Northeast’s Exercise Science Associate of Science degree prepares students for a career in the growing health and fitness industry. The program combines foundational education with hands-on practical skills to train students for roles in commercial, clinical, and corporate wellness settings. Exercise science professionals promote physical health, fitness, and overall quality of life for individuals and communities.
Students will sit for a national certification exam, and upon successful completion enter the workforce as certified personal trainers. The degree also provides a transfer path to a four-year institution for those pursuing advanced studies in exercise science, kinesiology, or related health fields.
Why Students Choose This Program
Students choose Northeast's Exercise Science program for its pathway to a four-year institution and a career in health and wellness. The program provides a strong foundation preparing students for continued education at a four-year college, or allows them to directly enter the workforce with an Associate of Science degree. Students will complete both general education courses and Exercise Science based courses, preparing them to enter a bachelor's level institution. Students will be guided by program advisors throughout their academic journey at Northeast. For students planning to transfer, it's important to work closely with academic advisors at both Northeast and the transfer institution, utilizing the Transfer Guide to make informed course selections that align with your transfer goals, ensuring a smooth transition and continued academic success.
Graduates of the Exercise Science program are prepared for a range of careers in fitness, wellness, and health promotion. Opportunities include roles in personal training, coaching, exercise physiology, fitness instruction, recreation management, wellness coordination, and community health. The program opens doors in schools, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates of the program have started their own businesses and have gone on to very successful careers.
The program offers student the flexibility to take courses in-person or to finish the entire program online. Students receive individualized attention from experienced instructors who are committed to their success. With smaller class sizes, students engage more deeply with course content and build strong connections with their peers and faculty.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
The Exercise Science program emphasizes real-world application through hands-on learning. Students gain practical skills in our on-campus fitness and recreation facilities and engage in activity-based course projects that mirror real job scenarios. Key experiences include administering body composition testing, conducting sub-maximal cardiovascular tests, designing personalized exercise programs, and leading fitness classes. Students also use advanced equipment like the "BOD POD," a cutting-edge device for body composition analysis using air displacement plethysmography, and Monark cycle ergometers for cardiovascular testing. This hands-on approach ensures students are well-prepared for careers in fitness and wellness.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Advanced Exercise Science
- Lifetime Wellness
- Nutrition for Fitness & Sport
Program Details
2 years (66-67)
There are pre/co-requisites for the program (HPER 1550 before HPER 2210) (pre/co-requisites: HPER 1520 and HPER 2210 before HPER 2410)
Students who successfully complete an average of 16/17 credit hours per semester can complete the program in two years.
Courses are held on-campus and online.
The program can be completed completely online
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Associate of Science Degree (AS)
Students will sit for the NCSF Personal Trainer certification at the end of the HPER 2410-Advanced Exercise Science course.
Students can also sit for the NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist certification after the completion of the degree and must successfully complete HPER 1520-Nutrition for Fitness & Sport.
Students may choose to enter the workforce as a certified personal trainer, or continue their education at a transfer institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
