Powering Your Future
The Bachelor of Science (BS) 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).
Hands-on Learning
You’ll complete required internships and practicum experiences through the exercise science program.
Recent internship partners include:
- Sports Performance at Allegheny Health Network
- The Day school at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Falk Clinic UPMC
- Jewish Community Center
- UPMC Health Plan Work Partners
- Carnegie Mellon University Strength and Conditioning
- Do Reps Study at the University of Pittsburgh
- Sports Performance UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
- Pittsburgh Physical Medicine-Chiropractic
- UPMC Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Additionally, students may complete a variety of practicum experiences.
Recent practicums include:
- Health-fitness practicum where students are assigned a mentor and learn how to provide teaching/training
- Instructor courses where students learn how to teach
- Labs where students administer functional movement screenings, oxygen uptake testing (VO₂ maximal and submaximal), range of motion testing, and one-repetition maximum assessments
Strength and Conditioning Specialization
You can choose the optional Strength and Conditioning Track (14 credits), which fits seamlessly into your Exercise Science curriculum with no extra credits required. This track includes a practicum, two internships, and a sports performance elective to give you extensive hands‑on experience in the field.
Coursework is aligned with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) standards for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential. This is one of the definitive standards for strength coaches and sports performance professionals.
CAAHEP Accreditation
Our BS in Exercise Science degree is fully accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This national accreditation recognizes that our program delivers high-level competency across key areas of the field, including exercise physiology for both healthy and clinical populations, exercise prescription, behavior change, biomechanics, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and facility management.
Learn Why Accreditation Matters
ACSM Exam
Graduates of Pitt’s Exercise Science major are eligible to sit for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM‑EP®) exam, a highly respected credential encompassing fitness assessment, exercise testing, and evidence‑based program design. Earning the ACSM‑EP® also strengthens your applications to competitive graduate and professional programs, helping you stand out as you pursue advanced study in health sciences and exercise physiology.
Career-Ready Training
With CAAHEP accreditation and eligibility for ACSM certification, Pitt’s Exercise Science program provides the expertise, hands‑on experience, and credentials you need to launch a successful career in health, fitness, and human performance.
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.
Our BS in Exercise Science degree is fully accredited by the 
