Exercise Science

Large corporations, hospitals, colleges, small businesses, resorts and hotels are incorporating more health promotion services than ever before. The exercise science (ES) major at North Dakota State University prepares students to meet this growing demand. The exercise science major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This curriculum covers the knowledge, skills and abilities expected of an ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist.

Exercise Science Major

The ES major is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in any of the four health-fitness settings: commercial, community, corporate or clinical. Completion of the ES major may act as a stepping stone to prepare the exceptional student for graduate education in exercise physiology/science, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, sports nutrition, sports medicine, biomechanics or other allied health disciplines.

The ES major includes everything from the study of physical activity and the associated acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from it, to health-fitness business management principles found in facilities worldwide. Students are strongly encouraged to select a minor in business or other appropriate area depending on their interests. Several field experience courses during the four-year program, as well as a capstone experience involving a semester-long internship required at the end of the ES major, afford students the opportunity to select an area of specialization in the field at sites available throughout the country.

Career Options

The following list is not all-inclusive, but does identify some of the most common career and job opportunities in the four health-fitness settings.  Exercise science graduates from NDSU (approximately 30 to 40 per year) are employed in these different settings across the country, especially in metropolitan areas. Approximately 30 percent of our graduates continue on to graduate school or medical school, and about 20 percent are hired on at their internship site.

Commercial Setting – The greatest proportion of jobs can be found in for-profit, commercially run health-fitness facilities. The commercial environment is for someone interested in the marketing and sales of health-fitness services and products. This is also a good place for broad exposure to management in the health-fitness industry.

Community Setting – Many organizations and agencies serve clients in community settings, including voluntary, not-for-profit entities, as well as public parks and recreation agencies, schools and universities, hotels, country clubs and residential health-fitness developments. Many community-based facilities and programs offer exposure to health-fitness programming coupled with a social and recreational focus.

Corporate Setting – In-house health-fitness facilities and services found in large and small-scale businesses are expanding rapidly. The objectives of these facilities may include reductions in employee absenteeism, turnover rates and health care costs, while improving employee wellness, morale and enthusiasm in the workplace.

Clinical Setting – Hospital-based health-fitness facilities can be found in one out of every four hospitals, with a forecasted growth to almost one out of every two hospitals expected within the next decade. Most of these facilities are closely associated with outpatient services, such as physical therapy, sports medicine and cardiac rehabilitation, and frequently provide both types of programs in the same facility.

With an undergraduate degree and no experience, a starting salary averages $38,000 to $48,000 per year. However, the starting salary for health-fitness professionals is difficult to predict because of such factors as experience, geographic location, employment setting and market demand. It also may depend on licensure and certification. An advanced degree may pay more.

Pre-Professional and Professional Tracks

Admission to the pre-professional emphasis in ES occurs when the student applies to NDSU and declares an ES major. The pre-professional emphasis encompasses the first three semesters; transfer students are placed in the pre-professional emphasis upon acceptance. Entrance into the professional emphasis occurs through application at the end of the first semester of sophomore year or as transfer students complete the requirements below. The following requirements must be met before beginning the professional course of study:

1. Successful completion of courses with a grade of B or better:
   1. BIOL 220/220 L
   2. CHEM 121/121L
   3. HNES 170
   4. MATH 103,104 or higher
2. Minimum grade point average of 3.0
3. Completion of application to professional emphasis

Application guidelines are provided during classes (HNES 170) and advising sessions, and are also available on the department website.

High School Preparation

While in high school, a student should choose courses that provide a solid background in science, mathematics, business and communication. Individual commitment to lifetime fitness and personal health and well‑being is very important. Volunteer work at a health-fitness facility and participation in local health fairs may provide valuable experiences in health-fitness programming.

Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.