Exercise Science
Turn your passion for movement and health into a hands‑on, career‑ready degree.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science at UW‑Superior prepares students with a strong scientific and applied foundation in human movement, fitness and health. Designed for students interested in allied health, fitness and graduate-level study, this flexible, high‑impact program emphasizes hands‑on learning, professional preparation and academic rigor.
Offered on campus and fully online, the program’s structure allows students to individualize their academic path through additional minors, certificates, fieldwork, or preparation for graduate school.
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Apply to the Exercise Science program at UW–Superior and take the next step toward a career in
What You’ll Learn
The flexible degree structure allows you to add on minors, certificates and additional coursework to tailor your education toward your interests and career goals.
You’ll gain practical skills in:
- Human structure and function
- Exercise physiology and kinesiology
- Sports medicine and injury prevention
- Health and exercise testing
- Exercise prescription for diverse populations
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation
- Nutrition, health coaching, and leadership
- Research methods and practicum experience
Learning takes place in the Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory, a multifunctional lab designed to mirror clinical, fitness, and research settings and the Marcovich Wellness Center.
Sample Four-Year Pathway
View a sample four-year pathway for the Exercise Science major to see how courses may be organized from your first year through graduation.
Why Choose Exercise Science at UW-Superior?
Flexible, Customizable Degree Path
Customize your Exercise Science degree with a minor, certificates and fieldwork aligned with your career goals.
Hands‑On, Real‑World Learning
Gain practical, career‑ready skills through labs, practicums and experiential learning throughout the curriculum.
Professional‑Level Facilities
Learn in the Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory, a multifunctional space designed to reflect clinical, fitness and research environments.
Strong Career and Graduate School Preparation
Prepare for in‑demand careers or graduate study in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training and other allied health professions.
Extensive Fieldwork and Community Partnerships
Apply classroom learning through fieldwork opportunities with UW‑Superior Athletics or regional healthcare, fitness and allied health organizations.
On‑Campus and Fully Online Options
Complete the Exercise Science major fully online or on campus to fit your schedule, lifestyle and learning preferences.
Real-World Experience Built In
Hands‑on learning is a cornerstone of the Exercise Science degree. Students gain real‑world experience through labs, practicum experiences and optional fieldwork placements completed either through their minor or elective credits.
Fieldwork and experiential learning opportunities include:
- On‑campus placements with UW‑Superior Athletics, including strength and conditioning support
- Community‑based experiences with regional organizations such as:
- Essentia Health
- Aspirus / St. Luke’s
- YMCA
- Local and regional fitness facilities
- Allied health clinic settings, including:
- Physical therapy
- Athletic training
- Chiropractic care
- Occupational therapy
Faculty regularly collaborate with community health organizations to ensure coursework, equipment and lab experiences reflect current professional and clinical standards.
Career Opportunities
The exercise science field continues to expand nationwide in response to growing needs in health, fitness, rehabilitation and preventive care. Employment demand for exercise science professionals is strong, with projected national growth of 10–14% across related health fields. Regional growth in Wisconsin and Minnesota exceeds 13–18%, reflecting robust workforce demand.
Graduates of the Exercise Science program are well-prepared for careers in:
- Exercise physiology
- Strength and conditioning
- Health coaching and wellness programming
- Corporate and community fitness
- Clinical and allied health support roles
The program also provides strong preparation for graduate and professional programs, including:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Exercise Physiology
- Other allied health and health science fields
Strong Industry & Community Connections
Students benefit from partnerships with regional employers and organizations, including:
- Duluth Huskies (baseball)
- Minnesota Wilderness (hockey)
- Duluth FC (soccer)
- Duluth Harbor Monsters (football)
- YMCA, parks and recreation departments, and youth sport organizations
For students interested in outdoor recreation and adventure tourism, UW-Superior’s location near the Apostle Islands, Boundary Waters, and regional state parks provides unmatched opportunities. Partnerships with organizations like Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, Duluth Climbing Coalition, and the Superior Hiking Trail Association support learning in outdoor leadership, conservation, and tourism.
Overview
UW-Superior’s exercise science program provides the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a successful career in clinical exercise physiology, health and fitness fields. The program also lays the groundwork for entrance into graduate school for careers in exercise physiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant and many other allied health careers. This program equips graduates to promote human health and performance in a variety of career paths. Exercise science is one of several concentrations students are able to choose from while pursuing their degree in physical education.
What You’ll Learn
Program coursework provides basic and advanced knowledge of the structure and function of the human body as well as applied areas such as exercise physiology, pathophysiology, kinesiology and motor learning. Hands-on experiential learning is woven into coursework to enrich students’ knowledge of research methods, leadership skills, and assessment. You will graduate with a holistic understanding of wellness as you study the intersection of science and human performance. Courses within this program include:
- Basic and applied sciences
- Nutrition
- Exercise physiology
- Electrocardiography
- Exercise assessment/testing and prescription
Unique Opportunities
- Students are encouraged to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities such as internships and Academic Service-Learning. We recommend students earn NCCA-approved certifications and training from accredited organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), among others.
- Exercise Science majors can double major and also receive a degree in health promotion and wellness. An internship that aligns with career goals is required.
- The Health and Human Performance Department houses the Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory, a multifunctional exercise physiology lab where students learn and perform research and practice techniques related to their coursework and career goals.
- Students will collaborate with their major advisor and an instructor to synthesize the theories, concepts, and skill competencies they have learned into a formal capstone project. This capstone demonstrates each student’s ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world experiences and solidifies their readiness for a career in exercise science.
The professors are all very knowledgeable in the subjects they specialize in, and they do a great job of providing different ways of learning the material. Also, there are a lot of hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program.
My experience with the Exercise Science program has been nothing short of wonderful. All of the faculty and staff are ready and willing to help you through the entire process and want you to succeed in your goals. I had a plan in my head of what I would like to do moving forward in life and with the help of the professors and advisors I have been able to choose the right path with my Exercise Science major and Sport Management minor.
Outcomes
The exercise science major leads to many health-related professional positions. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require additional graduate work:
- Exercise Physiology*
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation*
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation*
- Sports Nutrition
- Physician’s Assistant *
- Physician *
- Physical Therapy *
- Occupational Therapy *
- Personal Trainer
- Health and Fitness Educator
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Athletic Coach
- Wellness Director
- Clinical Research Scientist *
- Sports Psychologist *
Typical exercise science work activities include:
- Educating individuals and organizations about exercise and lifestyle modification to control disease and illness
- Studying acute and chronic physiological adaptation to physical activity
- Studying physiological adaptations to aging
- Helping athletes develop programs to enhance their level of performance
- Conducting exercise programs for health maintenance
- Providing health and fitness evaluation
- Designing personalized exercise prescriptions for individuals or groups
- Offering exercise programming for seniors
- Assisting or leading rehabilitation in cardiovascular, pulmonary or orthopedic settings
Employment settings include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Medically supervised fitness centers
- Sports complexes
- School systems
- Public health facilities
- Workplace wellness centers
- Government agencies
- Athletic programs
- Country clubs and resorts
- Centers for Disease Control
Apply or Get Started Today
Applying to UW-Superior is easy and free for undergraduate students. Once your application is submitted, you’ll hear from us within just a few days. We’re here to help you every step of the way with any questions you may have, so why wait? Start your application today.
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