Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
Loretto, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: BS in Exercise Physiology at Saint Francis University is CAAHEP-accredited (since January 16, 2014). The program trains students in exercise science, kinesiology, and clinical exercise. It includes hands-on learning in the Human Performance Lab, internships, and accelerated direct-entry pathways to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Oncology. Students join the EXPO Club and present research at conferences.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as clinical exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, cardiopulmonary specialists. BLS projects 13% growth for exercise physiology, 21% for physical therapy, and 23% for athletic training through 2030.
Earn an Accredited Exercise Physiology Degree from Saint Francis University
Join one of just eleven CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science programs in Pennsylvania to achieve your goals of helping people maintain health, fitness, and performance through physical activity.
Our unique, flexible Exercise Science program allows you to choose the degree path that best fits your goals—whether you’re interested in health and wellness, fitness, physical therapy, cancer care, or medicine. Hands-on learning experiences, cutting-edge technology in our state-of-the-art facilities, built-in internship opportunities, multiple concentrations, and accelerated programs will prepare you for your chosen career.
- Multiple degree programs and concentrations
- Hands-on learning opportunities, including internships
- On-campus, state-of-the-art technology and facilities Human Performance Lab | Saint Francis University
The SFU Learning Experience
Our flexible Exercise Physiology program allows you to tailor your education to align with your career goals. We are dedicated to providing practical, hands-on experiences for our students.
Our Exercise Physiology program offers:
- Accelerated, direct entry pathways to our Doctor of Physical Therapy or a Master of Science in Exercise Oncology.
- Learning opportunities both on campus in the classroom and off-campus in the community plus opportunities for internships and clinical experiences.
- Can choose concentrations and minors that take a multidisciplinary approach to prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities.
The Exercise Physiology Student Experience
If you are passionate about working with people and improving their quality of life through a better understanding and application of human movement the Exercise Physiology program at Saint Francis University has many opportunities for you.
Here are some of the experiences that our students enjoy:
- Hands-on learning in the community built into the curriculum: As part of your courses, you will work with members of local communities -from children to older adults. We take the concept of "learn by doing" to a higher level.
- Networking & Research Opportunities: You will have the opportunity to participate in professional activities including attending and presenting your research at professional conferences such as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine
- The EXPO Club: Not only can you join a student-run social club to talk about all things exercise, but also serves as a fundraising and outreach organization for students in the major.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Students can provide hands-on, supervised exercise interventions to clients through our on-campus Human Performance Lab and Fitness Center in the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness.
Accreditation
The Exercise Physiology Program at Saint Francis University has been continuously accredited since January 16, 2014, by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP)
CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. CAAHEP reviews individual education programs to make sure they meet the standards of the profession. The CAAHEP standards by which these programs are measured have been developed primarily by the professionals involved in each discipline, are approved by each profession, and are intended to reflect required knowledge and skills that a person needs to be able to successfully function within that profession. CAAHEP standards focus on quality outcomes, ensuring that educational programs are preparing competent entry-level healthcare professionals. That means that CAAHEP-accredited programs provide the educational foundation necessary to begin a successful career in many allied health professions. Earning a degree from an accredited program affirms that the quality of the educational experience you've received meets the standards of the profession.
To learn what it takes to become an exercise physiologist, you'll study the physiological responses to physical activity, and then apply this knowledge as they work to improve or maintain a patient’s health, fitness, and performance. Our program takes a multidisciplinary approach to focus your studies based on your specific career goals. Our focus on hands-on, practical education will also prepare you for the workforce with internship and clinical opportunities.
The Standard:
- 2.00 QPA at the end of the freshman year
- 2.50 QPA at the end of the sophomore year
- 2.75 QPA at the end of the junior year
- 2.75 QPA also required for assignment to internships
Prior to the fall semester of my junior year, 40 hours of documented volunteer experience or paid employment in two different exercise physiology settings.
The Courses utilized for the QPA are as follows:
- All Exercise Physiology Courses (EXPH)
- The following collateral electives:
- BIOL 111, BIOL 205, BIOL 206 , BIOL 301*, BIOL 401*, BIOL 405*
- CHEM 113, CHEM 114, or CHEM 121*, CHEM 122*, CHEM 221*, CHEM 222*
- PHYS 104, PHYS 105*
- MATH 110 or higher
- STAT 205
- PSYC 206
*(not all students take these courses, as it depends on their concentration.)
Further, these standards require earning no grade below “C” in any major or collateral course, and require if the earned grade is below a “C” that the course(s) be repeated. Courses may be repeated only once.
As a Graduate of Our Exercise Physiology Program, You Will Have an Impact! You Will be Able to:
- Assess a clients readiness for participation in a fitness or exercise program
- Determine safe and effective exercise programs for clients and assess their results to develop exercise prescriptions
- Optimize adoption of, and adherence to, exercise and other healthy behaviors through communication, motivation, and behavioral strategies
- Develop and disseminate risk management guidelines for a health/fitness facility to reduce member, employee, and business risk
Career paths in Exercise Physiology are varied, ranging from athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and fitness program directors to physical therapists, clinical exercise physiologists, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialists, among others. Those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology are often employed in the fitness industry, while master’s and doctoral students typically find clinical, research, or teaching positions. Whichever degree you choose, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth is above average for these industries. With our program’s variety of options, you can choose the path that is right for you!
Growth Industry:
- Growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Growth in Exercise Physiology is expected to increase at a rate of 13% from 2020-2030- faster than the average for all occupations.
- Physical Therapy is expected to grow by 21%, which is much faster than average, over the 10-year period.
- Athletic Training is expected to grow 23% for the same time period.
SFU Grads have had successful careers in:
- Clinical Exercise Physiology / Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Athletic Training
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching
- Health and Fitness Programming
- Physical Therapy
- Personal Training
- Exercise Oncology
