Exercise Science Major

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.

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:

• Clinical (3 year) and (4 year)
• Strength & Conditioning
• Pre-Physician Assistant
• Exercise & Fitness Management

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.