Our focus is on integrating theory with practice. As an Exercise Science major at our campus in North Carolina you will receive a solid, pre-professional background within a liberal arts framework that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to pursue graduate school, professional certification, or a career from a variety of occupational settings.

Earning an Exercise Science Degree at Barton

Barton’s Exercise Science program prepares students to help people of all ages and fitness levels achieve a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and exercise. The core curriculum prepares students for proficiency in exercise testing and prescription skills recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine, ranging from body composition and blood pressure measurements to cardiovascular testing and resistance training instruction.

Through a series of guided practicum experiences, students work with Barton College athletic teams in their strength training programs, gain personal training experience, and complete internships in a variety of off-campus clinical settings.

The Exercise Science program is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Advocate School with the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification and the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) credential courses built into the curriculum. The National Academy of Speed and Explosion (NASE) Level 1 certification is also built into the curriculum.

Exercise Science Program Recognition

The Exercise Science major at Barton College is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as an Education Recognition Program (ERP). The curriculum we offer here in North Carolina prepares you to sit for the NSCA Certification Examination to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Barton College is also recognized with ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine-On Campus Bronze Status, showcasing our student’s commitment to promote physical activity as a sign of vital health in our community. Our student Exercise Science Club works closely with this effort.

Exercise Science: Sample Course Offerings

This 56-60 credit hour exercise science major includes a variety of science-based courses designed to help you understand the human body and the demands placed upon it. Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 311) is a precursor course to Exercise Science coursework.

Exercise Science courses include:

EXS 210: Practicum I
EXS 212: Program Design and Implementation
EXS 270: Exercise Physiology
EXS 280: Exercise Prescription
EXS 312: Training Concepts
EXS 335: Personal Fitness Training
EXS 341: Personal Training Practicum
EXS 345: Concepts in Corrective Exercise
EXS 350: Kinesiology
EXS 441/442: Sports Performance Practicum
EXS 450: Exercise in Health and Disease
SPS 310: Psychological and Sociological Bases of Sport
SPS 410: Organizational Leadership and Administration of Sport and Health Sciences
SPS 460: Field Experiences/Internships
HEA 201: First Aid/CPR/AED
HEA 230: Health/Wellness Modern Society

Minor in Human Performance

Barton College also offers a Minor in Human Performance with emphases in Strength and Conditioning and in Personal Training for students enrolled in another major. Both emphases consist of a common core of Exercise Science courses. The Strength and Conditioning emphasis includes courses and practicum experiences that serve as prerequisites for taking the CSCS exam. The Personal Training emphasis includes the NASM’s CPT and CES courses and a practicum experience that will allow you to gain personal training experience.

Exercise Science & Kinesiology 4+1 Pathway

Students interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Kinesiology at Barton may enter the 4+1 pathway. During senior year, students declare their intent to complete the 4+1 program and may take one graduate course in their fall and spring semester of their senior year. The result is a 5-year pathway to a Bachelors and Master’s degree.

How Will Barton Prepare Me for a Career in Exercise Science?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects increases in the demand for fitness professionals over the next 10 years. Career options for those with a bachelors degree in exercise science include, but are not limited to, employment in hospital settings, outpatient clinics, corporate wellness programs, healthcare centers, public and private gyms, educational settings, exercise physiology labs, group fitness programs, Olympic and professional training centers, public and private personal training, strength and conditioning coaches, sports performance, and sport coaches.

Graduate Paths for Exercise Science Majors

The Exercise Science program also prepares students for attending graduate school to pursue professions in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, physician’s assistant, and many more. Academic advisors are faculty within the program who work closely with each student to prepare a graduation pathway for student success.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Collegiate Athletics
Sports Performance
Corporate Wellness
Fitness Clubs
Olympic Sports
Personal Training
Professional Sports
Research / Graduate School

Exercise Science Internships

Internships are structured to allow you to gain first-hand experience working in an environment similar to what you may encounter post-graduation, as well as assist you in discovering a field in which you may be interested in pursuing. All exercise science majors must complete a series of practicum and internship courses to fulfill degree requirements. You may elect to enroll in more field-based courses. Our exercise science students have completed internships at a variety of fitness facilities and institutions throughout North Carolina, which include:

Barton College Kennedy Recreation and Intramural Center
Barton College Sports Performance Center
Barton College Athletic Training
Foundation YMCA (Wilson, N.C.)
Manual Physical Therapy (Wilson, N.C.)
ECU Health (Greenville, N.C.)
WakeMed Cardiac Rehabilitation (Raleigh, N.C.)
Wilson Medical Center (Wilson, N.C.)
Cooper Institute (Dallas, Texas)
EXOS/Athletes’ Performance Center (Raleigh, N.C.)
Fit 4 Life (Wilson, N.C.)
Inlet Fitness (Virginia Beach, Va.)
North Carolina State University Athletics Department (Raleigh, N.C.)
Regency Athletic Club (Wilson, N.C.)
Sports Center of Morehead City (N.C.)
The Little Gym (Asheville, N.C.)
University of Michigan Men’s Basketball Strength and Conditioning (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Velocity Sports Performance (Raleigh, N.C.)
Victory Fitness (Wilson, N.C.)
ViQuest (Greenville, N.C.)

Clubs and Organizations for Exercise Science Students

There are several professional organizations that support the mission of optimal performance, health, and wellness in sport and in life. These include:

National Strength and Conditioning Association
American College of Sports Medicine
International Sport Sciences Association
National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Athletic Trainers Association

Graduate School Preparation

Barton College graduates are prepared to enter graduate programs, working towards master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in several fields. You are encouraged to work closely with your advisors to ensure proper prerequisites are met for desired programs, including, but not limited to:

Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Chiropractic
Athletic Training
Human Performance
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching
Nutrition Science
Public Health

Recent graduates have attended:

Western Michigan University
Old Dominion University
Methodist University

Career Outcomes

Cardiac Rehab
Collegiate Athletics
Corporate Wellness
Fitness Clubs
Olympic Sports
Personal Training
Professional Sports
Research
YMCA

Barton College Academic Programs

Exercise Science Major

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science