This bachelors' degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in developing exercise and wellness programs in settings such as hospitals, wellness and rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, sports performance centers, collegiate sport facilities, government agencies, health and fitness centers, and corporations. Academic preparation focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to a variety of populations, including athletes, first responders, and individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or metabolic disease. The curriculum follows the standards of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is an accredited Exercise Science Program by The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (COAES) under The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion of this program students are able to and commonly obtain the following certifications:
- ACSM Exercise Physiology (ACSM EP-C)
- ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiology (ACSM CEP) (*with additional clinical hours)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS)
The program also contains pre-requisite coursework and serves to prepare students for graduate studies in exercise science, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy and other allied health fields including ODU's Exercise Science master's degree.
Program Highlights
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Faculty: expert teacher-researchers who take pride in both endeavors
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Laboratories: high-quality facilities with state-of-the-art research equipment
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Service Learning: All students will get opportunities to practice their skills in the community through service learning projects in the coursework
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Internships: Partial and full semester internships available in areas related to the program. Many established local and non-local partnerships provided for students. Exercise Science Interns in 2023-2024 had a successful pass rate of 100% (Preventive/Rehabilitative Track).
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Graduate school preparation: Many students go on to physical therapy, athletic training, exercise science, occupational therapy graduate programs
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Research: students are encouraged to assist with faculty research projects and to present their own research at regional and national professional associations
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Academics: in addition to Exercise Science course requirements students will choose from one of two tracks- Scientific Foundations of Exercise and Preventive/Rehabilitative Exercise
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Program Satisfaction: 95% of 2023-2024 graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with their quality of instruction in the program. 93% of the over 500 graduates over the past 5 years were satisfied or very satisfied with program instruction.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Exercise Trainers & Group Fitness Instructors
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
Exercise Physiologists
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
Students have the opportunity to apply for the Melvin H. Williams Endowed Scholarship during their Junior Year
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