Health and science are evolving together, and exercise science is on the cutting edge
of both. Webster students in this program study subjects from kinesiology to biology
and develop the practical, specialized knowledge they need for professional success.
The exercise science degree provides an excellent academic foundation for students
choosing to pursue graduate and professional degrees in multiple health careers, such
as exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, and athletic
training.
Pat Burnes Webster Society Annual Art and Sciences Scholarship Recipient
“I want to help people become the very best version of themselves. No one deserves
to live their life in pain, so being able to help them feel better is what I strive
to do.”
Sidney Holtz
BS in Exercise Science, ‘24
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the exercise science program, students will be able to demonstrate:
Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and human movement.
Knowledge of effective analysis of kinesiology concepts.
Skill in applied kinesiology, effective use of problem-solving techniques, and intelligent
decision-making skills in clinical settings.
Tolerance and understanding of diverse populations, responsible citizenship, a professional
attitude and ethical behavior.
16th in the Midwest
Webster University continues to be highly ranked on the U.S. News & World Report’s
Best Colleges report, now listed as 16th in Midwest Regional Universities and included
in four best-of categories. This year, the University's score rose to its highest
level since the ranking system was established.
Webster's Exercise Science Program
Rigorous biology and chemistry course requirements give students a strong foundation
in the physical sciences for continued education and/or licensure as a physical therapist,
occupational therapist, or athletic trainer.
Students gain valuable experience by completing an internship in the exercise science
field, working alongside industry professionals at gyms, fitness centers, recovery
centers, nursing homes, and hospitals
Hands-on lab experience is built into the curriculum to give students the chance to
practice what they learn.
Courses on working with special populations provide students with a global and culturally-sensitive
perspective on practicing exercise science.
The 71 credit hours required for the exercise science major include the following:
BIOL 1550 Essentials of Biology I (4 hours) andBIOL 1551 Essentials of Biology I: Lab (1 hour)
BIOL 3150 Nutrition (3 hours)
BIOL 3010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 hours) andBIOL 3011 Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Lab (1 hour)
BIOL 3020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 hours) andBIOL 3021 Human Anatomy & Physiology II: Lab (1 hour)
BIOL 4400 Research Methods (3 hours)
BIOL 4430 Senior Thesis for BS in Biological Science (4 hours)
EXSC 1318 Careers in Exercise Science (1 hour)
EXSC 1400 Foundations of Exercise Science (3 hours)
EXSC 2100 Coaching Health and Human Performance (2 hours)
EXSC 2356 Principles of Athletic Training (3 hours)
EXSC 4680 Exercise Prescription and Testing (3 hours) andEXSC 4681 Exercise Testing and Prescription: Lab (1 hour)
EXSC 4683 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations (3 hours)
EXSC 4875 Exercise Science Internship (3 hours)
CHEM 1100 General Chemistry I (3 hours) andCHEM 1101 General Chemistry I: Lab (1 hour)
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry II (3 hours) andCHEM 1111 General Chemistry II: Lab (1 hour)
PHYS 1710 College Physics I (3 hours) andPHYS 1711 College Physics I: Lab (1 hour)
PHYS 1720 College Physics II (3 hours) andPHYS 1721 College Physics II: Lab (1 hour)
PSYC 2300 Lifespan Development (3 hours)
STAT 3100 Inferential Statistics (3 hours) orMATH 2200 Statistics (3 hours) orPSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3 hours)
The 119 credit hours required for the psychological science/exercise science dual
major include the exercise science core curriculum, except PSYC 2300, and the following
courses.
Additional Curriculum
WRIT 1010 The Craft of College Writing (3 hours)
MATH 1430 College Algebra (3 hours)
BIOL 1040 Human Genetics (3 hours)
PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
PSYC 1800 Careers in Psychology (1 hour)
PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3 hours)
PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods (3 hours)
PSYC 2975 Sophomore Assessment (0 hours)
PSYC 3025 Psychology and Ethics (2 hours)
PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics (3 hours)
PSYC 4825 Senior Thesis (3 hours)
PSYC 4925 Senior Capstone: History, Philosophy and Systems of Psychology (3 hours)
PSYC 4950 Senior Assessment (0 hours)
Psychology electives (at least 3 hours at the 4000-level) (6 hours)
Psychology content areas (15 hours)
Webster University offers a cooperative 3-2 program with the Washington University
School of Medicine in Occupational Therapy. This dual degree program enables students
to complete a BA in Biology, BS in Biological Sciences, BS in Exercise Science, BS
in Psychological Science or BA in Psychology from Webster University and a Master
of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University within a five-year period.
Occupational therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting
health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy
is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life.
To take advantage of this cooperative 3-2 program, students need to:
Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours toward the declared Webster undergraduate degree,
with at least 30 of those credit hours taken in residence at Webster University, and
two years at Washington University.
Complete the Webster University global citizenship program and the requirements for
their undergraduate major at Webster prior to entering the Washington University program.
Apply to the Washington University School of Medicine Occupational Therapy Program.
Most students apply in early fall of their junior year. Interested students should
examine the materials on the Washington University site to make sure they have the
most current set of admission requirements.
Submit a petition to graduate from Webster University upon earning a minimum of 120
credit hours (after year 1 or year 2 at Washington University).
*Students must meet the required prerequisites for these courses at Webster.
The exercise science minor is appropriate for students who are pursuing a career that
has a significant connection to health, fitness and exercise science and who wish
to deepen their understanding of human health and functional anatomy by exploring
physiological concepts, personal health practices and fitness coaching strategies.
Required Courses
BIOL 1610 Anatomy and Physiology I (3 hours) and BIOL 1611 Anatomy and Physiology I: Lab (1 hour)
BIOL 1620 Anatomy and Physiology II (3 hours) and BIOL 1621 Anatomy and Physiology II: Lab (1 hour)
EXSC 1400 Foundations of Exercise Science (3 hours)
EXSC 2100 Coaching Health and Human Performance (2 hours)
A minimum of 5 credit hours from the following courses:
EXSC 2356 Principles of Athletic Training (3 hours)
EXSC 3250 Exercise Kinesiology (3 hours) (can be taken without the lab, EXSC 3251)
EXSC 3251 Exercise Kinesiology Lab (1 hour)
EXSC 3050 Exercise Physiology (3 hours)
EXSC 4680 Exercise Testing and Prescription (3 hours) and EXSC 4681 Exercise Testing and Prescription: Lab (1 hour)
EXSC 4683 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations (3 hours)
Job Outlook
Exercise science majors are employed in a wide range of positions, including exercise
physiologists, kinesiotherapists, fitness trainers and instructors, physical therapists,
and athletic trainers. Most graduates will continue their education in a specialized
post-baccalaureate program after graduation. However, students who complete the undergraduate
degree are able to pursue careers as a personal trainers, wellness coordinators, and
strength and conditioning coaches.
Jobs for exercise physiologists are predicted to increase by 13% through 2030. As
of May 2020, the median annual wage for exercise physiologists is $50,280 (U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
Jobs for athletic trainers are predicted to increase 23% through 2030. As of May
2020, the median annual wage for athletic trainers is $49,860 (U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
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