Exercise Science (BS)
Take the lead in the world of exercise
Get ready to take your love for sports to new heights as you explore the fascinating world of exercise, nutrition, and psychology’s influence on the human body. At Mary Baldwin, we believe in an engaging curriculum that not only helps you understand the science behind physical well-being but also prepares you for a future filled with endless possibilities.
- Time to finish
- 4 years
- Format
- In person
- Degree(s)
- Bachelor of Science
- Minors
- Exercise and Sports Management,
Exercise and Sports Coaching, Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Science Communication
Next steps
What can I do with an exercise science degree from Mary Baldwin?
The field of exercise science is booming in the United States, offering a wide range of exciting career paths. Whether you’re interested in pursuing advanced degrees in health and medicine, becoming a professional or collegiate strength and conditioning specialist, a clinical exercise physiologist, or a health and human performance trainer, Mary Baldwin University’s exercise science program has got you covered. We also offer companion minors such as exercise and sports management and science communication to enhance your degree. Our curriculum is designed to be innovative and hands-on, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and providing opportunities for internships.
In addition, exercise science students can receive certifications through either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Features & Benefits
- Gain professional experience across two internships totaling 250 hours.
- Gain first-hand experience of research in the lab.
- Present at regional and national conferences.
Next steps
“Mary Baldwin’s exercise science program helped to prepare me in my academic pursuit of a doctorate in physical therapy. This program provided me with a foundational knowledge of exercise physiology and functional movements of the human body.”
Paula White, MBU Class of 2022Class of 2025 Graduate Physical Therapy Program
Courses and Curriculum
Our expert professors designed this curriculum based on their experiences across multiple institutions and workplace settings. Our equipment is leading edge in the state of Virginia.
Courses like Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Advanced Exercise Physiology delve deep into the science of the human body and involve a lot of time in the lab developing knowledge, skill, and abilities. Advanced Exercise Physiology in particular puts students in the midst of being both test subject and researcher. We complete projects as a team, build posters, and even take the posters to our regional conference for the American College of Sports Medicine.
Sample courses
Introduces you to the structure and function of the human body, physiological research, and clinical practices. Begins with a study of cellular structure and processes, which is then related to the structure and function of different tissue types within the human musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems. You’ll use human models, skeletons, histological slides, and dissection to observe cells, tissues and body systems. Lecture and lab.
Introduces concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement with a focus on exercise, sports, and physical activity. Gain an understanding of the mechanical principles that govern human motion, and develop the ability to link the structure of the human body with its function from a mechanical perspective
Addresses the principles and science of human nutrition and its relationship to an individual’s health. Emphasizes interactions between nutrients and physiological processes in the human biological system.
Unique student support
The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.
- Cost per credit hour: $486
- Credits required for a bachelor’s degree: 120