The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science explores the interrelationships among lifestyle, physical activity and health, and the science of improving human performance.

Opportunities exist for students to establish personal programs of exercise, weight control, nutrition, stress management and substance abuse avoidance. Disease prevention and quality of life are components of many of the course offerings. Selecting courses in Exercise Science can be especially meaningful to students entering a health-related career, with the current emphasis placed on health promotion and disease prevention within the health care delivery system.

The Exercise Science major allows students opportunities for practicum, research, and laboratory experiences. The major prepares graduates for positions in the field and for competitive graduate degree programs.    

Requirements for the B.S. degree with a major in Exercise Science

Students pursuing a degree in Exercise Science must complete a minimum of 123 credits, including the following requirements.

1. General Education Requirements

In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their General Education courses. 

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundation, Exploration, Integration, Writing, U.S. Diversity and Capstone. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.

2. Complete the Exercise Science Core Courses

• course Biology I (4)

• course Human Anatomy (4)

• course Human Anatomy Laboratory (1)

  or course Physiology Laboratory (1)

• course Human Physiology (4)

• course General Chemistry I (4)* and course General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

• course Exercise (Strength Training) and Health Enhancement (2)

  or course Cardiovascular Fitness Training (2)

• course Introduction to Exercise Science (2)

• course Nutrition for Exercise, Sport and Health (3)

  or course Human Nutrition and Health (3) and course Sports Nutrition (3) 

• course Safety and First Aid in Exercise Settings (2)

• course Exercise Physiology (3)

• course Biomechanics (3)

• course Motor Control (3)

• course Assessment and Interventions Laboratory (3)

• course Integrated Laboratory in Exercise Science (3)*

• course Practicum in Exercise Science (3)

  or course Directed Research (3)

• course Introduction to Health and Health Behaviors (3)* and course Introduction to Health and Health Behaviors Lab (1)*

• course Precalculus (4)

  or course Calculus I (4)

  or course College Algebra (4) and course Trigonometry (3)

• course General Physics I (4)*

  or course Introductory Physics I (4)

• course General Physics Lab I (1)

• course Introduction to Psychology (4)

• course Research Design in Psychology (4)

• course Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Reasoning (4)*

*Indicates courses that fulfill General Education Requirements.

3. Complete the Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration, Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies concentration, or electives to meet a minimum of 123 credits. Students are encouraged to complete a minor to contribute to the elective requirements.

Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration

Required Courses

• course Cardiovascular Fitness Training (2)

• course Exercise Physiology (3)

• course Assessment and Interventions Laboratory (3)

• course Introduction to Personal Training (2)

• course Advanced Personal Training (2)

• course Human Performance Enhancement (2)

• course Exercise Electrocardiography (2)

• course Corporate and Worksite Wellness Programs (2)

Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies Concentration

Required Courses

• course Medical Terminology (1)

• course Clinical Assessments (3)

• course Material Characteristics (2)

• course Patient & Practice Management (1)

• course Fit, Function and Modifications (3)

• course Neuropathic Disorders (1)

• course Spinal Orthotics (2)

• course Upper Extremity Orthotics (2)

• course Lower Extremity Orthotics (3)

• course Upper Extremity Prosthetics (2)

• course Lower Extremity Prosthetics (3)

Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

Required Courses

• course Medical Terminology (1)

• course Human Pathology (4)

• course General Chemistry II (4) and course General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

• course General Physics II (4)

  or course Introductory Physics II (4)

• course General Physics Lab II (1)

• course Introduction to Life-Span Developmental Psychology (4)

• course Physical Therapy as a Profession (2)

• Open Elective (to total 1 credit)

• EXS electives (4 credits)

Complete a minimum of 13 credit hours of electives

Electives can be chosen either from the following recommended courses or any course not required for the Exercise Science degree or used to fulfill General Education requirements (electives not required for students completing one of the above concentrations).

• course Exercise (Strength Training) and Health Enhancement (2)

• course Cardiovascular Fitness Training (2)

• course Exercise (Judo) and Health Enhancement (2)

• course Group Exercise Instruction I (2)

• course Group Exercise Instruction II (2)

• course Exercise Physiology Laboratory (1)

• course Clinical Assessments (3)

• course Material Characteristics (2)

• course Patient & Practice Management (1)

• course Fit, Function and Modifications (3)

• course Neuropathic Disorders (1)

• course Introduction to Personal Training (2)

• course Advanced Personal Training (2)

• course Physical Activity and Aging (2)

• course Children and Exercise (2)

• course Human Performance Enhancement (2)

• course Obesity and Physical Activity (2)

• course Healthy Lifestyle Choices (2)

• course Spinal Orthotics (2)

• course Upper Extremity Orthotics (2)

• course Lower Extremity Orthotics (3)

• course Upper Extremity Prosthetics (2)

• course Lower Extremity Prosthetics (3)

• course Health and Disease (2)

• course Clinical Biomechanics (2)

• course Basic Athletic Training (2)

• course Exercise Electrocardiography (2)

• course Yoga Therapy (3)

• course Corporate and Worksite Wellness Programs (2)

• course Exercise Endocrinology (2)

• course Physical Activity Epidemiology (2)

• course Muscle Physiology (2)

• course Special Topics (1 TO 4)

• course Independent Study (1 TO 4)

• course Apprentice College Teaching (1 TO 3)

Applicable Minors

All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, Exercise Science, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.