Exercise Science Major

Help people improve health, fitness and performance as well as prevent injury and disease. Choose between four concentrations – Clinical, Strength and Conditioning, Pre-Physician Assistant and Exercise & Fitness Management.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

BS

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Make a Difference to People’s Lives

With rising awareness about the importance of physical activity in preventing chronic diseases and improving quality of life, exercise science professionals are in high demand across a wide range of careers. As a student in UMass Lowell’s B.S. in Exercise Science program, you’ll gain a high-quality education in the study of bodily movement that improves fitness, performance and wellness.

Choose from one of four concentrations: Clinical, Strength and Conditioning, Pre-Physician Assistant and Exercise and Fitness Management.

Exercise Science Career Options

Graduates of UMass Lowell's exercise science program launch exciting careers in health, wellness and fitness. Many of our students pursue graduate studies in advanced allied health degrees such as Physician Assistant, Medical Doctor, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Public Health.

A student lifts a weight as another student spots in a UMass Lowell exercise science facility.

Exercise Science: Clinical Concentration

Our graduates have worked in organizations such as:

Clinical settings caring for patients with cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic conditions
Corporate and private fitness settings
Research facilities
Biotechnology and medical device companies

Many students in the clinical concentration apply to graduate health care degree programs.

Exercise Science: Strength and Conditioning Concentration

Graduates of the new Strength and Conditioning Concentration will be prepared for careers working for professional sports teams, college and high school athletics, private sports performance facilities and more. Types of roles include:

Strength conditioning coach
Performance coach
Personal trainer

Exercise Science: Pre-Physician Assistant Option

Our graduates have successfully applied to and been admitted to the following programs:

Bay Path University
Boston University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (MGHIHP)
Northeastern University
Tufts University
Westfield State University

Exercise Science: Exercise and Fitness Management Option

Biotechnology and medical device companies
Operations managers for clinics and facilities
Community centers
Public health centers
Public policy centers

100%

Placement in internships for all concentrations
100%

2-year employment rate
93%

First-year retention rate (5-year average)

Choose a concentration that fits your career goals

A professor watches as an exercise students reads the pulse of another student in a UMass Lowell lab. — Students majoring in the Exercise Science Clinical Option can choose the new three-year pathway to accelerate their careers or graduate studies.

At UMass Lowell, we offer four concentrations, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

Clinical Concentration — Gain a solid foundation in the sciences, which prepares you for the capstone senior clinical practicum. Offered in a three- or four-year format, this choice prepares you to take certification examination by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The Exercise Science program is in the process of getting accredited by ACSM so that students will be able to take the exams beyond 2027, a new requirement by ACSM. Nationally recognized, the exercise science clinical concentration prepares students to excel in advanced health care degree programs. Choose this concentration if you want to apply to allied health professions, including Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.
Strength & Conditioning Concentration - Choose this concentration if you want to educate, transform and inspire athletes to improve performance on the playing field. With a strong foundation in the sciences and the capstone senior clinical practicum experience in strength and conditioning facilities, you’ll be ready to take certification examinations by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The Exercise Science program is in the process of getting accredited by NSCA so that students will be able to take the exams beyond 2030, a new requirement by NSCA.
Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration - Choose this concentration if you want to apply to physician assistant school. It includes the prerequisite courses necessary for successful physician assistant school application. We provide a dedicated pre-health advisor who will guide you through the application process.
Exercise & Fitness Management Concentration — Gain knowledge in exercise science, nutrition, public health and business to pursue careers in the fitness industry. You will graduate with work-ready and transferable skills in careers that develop and implement exercise and wellness programming. You can choose to complete one of five business minors, which are applied toward UMass Lowell’s MBA program.

Courses you’ll take:

The B.S. in Exercise Science includes course subjects in exercise physiology, structural kinesiology, strength and conditioning and exercise prescription for healthy and unhealthy client populations.

View the pathways for each concentration:

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete Exercise Science BS major course listing and to learn about the Exercise Science Minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

The Exercise Science program prepares all students to be able to:

Promote and guide healthy lifestyles that include physical activity, exercise, and wellness programs in diverse populations by utilizing current theories and research literature.
Design exercise and wellness programs which maximize compliance, motivation, and prevents injury and illness.
Apply analytical and critical thinking to advance exercise and wellness initiatives for individuals and communities.
Collaborate with individuals, families, communities, businesses, and other health care professionals in the delivery of care.
Develop a self-directed plan for professional development and lifelong learning which includes self- assessment, self-correction and self-direction.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior during all professional interactions.
Communicate effectively in ways that are congruent with situational needs, including appropriate body language, written communication, active listening skills and questioning.
Develop leadership skills of accountability, delegation, education, and supervision.

Why study exercise science at UMass Lowell?

A group of students completing a Exercise Science training in a parking lot located outside of a UMass Lowell academic building.

Experiential Learning

Gain hands-on learning through a placement with training, fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and research centers. You will:

Work in a professional practice
Get immersed in exercise science technologies and practices
Make connections to further your professional career

A group of UMass Lowell exercise science students pose with their professors.

Exceptional Faculty

Our program features small classes and attentive faculty. You will learn from seasoned practitioners who hold advanced degrees and have years of professional practice in:

Kinesiology
Human Performance
Neurorehabilitation
Health, Fitness, and Performance Enhancement

A UMass Lowell student stands in front of a poster detailing the results of a study in smart clothing and health.

Flexible Options

Earn your degree full time or part time, graduating in as little as three years or four years depending upon your goals.

A student reaches for a target held by another student in a UMass Lowell exercise science lab

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Prepare to become a physical therapist by continuing into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Accredited since 1981
Annually, tuition and fees average half the cost of private higher education peers
100% of DPT graduates are fully employed within six months

Students who choose the Clinical Option and meet the qualifications as incoming first-year students are eligible.

Michael Hines helps a man lift weights on a bench

Michael Hines '21

Exercise Science

Michael Hines, a former college athlete who wants to own his own athletic or physical therapy facility one day, is following the exercise and fitness management degree pathway.

I have a passion for business. I always had that entrepreneurial spirit.