Exercise and Sports Science Bachelor’s Degree
Degree: BS
Locations: Rhode Island
Internship: Required, 6 credits
Credits: 121
Flex Your Future: Dive into Exercise Science
Are you fascinated by the human body? Like how it recovers from injuries, or how nutrition, psychology, and exercise come together holistically for health? Do you dream of making a significant impact on people’s lives through your work? If so, the Exercise and Sports Science program at JWU Providence is your perfect fit. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of careers, from recreational therapist to exercise physiologist, medical program coordinator, athletic trainer and beyond.
The Exercise and Sports Science program stands out with its emphasis on holistic education and practical application. You’ll learn about the role of movement and exercise in maintaining a healthy life, performing various health, fitness, and performance assessments that are crucial for your future career.
The courses in our program can help prepare you for additional certifications like Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP), giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Prepare for Grad School
By taking specific electives that fulfill prerequisites, Exercise and Sports Science can help prepare you for a range of grad programs, including JWU’s physician assistant studies (MSPAS), physical therapy (DPT) and occupational therapy (OTD) programs, as well as medical or dental school. Explore options within JWU or outside options via articulations, including JWU’s agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).
Why Study Exercise and Sports Science at JWU?
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on, experiential education is at the heart of our Exercise and Sports Science program. Students gain practical skills in our two new labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing for firsthand clinical practice and groundbreaking research. You’ll assist faculty with evaluating our varsity athletics teams, helping student-athletes reach peak performance, with the same technology used by Olympic athletes.
What You Can Expect:
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention.
- Extensive hands-on experience in classes and internships.
- Collaborate with faculty on research projects to further enhance your skills.
- Multiple classes prepare you for certifications like CSCS and C-EP.
Note: Admissions is contingent upon you meeting the technical standards for this program.
Build Skills in the Exercise Science Lab
“ It’s great to have access to this new sports science lab, both as a student and as an athlete, because we get a chance to use some of the industry’s leading equipment and get trained on what we’ll be using in the field.”
–Will Hughes, ’23
Exercise & Sports Science Hub
The Exercise & Sports Science Hub offers two lab spaces with state-of-the-art equipment to study body performance and conduct clinical research.
Exercise Science Lab
The Exercise Science Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the BOD POD® for body composition analysis, advanced ECG machines for heart health monitoring and cutting-edge metabolic carts for measuring oxygen and energy use.
Human Performance Lab
Located inside the Exercise Science Lab, this space helps athletes develop strength, speed, flexibility, balance and power. It features Olympic-sized platforms, a MEGA power rack, dumbbells, FMS devices for injury risk assessment and a Biodex isokinetic tester for predicting rotator cuff or hamstring injuries.
Sample Courses
- Exercise Assessment & Prescription and Lab
- Human Performance & Lab
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology & Lab
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Lab
- Exercise Physiology
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to several options like internships, minors or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits. View the full JMU Catalog course listing below.
Career Possibilities
- Athletic Trainer
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Performance Coach
- Fitness/Wellness Consultant
- Personal Trainer
- Exercise Physiologist
Immersive Learning in Exercise Science
“We have state-of-the-art equipment in classrooms, as well as expert professors and mentors leading the program. Most importantly, being able to learn and try things together as a class boosts interest in wanting to learn. This program has allowed me to find my preference of industry and I am eager to continue this amazing path!”
Gabriel Cruz Ramirez ’25
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
LECOM Agreement Creates Pathway to Osteopathy, PharmD, Podiatry & Dentistry Programs
If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in osteopathy, pharmacy, podiatry or dentistry, JWU has recently signed an affiliation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) outlining an enrollment pathway for LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program (EAP).
Explore JWU’s Agreement with LECOM
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