The Exercise Science program at Missouri Baptist University is designed to provide students with a strong evidence-based science foundation that emphasizes preparation for further specialized graduate study or direct entrance into a related career. Opportunities include: pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, pre-chiropractic, corporate wellness, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and many others.
CoAES/CAAHEP Accreditation Statement
All necessary accreditation standards mandated by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) were met by Missouri Baptist University in the fall of 2008. The exercise science program was subsequently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the summer of 2009. Continuing accreditation standards were met in the Fall of 2014 and again in the Fall of 2019. The program has received continuing accreditation through 2030. It is the only program in the state of Missouri to have earned this accreditation and acclaim.
As an accredited program, the following goal defining minimum expectations are maintained: “To prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains.”
2023-2024 Exercise Science Retention Rate: 97%
2023-2024 Graduation Rate: 100%
2023-2024 Positive Placement Rate: 85%
For more information regarding program outcomes, please contact the exercise science program coordinator or the Health and Sport Sciences division chair.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Health and Fitness Assessment
- Exercise Prescription and Implementation
- Exercise Counseling and Behavioral Strategies
- Legal/Professional
- Management
Possible Careers
Possible Job Titles in Exercise Science
- *Athletic Trainer
- *Cardiac Rehabilitation
- *Chiropractor
- Corporate Wellness
- Exercise Physiologist
- Health Fitness Instructor
- Adaptive Fitness Instructor
- Fitness Entrepreneur
- *Occupational Therapist
- *Physical Therapist
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Specialist
* denotes professional program required
Exercise Science Minor Requirement
EXERCISE SCIENCE MINOR
EXSC 113 Introduction to Exercise Science
EXSC 313 Exercise Physiology I
EXSC 321+323 Exercise Physiology II and Lab
EXSC 343 Motor Learning
EXSC 363 Adapted Physical Education
EXSC 411+413 Exercise Testing and Prescription and lab
Total Hours: 20
Exercise Science Bachelor’s Requirements
EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR
With Minors in Health Science and Physical Education
Required Natural Sciences for General Education and Degree Requirements:
BIOL 103+101 Introduction to Biology 1
BIOL 213+211 Anatomy and Physiology I 2 , 3
CHEM 113+111 Introduction to Chemistry4
CHEM 123+121 Survey of Organic and Biochemistry 2
1Satisfies general education requirement in biology
2Satisfies 1 of 2 additional sciences required for BS degree
3A grade of C or better is required for minors
4Satisfies general education requirement in chemistry or physical
science
NOTE: A grade of C or better is also required in KHSC 333 Health and Wellness for the minor in Health Science.
Major Requirements:
Required Biology (BIOL) courses:
BIOL 223+221 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIOL 303 Nutrition Science 3
Required Exercise Science (EXSC) courses:
EXSC 113 Introduction to Exercise Science 3
EXSC 233 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries/Illnesses 3
EXSC 313 Exercise Physiology I 3
EXSC 321 Exercise Physiology II Lab 1
EXSC 323 Exercise Physiology II Lecture 3
EXSC 343 Motor Learning and Control 3
EXSC 363 Adapted Physical Activity 3
EXSC 411 Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab 1
EXSC 413 Exercise Testing and Prescription 3
EXSC 433 Biomechanics 3
EXSC 443 Exercise Physiology Laboratory Experience 3
EXSC 453/5531 Fitness Management 3
EXSC 463 Senior Seminar 3
EXSC 476 Internship in Exercise Science 6
EXSC 483/5831 Principles of Human Performance 3
Required Health Science (KHSC) courses:
KHSC 413/5231 Chronic Diseases and Obesity 3
Total Hours: 60
Sample Four-Year Plan
View a sample four-year plan for Exercise Science.
Other Degree Programs
Missouri Baptist University offers a comprehensive exercise science degree that prepares students for diverse career opportunities in fitness and health. For those interested in exploring related fields, alternative degree options include kinesiology and sports management, both providing valuable skills for a career in physical wellness and athletic performance. Learn more here: