Program Overview
The bachelor’s degree in exercise science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human movement, physical fitness, sport performance, and strength & conditioning. This program prepares students for careers in the sports, fitness, and health industries. This degree equips students with the skills and expertise to thrive in the exercise science field. In addition, this program provides a foundation for advanced study in fields such as physical therapy and athletic training.
What You’ll Learn
• Ethics and decision-making
• Foundational knowledge to build upon
• Career opportunities in Exercise Science
• Applicable skills and abilities needed to advance to the next level
Why Choose This Program
Choose this program for its exceptional affordability, nationally aligned curriculum and standards, and a one of a kind environment that not only embraces sports, but genuinely celebrates the passion, teamwork, and culture that make athletics so impactful.
Who this program is for
• Career minded individuals
• Professionals seeking to advance their careers or a career change
• Aspiring coaches and trainers seeking advanced knowledge to better serve their clients
• Health professionals looking to add another career path or advancement in pay
Certification Pathway
Certification within the field of exercise science has become essential, even required for many positions. Having a certification becomes a differentiator when you are ready to apply for jobs.
The MSS in Exercise Science at USSU has created a specific selection of courses with a blend of content that will prepare a student for multiple different industry certifications. A successful student completing our courses will be prepared to sit for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, or Clinical Exercise Physiologist) and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Certified Special Population Specialist, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Performance and Sport Scientist).
Career Outlook
The Bachelor of Sports Science (BSS) in Exercise Science goes beyond a traditional exercise science degree by combining rigorous scientific coursework with hands-on training in strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, sports medicine, and performance testing. Students gain real-world experience through laboratory courses, research projects, and internships while also building leadership, communication, and sport management skills that prepare them for careers in performance, wellness, rehabilitation, and allied health professions.
Unlike many traditional programs, USSU’s curriculum is intentionally sports-focused and includes a specialized pathway, Allied Health, for graduate study in fields like physical therapy, athletic training, and other healthcare professions. Exercise Science careers include:
Personal Trainer
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Exercise Physiologist
Wellness Coach
Kinesiologist
Fitness Center Manager
Athletic Trainer
(with additional education and certification)
Physical Therapist
(with additional education and certification)
From the Director
“The BSS in Exercise Science at USSU is a great career choice for anyone seeking a career path within this field. Students in this program are treated with respect and actively engaged within each course. The curriculum in which they are exposed to will aid in their career opportunities. Students will learn from experienced faculty that have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and connections, and the classroom environment, whether online or seated, encourages success and provides proper feedback. Invest in your future wisely by choosing this program at USSU!”
Dr. Mark Deaton, Ph.D., CSCS, EIM
Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Program Director
Allied Health Track
Specialized professional degrees (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, etc..), require specific coursework and observation hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. With that in mind, USSU has created a specialized track of prerequisite courses that can be blended into the bachelor’s program of exercise science. The BSS degree provides a foundation for advanced study in fields such as physical therapy and athletic training. This new track is called Allied Health. It is beneficial for students seeking to meet the requirement for acceptance into physical therapy school or another allied health field of study. Our program stands out for its focus on preparing students for careers in exercise science through a blend of academic preparation, practical training, and industry connections.
Career Outlook
There is a growing demand for Allied Health jobs within the United States. This is driven by an increasing demand for non-nursing, non-medical, specialized services. By 2034 the growth outlook is 1.9 million openings per year; projected at +8.4% over the decade. This is due to the aging population and increased rate of chronic conditions (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026; Matcha-health.com, 2025). The following careers are according to www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/
| Occupational Therapist | Physical Therapist | Athletic Trainer | Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician | Exercise Physiologist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | Doctoral/professional Degree |
Master’s Degree |
Associate/Bachelor Degree | Bachelor’s Degree |
| $98,340 | $101,020 | $60,250 |
$67,260 |
$58,160 |
Affordability
We are committed to making your exercise science degree affordable as well as accessible. We offer a low per-credit-hour fee and don’t require a residency, saving you travel and related costs. You’ll have 16 weeks to complete each course in the bachelor’s of exercise science program and your books are included.
