Exercise Science Major & Minor

Stonehill College’s Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science provides a valuable foundation in the biological and psychological aspects of exercise along with the skill set necessary to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting.

Program Type Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor
Degrees Offered B.S.
Mode of Study On Campus
Department Health Science
School May School of Arts & Sciences
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Equipped to Thrive in a Fast-Growing Exercise Physiology Field

Exercise science focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.

Stonehill’s program includes instruction in areas that include:

  • Biomechanics
  • Motor behavior
  • Motor development and coordination
  • Motor neurophysiology
  • Performance research
  • Rehabilitative therapies
  • Development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment
  • Related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation

What Can You Do with an Exercise Science Degree?

Students who complete Stonehill’s exercise science program will be able to launch into career and graduate programs to become:

  • Exercise physiologists
  • Fitness trainers
  • Athletic trainers
  • Physical therapy aides
  • Physical therapists
  • Rehabilitation specialists

What Job Growth is Expected in the Exercise Science Field?

Many of the positions graduates of exercise science programs can pursue fall into the category of exercise physiologist.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists analyze patients' medical history to develop fitness and exercise programs for the injured and sick people. Nationally, the overall employment is predicted to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030.

Why Study Exercise Science at Stonehill College?

Stonehill is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on hands-on professional learning experiences. Paired with exceptional career preparation services and deep connections in the health fields, graduates are equipped with a competitive advantage in this rapidly growing field.

Upon completing the program, graduates of the program will:

  1. Have acquired a strong foundation in the biological and psychological aspects of exercise and be able to apply this knowledge when assessing fitness and prescribing exercise.
  2. Have acquired a strong foundation in sport and fitness administration and be able to apply this knowledge in an exercise business setting.
  3. Be prepared for entry level positions in careers and/or graduate programs in fields related to exercise science.

Careers in Exercise Science

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to the field of exercise science are growing at a rapid pace.

10%
Job Growth in Exercise Physiology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

19%
Job Growth for Fitness Trainers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,, the employment of fitness trainers and instructors, is expected to grow 14–19% from 2022–2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

20%
Job Growth for Strength & Conditioning Coaches

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of strength and conditioning coaches, is expected to grow 20% from 2022–2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an opportunity for students who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform full-time, high-quality research over the summer months under the guidance of an expert faculty researcher. A student in the SURE program spends 8-10 weeks of the summer collaborating with a professor - and sometimes other students - on an original research project that fits into the faculty member’s overall research program. 

The experience includes postgraduate career seminars, program-wide outings, weekly lunches, and a student poster session in the fall. SURE students generally live on campus and receive a stipend for their summer work.

Save Money: Earn Two Degrees in as Little as Four Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in as little as four years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing. Stonehill students also receive 20% off for remaining graduate tuition through the Skyhawk Rate.

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Contact Information

Eduardo Fontes

Eduardo Fontes

Assistant Professor of Health Science
efontes3@stonehill.edu
508-565-1942
Shields 204
Health Science

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