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Health and Exercise Science B.S.

Explore the fields of academic, clinical and corporate sport, health, and fitness.
Student researchers take measurements while research subject is on a treadmill.

About this Program

In exercise science, you’ll examine the physiological, mechanical, and psychological aspects of physical activity, sport, and health-related behaviors. Explore the different facets of human performance, including human physiology, anatomy, metabolic and muscular systems, and research and testing protocols. Then, use electives to jump into your unique interests—you can even minor in areas such as disability studies, sports management, nutrition, or coaching.

This degree is a great foundation for further study and professional training towards careers in athletic training, physical therapy, or clinical health, or for an advanced degree in kinesiology.

Here are a few highlights of the program:

  • Exercise science offers a natural sciences degree track suitable for all students interested in allied health and sport related professions.
  • Exercise science faculty are research leaders in their fields.
  • The B.S. offers experiential learning opportunities, including in faculty labs, professional internships, and study abroad.
  • We offer a 3+3 DPT (doctorate of Physical Therapy) program in collaboration with SUNY Upstate Medical University*

*Separate application to SUNY Upstate Medical University required.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.S.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

Exterior of Falk College.

David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Falk College academic degree programs focus on holistic health and wellbeing, human performance, and sport business enterprise. The college’s signature emphasis on experiential learning supports student success through intentional internship requirements, faculty-mentored research projects, immersion travel, and global study abroad. At every stage of their education, Falk College students engage in meaningful work to advance their disciplines and careers.
Explore the College

Curriculum

Core coursework emphasizes anatomy and physiology, human behavior, and personal health. Sample courses include:

  • Sport Psychology
  • Nutrition in Health
  • Analysis of Human Motion
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Scientific Principles of Conditioning
  • Prevention and Care of Athletic Injury

Bring your knowledge into the field for an immersive 270-hour internship experience at major area hospitals, private practices, or college and professional athletic teams. There’s no shortage of options in Syracuse, including three major hospitals within walking distance of campus, local private practice settings, research projects with faculty, and Syracuse University Athletics.

Select the degree track that best meets your goals:

  • General Health and Exercise Science: Prepare for careers in community or corporate fitness, clinical physiology, medicine, sports medicine, research, public health, and clinical health professions.
  • Pre-Physical Therapy: Prepare for graduate study in physical therapy or related areas.
  • 3+3 DPT program with SUNY Upstate Medical University: Earn a B.S. in exercise science and a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) in 6 years instead of the usual 7.

Join faculty-mentored research projects and contribute to the next scientific breakthrough. Collect and analyze data. Publish as an author or co-author on scholarly articles. Present your findings at conferences.

It all starts in our dedicated on-campus exercise science labs:

  • Cardiovascular Laboratory: Assess cardiovascular structure and function to explore the impact of exercise on emerging markers of cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Kinesmetrics Laboratory: Apply objective measurement tools to understand physical behaviors’ (sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity) consequences on health.
  • Clinical Research Laboratory: Measure cardio-metabolic risk factors—such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes—and the effects of exercise in obese populations.
  • The Hypoxia/Altitude Simulation Laboratory: Assess the role of low oxygen (hypoxia) on human physical performance using a high-altitude simulation chamber.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Experiential Learning

Get Involved on Campus

Syracuse University is home to more than 300 extracurricular groups, so you’ll never run out of ways to live and learn. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Study Abroad

Experience Exercise Science Across the World

Syracuse University Abroad consistently ranks among the highest-quality international study programs in the country. Syracuse offers short- and long-term options in more than 60 countries, including internships, community engagement projects, and language study at all levels. For example:

  • Take a 3-week research and teaching expedition to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest in Nepal, where you’ll learn how the human body responds to high altitude.
  • Take a 3-week course to Peru in South America and visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, where you'll learn about highland native populations and how the human body responds to high altitude.
  • Collaborate with local community partners in Grahamstown, South Africa, to implement and evaluate a mutually-designed health education program.
Careers

Choose Your Career Path in Exercise Science

Some graduates choose to pursue a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) program or another clinical health program. Other graduates are top candidates for advanced study in training and coaching, including certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Learn more about this program

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