Exercise Science, B.S.
Get started with a fulfilling and impactful career in athletics, exercise and fitness, wellness, rehabilitation and related health positions.
Exercise science students study the scientific aspects of human movement. The exercise science curriculum builds on a basic science foundation to expand your understanding of practical and applied issues related to the human body's response to physical activity.
Courses include the study of exercise physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology, sports nutrition, psychology of sport and physical activity and more.
Through course work and hands-on-experience, we will give you a foundation in science and the frameworks in practical and applied exercise science.
Alumni from our program are currently working for Division I athletic programs, Major League Baseball organizations, health care systems and for the United States military as trainers and educators.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Exercise Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
If you are a qualified undergraduate student interested in continuing your education through graduate study, you can easily matriculate into Lenoir-Rhyne’s Master of Science in Exercise Science program.
The curriculum prepares you for national certification with the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association or the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Through LR’s innovative Accelerated Master's Degree program and Alumni Advantage, you are able to complete your graduate degree in shorter time and at significantly less expense.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The exercise science program is housed in the McCrorie Center, LR’s state-of-the-art athletic and health curriculum facility. The 47,000 square foot center supports the allied health sciences and intercollegiate athletic programs and features the university's first on-site anatomy laboratory.
The McCrorie Center also houses the exercise physiology laboratory. You will gain extensive experience working in the laboratory, which features the latest equipment for therapy and diagnostics utilized in the field of exercise science.
Tour our FacilitiesLearning Outside the Classroom
Through a series of professional internships, exercise science majors have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working at local and regional health and fitness clubs, recreation centers, medical offices, as well as with various athletic organizations and teams – including the LR Bears.
The courses and experiences are planned to provide you with both theoretical and practical challenges. Similarly, research opportunities exist for exercise science students working with their faculty mentors.
Through partnership with LR’s Solmaz Institute, students have opportunities to investigate issues regarding nutrition, exercise, and childhood obesity.

LR professors have made earning my degree incredibly enjoyable. I love how personal my professors are and how comfortable I feel approaching them about academics or just life in general.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the exercise science program are prepared to pursue professional careers in community fitness and wellness programming, health education and promotion, personal training, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning of athletes, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and many more.
The program also furnishes you with excellent preparation for pursuing a graduate degree in exercise science or another health-related area.
Major Requirements
Exercise science students study the scientific aspects of human movement. The exercise science curriculum builds on a basic science foundation to expand your understanding of practical and applied issues related to the human body's response to physical activity.
Courses include the study of exercise physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology, sports nutrition, psychology of sport and physical activity and more. Through course work and hands-on-experience, we will give you a foundation in science and the frameworks in practical and applied exercise science.
Note
All BS Exercise Science majors must make a minimum of a C-/1.7 in all required major courses, including technical requirements. Majors who fail to make a C-/1.7 in any required course must repeat that course until the satisfactory grade has been earned.
Honors
Students majoring in Exercise Science and judged qualified by faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in HESS. (Health, Exercise Science and Sport Science). To graduate "With Honors in HESS," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5. The student must complete HES 385, HES 390, and HES 499, with a minimum grade of 3.0/B in each course. In addition, the student must present a thesis either before the faculty or at an appropriate professional conference.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Technical Requirements (19 Hours)
All courses must be met with minimum C-/1.7 grade to complete requirement.
- BIO 281 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 282 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- MAT 116 - Introduction to Statistics
- PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
Choose one of the following science courses (4 hours):
- PHY 115 - Energy, Technology and Society
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- CHE 101 - Fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry
- or
- CHE 103 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
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- CHE 103L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
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Major Requirements (32 Hours)
All courses must be met with minimum C-/1.7 grade to complete requirement.
- HES 201 - Introduction to Exercise Science
- HES 288 - Nutrition
- HES 300 - Exercise Physiology
- HES 303 - Biomechanics/Kinesiology
- HES 320 - Exercise Evaluation and Prescription
- HES 321 - Internship in Health and Exercise Science
- HES 330 - Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
- HES 385 - Research in Health Exercise and Sport Science
- HES 422 - Internship in Health and Exercise Science II
Choose six hours from the following:- HES 383 - Special Topics
- HES 408 - Critical Issues in Sport
- HES 409 - Sports Law
- HES 431 - Sports Nutrition
- HES 436 - Clinical Exercise Physiology
- HES 438 - Essentials of Strength and Conditioning
- HES 451 - Human Sexuality
- HES 452 - Global Health & Ethics
- HES 453 - Application of Theories
- Other advisor approved HES 400+-level class or EXS/MPH 500+-level class Hours: 3
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General Elective Credits
Exercise Science students must complete 28 semester hours of advisor-approved electives to achieve a minimum of 120 credit hours, including both the general education and major courses in fullfillment of the bachelor of science degree.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
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