Earn your BS in Exercise Science

Are you drawn to exercise, performance enhancement, sports medicine or exercise rehabilitation? With a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, you will learn about the biomechanical, physiological, and psychological effects of exercise and how to help individuals improve their health, fitness, and performance.

Create your academic path

You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.

Current course list

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

Why choose exercise science at Iowa?

  • Well-rounded curriculum, focused on learning how to help people from all backgrounds improve their health and fitness
  • Opportunities to get hands-on experience in two upper-level lab courses
  • Experiential learning through practicums and internships

Expand your career opportunities after graduation

An exercise science major opens up diverse career paths in fitness, health care, research, and wellness, including roles like personal trainer, exercise physiologist, and wellness coach.

Combine with a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) or ACSM Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification to compete for jobs immediately after graduating

Pair with a graduate degree to prepare for your future in one of many fields:

  • Masters in Athletic Training (MAT - 5 year accelerated program option)
  • Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP - 5 year accelerated program option)
  • Masters of Science (MS)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT)

Courses you can take in this major

  • HHP:2350 Biomechanics
  • HHP:4310 Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • HHP:3045 Physical Activity Psychology
  • HHP:3400 Applied Exercise Physiology (with lab)
  • HHP:4200 Exercise Testing and Prescriptions (with lab)

Alumni spotlights

Emon Collazo

Emon Collazo

Title/Position
BA in Health and Human Physiology (Health Promotion), 2018
Emon Collazo is a 2018 graduate with a BA in Health Promotion and is now employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Representative.
Portrait of Amber Simone Francis

Amber Simone Francis

Title/Position
BA in Health and Human Physiology (Health Promotion), 2019
Amber Simone Francis graduated in the Spring of 2019 with a BA in Health & Human Physiology (Health Promotion) and currently works in Des Moines as a Health Educator with Planned Parenthood North Central States.
Karlen Lamp

Karlen Lamp

Title/Position
BA in Health and Human Physiology (Health Promotion), 2019
Karlen Lamp graduated in 2019 with a BA Health and Human Physiology (Health Promotion) and is now working as a Business Development Manager for Midwest Cardiovascular Institute in Chicago.

Reach out to learn more about this major

Brown Photo

Matthew Brown

Title/Position
Senior Academic Advisor
Headshot of Lucas Carr

Lucas Carr

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Director of Undergraduate Studies - Exercise Science, Health Promotion, & Health Studies
Director, Community Health Collaborative
HHP Staff Photo

Joe Cilek

Title/Position
Academic Success Administrator
Portrait of Clay Peterson

Clay Peterson

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction