Exercise Science Major | Houghton University

Gain hands-on laboratory training and first-hand clinical experience in a Christ-centered environment.

Whether you're passionate about athletics, fitness training, or sports ministry, Houghton’s major in exercise science allows you to combine your passion with valuable training in physical therapy and exercise physiology. You'll have plenty hands-on opportunities through the university's participation in NCAA Division III Athletics.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS

Degree Tracks: Graduate, Applied

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Houghton athletes working out in gym using bands and weights.

Through Houghton’s degree in Exercise Science you will:

Gain an in depth understanding of injury and illness prevention
Discover how diet and conditioning can affect the body
Become knowledgeable about the many facets of the human body, from bones and muscles to skin and tissue
Apply critical analysis and hands-on experiences to evaluate health concerns and fitness-related injuries
Engage in knowledgeable and respectful discussions on policies and procedures. This includes the particular challenges and opportunities of rural and age-appropriate approaches to exercise science
Engage in rigorous coursework in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and first-aid certification
Gain hands-on field experience in a variety of clinical settings

Why study Exercise Science at Houghton?

Firsthand Clinical Experience

Houghton’s participation in NCAA Division III Athletics and its location in the underserved region of Allegany County in Western NY provides you with ample opportunities for hands-on laboratory training and firsthand clinical experience. Explore the challenges and opportunities of rural approaches to exercise science from a Christ-centered perspective.

Graduate with Certifications

Choose to be certified in multiple areas through recognized leaders in the industry. Many of the certifications are integrated into the coursework. Certifications may require additional training and certification exams.

Learn more about available certifications

Plan Ahead for Your Postgraduate Studies

Houghton University has collaborative agreements with D'Youville University and Messiah University for a select group of students to gain entry to Doctorate and Master programs upon graduation from Houghton.

Learn more about these partnerships

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

EXS 347 Kinesiology

Study of how the human body moves. Take a close look at the musculoskeletal system, anatomy and physiology. Learn special tests, manual muscle testing and how to most efficiently decrease pain and optimize strength.

EXS 345 Exercise Physiology

Learn the physiological changes that happen during movement and exercise and how to optimize the outcome.

BIOL 355 Introduction to Neurobiology

Explore neurobiology through the study of action potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor transduction, and anatomy. You’ll gain a further understanding of human development, memory, learning, aging and disease.