Exercise Science (BS)
Take the lead in the world of exercise.
Get ready to take your love for sports to new heights as you explore the fascinating world of exercise, nutrition, and psychology’s influence on the human body. At Mary Baldwin, we believe in an engaging curriculum that not only helps you understand the science behind physical well-being but also prepares you for a future filled with endless possibilities.
- Time to Completion4 years
- FormatOn Campus
- Degree(s)Bachelor’s of Science, Minor
- NeighborhoodHealth & Science
Next steps
What can I do with an exercise science degree from Mary Baldwin?
The field of exercise science is booming in the United States, offering a wide range of exciting career paths. Whether you’re interested in pursuing advanced degrees in health and medicine, becoming a professional or collegiate strength and conditioning specialist, a clinical exercise physiologist, or a health and human performance trainer, MBU’s Exercise Science program has you covered. Our curriculum is designed to be innovative and hands-on, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and providing opportunities for internships.
In addition, Exercise Science students can receive certifications through either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Features & Benefits
- Gain professional experience across two internships totaling 250 hours
- Gain first-hand experience of laboratory research
- Present research at regional and national conferences
Next steps
Accelerated Pathways
Mary Baldwin offers a dual-degree Accelerated Pathway program for this major. Earn your bachelor’s and an advanced degree faster. This is a great way to jump-start your dream career and save money in the process!
Mary Baldwin’s exercise science program helped to prepare me in my academic pursuit of a doctorate in physical therapy. This program provided me with a foundational knowledge of exercise physiology and functional movements of the human body.
Paula White BS ’22, DPT ’25
Courses & Curriculum
Our expert professors designed this curriculum based on their experiences across multiple institutions and workplace settings. Our equipment is cutting edge in the state of Virginia.
Class projects are completed as a team, and presented at our regional conference for the American College of Sports Medicine.
Sample courses include:
Introduces you to the structure and function of the human body, physiological research, and clinical practices. Begins with a study of cellular structure and processes, which is then related to the structure and function of different tissue types within the human musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems. You’ll use human models, skeletons, histological slides, and dissection to observe cells, tissues and body systems. Lecture and lab.
Introduces concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement with a focus on exercise, sports, and physical activity. Gain an understanding of the mechanical principles that govern human motion, and develop the ability to link the structure of the human body with its function from a mechanical perspective
Addresses the principles and science of human nutrition and its relationship to an individual’s health. Emphasizes interactions between nutrients and physiological processes in the human biological system.
Explore the Neighborhood
This major is part of the Health & Science Neighborhood. Neighbors live together their first year, study and take classes together, and enjoy special curated activities.
Our Faculty
Our school’s faculty is made up of skilled professionals with extensive real-world experience in their practice areas. They are committed to seeing you succeed, offering one-on-one mentorship and real-world experience.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Mary Baldwin offers generous financial aid packages and a broad range of scholarships to help you bring your aspirations to life.
MBU also helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.
A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours of study.