For an associate degree in exercise science, most people will spend an average of two years in study at college. Courses will include human anatomy, physiology, health, fitness and wellness, nutrition, fitness instruction, first aid and CPR training as well as some required general education classes such as English composition, mathematics and possibly other liberal arts classes like social sciences and humanities or other science classes. Most programs will involve some field work in exercise science, putting the coursework into action by teaching, assisting or coaching fitness, health, nutrition and wellness programs.
To receive a bachelor's degree in exercise science, a student may transfer to a university program after completing the requirements for an associate degree at a junior college or complete all four years at a four-year college. General education requirements typically include two English composition courses, a mathematics course, public speaking or communications class, anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and a couple of courses from the humanities field. Other general education requirements may include business math or computer courses, psychology and another course from the social sciences such as sociology, history or geography. Once those general requirements are fulfilled, the focus is in exercise science degree requirements such as conditioning and exercise courses like aerobic training, resistance training and weight training. Exercise science majors will also need to complete classes in physical education concepts, sports first aid and athletic training, pedagogy of exercise, and exercise testing and programming. Then they will take more courses in higher level exercise science such as kinesiology, physiology of exercise, exercise and anatomy, and prescriptive exercise assessment and testing. Then students typically have internships and field work in exercise science or fitness programs to complete their degree requirements at a university.
Once degree requirements have been met, a student may choose to become certified in a particular area of specialization. From the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a student may become a certified personal trainer (CPT) or a health/fitness instructor (HFI). From the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a student can become a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) or CPT.