Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The exercise science major enables students to explore the many links between exercise, fitness, sport performance, and health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for careers in Exercise Science look to be faster to much faster than average through the period of 2016-2026.

Exercise Science students work one-on-one with a fellow student, teaching them proper fitness skills.Graduates in exercise science will have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective fitness programs in a variety of settings for a variety of populations, formulate strength and conditioning programs for athletes.

Additionally, graduates will be prepared for graduate programs in areas such as athletic training, physical therapy, clinical exercise physiology, chiropractic medicine, and strength and conditioning.

Exercise science majors gain a considerable amount of hands-on experience through classroom activities, community-based learning, on-campus practica, and off-campus internships. The Human Performance Lab in the Alfond Center provides students with many opportunities for hands-on experience in all aspects of exercise testing. We also utilize the fitness center to gain experience in individual and group fitness training and work with sports teams on campus to apply strength and conditioning knowledge and skills.

At a Glance

  • Faculty with real-world experience in the fitness and sports performance fields
  • Human Performance Lab provides scientific and practical exploration of exercise theoryNSCA ERP Logo
  • Outstanding and flexible internship experiences and observation sites
  • Eligible to participate in the Exercise Science Club, a group that promotes fitness and health with the on-campus and off campus communities
  • Preparation for the gold standard industry certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association

New Tracks

With greater interest and projected growth in the need for athletic trainers and chiropractors, we have added 2 additional tracks to our Exercise Science major: pre-athletic training and pre-chiropractic.

Pre-Athletic Training Track

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Athletic Trainers is expected to grow 19% during the 2018-2028 time frame; this rate is considered much faster than average for all occupations. Demand for Athletic Trainers currently exists in high school and college athletics settings, with the highest area of projected growth expected with the rise of middle and older age adults’ participation in sports and recreation activities.

University of Southern Maine classic logoUndergraduate Athletic Training programs are being phased out as the new standard for sitting for the national exam for Athletic Training is a master’s degree. The vast majority of Masters in Athletic Training (MAT) programs will be entry-level, meaning it is designed for students from undergraduate programs other than Athletic Training. The undergraduate major providing the most relevant coursework for MAT programs at present is Exercise Science. We have an articulation agreement with the University of Southern Maine's Master's in Athletic Training graduate program (scroll down the page for more information).

Pre-Chiropractic Track

Given the aging population and their need for treatment relating to neuromusculoskeletal and joint problems, as well as their desire to lead longer and more active lives, there will be greater opportunities for chiropractors. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of chiropractors is expected to grow 7% during the 2018-2028 time frame; this rate is considered faster than average for all occupations.

Northeast College of Health Sciences logo, formerly New York Chiropractic CollegeThe Exercise Science/Pre-Chiropractic track, with its emphasis on movement and science, prepares students for Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) graduate programs. We have an articulation agreement with Northeast College of Health Sciences (scroll down the page for more information).

Curriculum

There are five tracks available for exercise science majors.

*Note: these tracks will also help prepare students for other advanced degree programs, such as exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation.

Exercise Science Minor

minor in exercise science is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

Graduate School agreements

Exercise Science/Pre-Athletic Training

We have an articulation agreement with the University of Southern Maine, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of “B” or better in pre-requisite courses and who apply by February 1st of senior year at Saint Joe’s would receive admission to USM's Master of Science in Athletic Training.

All Exercise Science Programs

We have an articulation agreement with Merrimack College, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the appropriate prerequisite course requirements would receive admission to Merrimack's Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science. Furthermore, students would qualify for various levels of fellowship funding depending on their overall GPA.

Exercise Science/Pre-Chiropractic

We have an articulation agreement with Northeast College of Health Sciences, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of “C” or better in pre-requisite courses and who signed a letter of intent during their first two years at Saint Joe’s would receive admission to NCHS. Furthermore, students would qualify for various levels of fellowship funding depending on their overall GPA.

Other articulation agreements

Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

We have an articulation agreement with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, whereby students at Saint Joe’s who earn a grade of “B” or better in pre-requisite courses and who apply by the end of April of senior year at Saint Joe’s would be eligible to complete UMPI's Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant program in one year.

Some of our faculty

Dawn Strout
Dawn StroutAssistant Professor of Exercise Science
M.Ed. University of Maine Orono
B.S., University of Maine Orono
Dr. Karen Croteau
Dr. Karen CroteauProfessor of Sport and Exercise Science
EdD, Boston University
MEd, McNeese State University
BS, Bridgewater State College
Chris Willer
Chris WillerChair, Assistant Professor, Sport & Exercise Science
MSEd, Saint Joseph’s College (Maine)
BS, Saint Joseph’s College (Maine)

Faculty Research

Tara Whiton, Sport Physiologist, exercise science facultyDr. Tara Whiton, PhD is a Sport Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and researcher on women’s health issues. Her latest research has centered around prescription medications for mood and anxiety disorders in women of childbearing age (pregnant or non-pregnant).

Student stories

Andrew Shea ’23
Andrew Shea ’23Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy track

“The class sizes have been incredibly beneficial during my time here. What started as a 30 person class has continued to drop in the amount of students as I have gotten more particular about what it is I’m studying, giving me the opportunity to work closely with other students as well as my professors.

It’s very rewarding to take a class like Care Prevention with Tiffany Miller - Gagnon, where you can be hands-on and really experience what you’ll be doing once you graduate. The feeling I get when helping others is why I’m pursuing this career. Anything I can do to make someone's day better, I’ll do.”

Alumni stories

Ross Hardaway ’11
Ross Hardaway ’11Redefining the Fitness Business
Ross’ business has evolved from a personal training model to a focus on health coaching and wellness, which he says is new in the industry.
Jenna Chase ’11
Jenna Chase ’11Associate Director, Health & Wellness Programming
Jenna played a key part in the College earning the Maine Fitness Award for its success in improving the health & well-being of staff and faculty by providing healthier lifestyle opportunities.
Joe Schacht ’07
Joe Schacht ’07Fit for Business
Joe, a fitness facility entrepreneur, credits an internship he completed as an undergrad with acting as a bridge to his current business.

Career moves

A degree in exercise science can lead to a promising career in fitness, strength and conditioning, athletic training, physical therapy, and much more.