Become who you’re meant to be. In Bethel’s undergraduate exercise science major, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science degree while preparing for careers in exercise science, health and wellness, sports performance, fitness, rehabilitation, and graduate programs. You’ll study topics like exercise physiology, anatomy, strength and conditioning, and preventative health while gaining hands-on experience through labs, research, and real-world applications.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
Throughout your journey in Bethel’s exercise science degree program, you’ll develop a comprehensive set of skills for success in health, fitness, clinical, and performance-focused settings. By blending applied science with biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and hands-on learning, you’ll learn to apply scientific knowledge in practical and clinical contexts.
Research skills
As you conduct meaningful research as a student, you’ll learn to synthesize complex information and contribute to knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, movement science, sports performance, and related fields.
Team development and collaboration
You’ll gain effective communication and conflict resolution skills while learning to work with interdisciplinary teams in exercise science, healthcare, fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation-related fields.
Fitness programming and strength and conditioning
You’ll build skills in designing, adapting, and monitoring exercise programs for different goals and populations. That may include strength and conditioning, injury prevention, sports performance, general fitness, and client wellness planning.
Analytical listening
You’ll develop the ability to closely listen to clients and patients, understanding their fitness goals, limitations, health concerns, and personal needs.
Community-based learning
You’ll actively engage in community-based learning initiatives within the exercise science major, gaining valuable experience with diverse populations and learning how health and wellness practices apply in real-world settings.
Clinical work
You’ll refine your clinical skills within exercise science as you assess, prescribe, and monitor exercise programs for individuals across diverse populations and settings. You’ll learn to connect classroom knowledge with practical care in fitness, rehabilitation, and healthcare-adjacent environments.
Exercise assessment and movement analysis
You’ll learn to assess movement, evaluate exercise performance, and understand how the body responds to physical activity. Through lab-based learning, you may encounter tools and techniques related to exercise testing, biomechanics, cardiovascular fitness, and more.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away as you prepare for careers in exercise science or graduate study.
Research opportunities
You’ll conduct research with support and mentorships from your professors. You can also receive a summer scholarship to conduct research with a professor and pursue opportunities to present your findings at regional and national conferences.
Hands-on experiential learning
You'll directly engage with clients in various settings, developing practical skills to tackle health issues related to lifestyle, aging, and disease, and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Internships and clinical preparation
You’ll have opportunities to pursue internships, clinical observation hours, strength and conditioning experiences, and community-based wellness work. These experiences help prepare you for graduate programs or other healthcare pathways.
Preparation for life after Bethel
Build connections within and beyond Bethel to support your career goals through networking, volunteering, and peer mentoring opportunities. You'll develop a strong support system within and beyond Bethel, helping you to achieve your career goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of exercise science.
Real-world impact
What can I do with an exercise science degree?
Whether you're interested in working in clinical settings, the fitness industry, or medical research, your bachelor’s degree in exercise science will prepare you for meaningful work and continued study. Some pathways may require graduate school, certifications, or licensure—and Bethel will help you prepare for those next steps.
Health and wellness careers
You’ll be equipped to pursue diverse health and wellness careers in settings such as orthopedic clinics, fitness centers, community wellness programs, corporate wellness programs, personal training, and strength and conditioning.
Sports performance and fitness roles
Your exercise science degree can prepare you to work with athletes and active populations in roles connected to sports performance, strength training, conditioning, injury prevention, and performance analysis.
Medical and research roles
Your degree opens doors to roles in medical research, health coaching, and medical device sales. You’ll be prepared to contribute to advancements in health sciences and support medical professionals with cutting-edge research and technology.
Specialized positions
Our graduates are employed in various specialized positions such as exercise therapist, physical therapy aide, research technician, and human performance specialist. These roles allow you to apply your expertise to improve individual and community health.
Graduate healthcare pathways
Bethel’s exercise science major can also prepare you for graduate programs and rehabilitation-focused careers. Students interested in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, or sports medicine will build a strong foundation for their next step.
Client-centered professions
As a healthcare liaison, health and well-being professional, or exercise physiologist, you’ll work directly with clients to enhance their quality of life. You’ll use your knowledge and skills to provide personalized care and support, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
A path with promise
Clear price. Clear outcomes.
Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.
Become A Bethel Student
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently asked questions
- In an exercise science degree program, students study topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, strength and conditioning, movement science, sports performance, preventative health, and psychology. Bethel’s exercise science curriculum builds from foundational sciences into applied coursework that helps students connect classroom learning with practical and clinical settings.
- Exercise science careers can include roles such as exercise physiologist, wellness coordinator, health coach, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, sports performance specialist, physical therapy aide, rehabilitation aide, research technician, and human performance specialist. Some roles may require certifications, graduate study, licensure, or additional professional training, depending on the career path.
- Kinesiology and exercise science are closely related fields, and the terms are sometimes used differently depending on the college or university. In general, kinesiology is the broader study of human movement, while exercise science often focuses more specifically on physical activity, exercise physiology, fitness, performance, health, and wellness. Bethel’s exercise science major emphasizes applied health sciences, hands-on learning, and preparation for careers or graduate study in health, fitness, sports performance, and rehabilitation-related fields.
- Yes. An exercise science degree can prepare students for careers in sports performance, fitness, wellness, strength and conditioning, and health coaching. Students build knowledge in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength training, movement analysis, and preventative health, which can be applied in settings like fitness centers, wellness programs, athletic environments, community health initiatives, and performance-focused organizations.
- Exercise science students may gain hands-on experience through labs, research opportunities, internships, clinical observation hours, strength and conditioning experiences, and community wellness initiatives. At Bethel, students can apply what they’re learning in real-world settings while working with active populations, aging adults, athletes, clients pursuing wellness goals, or people in rehabilitation-focused environments.
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Yes. An exercise science degree can prepare students for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, sports medicine, public health, and other healthcare or human performance fields. Bethel students receive support through academic advising, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and career preparation resources such as The Studio for Vocation and Calling.
- An exercise science curriculum often includes courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, preventative health, and research methods. Bethel’s academic plans help students map out their courses from the first year through graduation while preparing for career goals, internships, and graduate school options.
- Bethel integrates faith into exercise science education by helping students connect Christian values with ethical care, service, and whole-person wellness. Students are encouraged to see health sciences, movement, fitness, and rehabilitation as meaningful ways to serve individuals and communities with compassion, integrity, and purpose.