Program Details

• Major Name: Exercise Physiology
• Degree Program: Arts and Sciences
• Degree Designation: AS
• College / School: STEM

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Arts and Sciences with a major in Exercise Physiology is the first two years of the Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Exercise Physiology. The major is designed to transfer into the BS program on the Morgantown campus, but it can also be used to transfer into other bachelor programs at other institutions. The BS program on the Morgantown campus meets the knowledge, skill, and aptitude (KSA) requirements for students to be eligible to take the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness National Examination and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Examination.

Two tracks are available: general and health professions. The general track is for those interested in becoming a personal trainer or entering the workforce after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, or for those planning to apply to a Physical Therapy graduate program. The health professions track is for those planning to apply to medical, dental, or other health professional graduate programs besides a physical therapy program.

Graduation Requirements

The AS program includes courses in science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise physiology. To earn an AS degree in Arts and Sciences with a major in Exercise Physiology, a student must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of required and elective course work.

Career Outcomes

Exercise Physiology has been the degree of choice for students planning to apply to a physical therapy program, and it is now becoming a common pathway for students planning to apply to medical schools, physician assistant programs, and other graduate and professional schools.

Upon completion of a BS degree in Exercise Physiology, graduates can begin careers as an exercise physiologist, a personal trainer, a wellness coordinator, a strength and conditioning coach, a clinical research assistant, or other related jobs.