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.
Ready to get started?
Apply to the Exercise Science program at UW–Superior and take the next step toward a career in exercise physiology, health and wellness coaching and physical therapy.
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 Marcovich Wellness Center and the Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory, a multifunctional lab designed to mirror clinical, fitness and research settings.
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:
The program also provides strong preparation for graduate and professional programs, including:
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.
Every professor I’ve had has been amazing. They’ve helped me with classes, internships, job shadowing opportunities and letters of recommendation. They genuinely want you to succeed.
My experience in the Exercise Science program has been incredible. The faculty and staff are always ready to help and truly want you to succeed. With their guidance, I’ve been able to turn my goals into a clear path through my major and Sport Management minor.
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.
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.
Interested in Graduate Programs?
Visit our graduate programs page to find the program that’s right for you.
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