want to Learn
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Exercise Physiology: Pre-Athletic Training Concentration
Complete four additional courses (10 credit hours), and you’ll be ready to head straight into an athletic training master’s program. Many students of this track pursue certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Exercise Physiology: Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
Complete three additional courses (9 credit hours), and you’ll meet all the requirements for a graduate-level physical therapy program at Ohio University and most other universities.
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Learn at our Athens, OH, Residential Campus
OHIO’s Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology is only fully available at our primary Athens campus. Students of this major will find well-equipped facilities suited for their classroom and practical training needs. Keeping your body as healthy as your mind is fun and easy, too, no matter your preferred form of exercise – the Athens campus is home to a recreation center, tennis courts, golf course, aquatic center, bike paths, and more!
Careers in Exercise Physiology
A Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology opens doors – lots of them. Graduates of our program are ready to follow their dreams down numerous professional career paths and jobs in exercise physiology, including preparing to apply to graduate programs in:
- Exercise physiology (clinical, research and human performance)
- Physical therapy
- Physician assistant
- Athletic training
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractic school
- Medical school
- Prosthetics and orthotics
Post-Graduation Opportunities for Exercise Physiology Majors
Some of the graduates from the exercise physiology bachelor’s program proceed directly into their careers. Alongside an internship, the bachelor’s degree is all you need to become a clinical exercise physiologist – no master’s required! Similarly, with a bit of work experience, you can use your skills as a strength and conditioning specialist for athletic departments or sports medicine companies.
Other grads work in fitness centers and gyms, putting together the training programs that clients need to achieve their unique fitness goals. Have an entrepreneurial spirit? You can combine your degree with a few business classes and open your own fitness center!
Those who want to focus further on their original major may progress into our Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. It’s the perfect fit for students who want to continue their education and research experiences and push the field of physical training and forward. Specializations include Research, Clinical and Human Performance. Ohio University maintains five state-of-the-art research facilities for students, so there’s a better place to hone your skills and start your academic career.
Naturally, the B.S. in Exercise Physiology leads many to graduate programs for physical therapy, athletic training, and more. With the addition of core chemistry classes, it’s also possible to change or cement your path to medical school.
Practice Exercise Physiology at OHIO’s Recreational Facilities
Exercise physiology majors can take advantage of intramural sports, outdoor pursuits, tennis, golf, swimming and more at Ohio University’s many recreational facilities.
Get Hands-on Experience with Your Exercise Physiology Degree
Our exercise physiology program provides important experiential learning opportunities for students. What you learn in the class is also valuable and applicable in the field, so you’ll get experiences in the clinic and in the community.
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Volunteer at OHIO’s WellWorks Facilities
Some students volunteer at OHIO’s WellWorks facilities to lead exercise classes, practice their skills, and observe trained exercise physiology professionals at work.
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Complete a Clinical Experience
Students in the pre-athletic training concentration must complete a clinical experience to graduate. It’s an excellent opportunity to hone your skills and gain confidence to perform required duties in clinical environments.
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Complete a Practicum Course
Exercise physiology majors in all concentrations must complete a practicum course to graduate. They’ll build up their practical skills and can potentially gain an internship by the time the course is completed.
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Join the Exercise Physiology Club
Participate in educational and professional development activities in the Exercise Physiology Club. It’s a great way to engage with the community and connect with professional speakers in the industry.
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Participate in Community Engagement Opportunities
Make Athens a better place by working for community organizations like HeartWorks, local hospitals, and exercise facilities.
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Join the American College of Sports Medicine
The Midwest chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine is open to exercise physiology majors who want to network, attend professional conferences, and get an early foot in the door for future career success.
Why Choose an Exercise Physiology Degree?
An exercise physiology degree is a stellar way to prepare for a future career as a physical therapist, sports medical specialist, and other health care professions. Since those careers often require graduate school, this bachelor’s degree will ensure that you have a well-rounded foundational education and begin your graduate classes with full confidence in your capabilities.
But beyond that, an exercise physiology degree allows you to directly help others, from those dealing with medical challenges to others in sports and exercise communities. Many of our students love sports and physical activity, and they want to help others succeed in their physical activity goals. They pursue this degree to learn how to help and restore the bodies of others through healthy lifestyles.
The OHIO Experience for Exercise Physiology Majors
Studying exercise physiology at Ohio University is a lot like combining the traditional bachelor’s degree with a hands-on training program to get started on a career path such as physical therapy or athletic training. Experiential learning — combined with ample opportunities to get involved with the community or local medical and training centers — means that you’ll have an engaging, active day-to-day experience beginning in your first year.
The OHIO experience brings people together and produces confident graduates who are ready to jump into the workforce. Future exercise physiologists are armed with the tools and expertise needed to restore and help by bringing fitness to all types of people.
Student Support Resources for Exercise Physiology Majors
Throughout the duration of the exercise physiology degree program, you’ll acquire practical skills that don’t just look good on a résumé. They also prepare you for challenges in real-world environments, plus grant you the confidence to achieve your goals in any professional setting. And our supportive staff and advisors will be with you every step, leap, and lap of the way.
Many of OHIO’s faculty are first-generation professionals, so they’re always willing to help new first-gen students tackle the mundane and complex challenges that arise from the college experience. More broadly, the exercise physiology program’s faculty are universally experts in the field — they know exactly what it takes to succeed in this industry and are committed to doing whatever they can to help you achieve your goals.
Students often benefit from personalized, one-on-one meetings, as well as learning communities, where teachers work with students in their classrooms to provide additional support and mentorship. At OHIO, we’re committed to ensuring that no student ever feels alone or overwhelmed.