Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Our nationally accredited undergraduate program providing hands-on training in exercise science for diverse careers in health, fitness, and clinical settings.

Become prepared for:

Employment in health, exercise, fitness, and wellness settings with the general population, athletes, and clinical populations
Graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and other health-related programs
Advanced study in exercise physiology, public health, exercise science, and related fields

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Credits

120 credits minimum

Term of Enrollment

Fall

Application Deadline

March 1

Format

In-person

Program Duration

Students begin program after earning a minimum of 48 credits, which typically occurs by junior year

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Exercise Science offers students rigorous training in the application of exercise science for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions, human performance, and health and well-being.

This also prepares students for graduate training or additional training in areas of allied health (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or other allied health opportunities).

National Accreditation

Our BS in Exercise Science degree is fully accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This national accreditation — considered the gold standard in the industry — is based on a rigorous review of our curriculum, faculty, facilities, and more.

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Student Achievement Data

PERCENTAGE	CATEGORY
100%	Placement Rate (Graduate school, job, or military service)
100%	Clinical Internship Pass Rate
100%	Student Graduation Rate
100%	Student Satisfaction Rate
98.5%	Student Retention Rate
96%	Acceptance rate into Physical Therapy programs
95%	Acceptance rate into non-Physical Therapy programs (e.g. Public Health, Nursing, Prosthetics and Orthotics)

The data was collected from 2024 graduates, which is the most recent class for which data is available.

Undergraduate Pathways to Careers

Our students have many opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed professionally across a wide variety of pathways.

"My professors are encouraging to all, and I really feel a sense of family with my peers. I believe that both the coursework and hands-on field experience has provided me with the knowledge and experience I need to be successful"
Brianna M. Hennigh - Exercise Science student

"The major truly allows you to “test out” multiple careers in the field so that you can better solidify your own path. The major completely opened my mind to a world of different careers in sports, rehabs, hospitals, clinical practices, and many more settings I did not know would be applicable with my degree."
Morgan Aichcer - Exercise Science student

"I received an excellent education in Exercise Science thus far, and I know I will be well prepared for my future career as a physical therapist after graduating. From being taught by great professors to doing a semester-long internship experience, I am truly grateful to be a part of the Pitt School of Education."
Alexandra Carter - Exercise Science student

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Prerequisites

It is preferred that applicants demonstrate completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher at the time of application: biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.

Admission Requirements

Program requirements include:

Minimum GPA of 2.5
Minimum of 48 general education undergraduate credits earned
Meeting all other University of Pittsburgh and School of Education admission requirements

Additionally, applicants must complete the School of Education online admissions application that will include:

Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Goal statement
Contact information for three professional references
Academic transcript

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Curriculum

The BS in Exercise Science is a 120-credit program.

The majority of coursework includes credits in the exercise science major, which includes the completion of a health-fitness practicum or internship experience.

Additionally, students complete additional credits in the natural sciences and Pitt’s general education courses.

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