As an exercise science major, you will focus on improving or maintaining health, fitness and performance as well as preventing injury and disease.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BS

Get Started

What courses will you take?

A professor watches as an exercise students reads the pulse of another student in a UMass Lowell lab
Students majoring in the Exercise Science Clinical Option can choose the new three-year pathway to accelerate their careers or graduate studies.

The B.S. in Exercise Science provides a high-quality education in the study of bodily movement that contributes to human fitness and wellness. It includes subjects such as biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, training and fitness for special population groups.

At UMass Lowell, we offer two options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • Clinical Option — Gain a strong foundation in the sciences, which prepares you for the capstone senior clinical practicum. Offered in a three- or four-year format, this option prepares students to take certification examinations by the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Choose this option if you want to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 
  • Exercise and Fitness Management Option — Gain knowledge in exercise science, nutrition, public health and business to pursue careers in the fitness industry. You will graduate with work ready and transferable skills in careers that develop and implement exercise and wellness programming. You can choose to complete one of five business minors, which can be applied toward UMass Lowell’s MBA program.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Exercise Science Minor.

  • Degree Pathways are a semester-by-semester sequence of courses recommended for successful completion of a degree, diploma, credential or certificate from the university. The most current degree pathways are:

    Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

  • The Exercise Science program prepares all students to be able to:
    1. Promote and guide healthy lifestyles that include physical activity, exercise, and wellness programs in diverse populations by utilizing current theories and research literature.
    2. Design exercise and wellness programs which maximize compliance, motivation, and prevents injury and illness.
    3. Apply analytical and critical thinking to advance exercise and wellness initiatives for individuals and communities.
    4. Collaborate with individuals, families, communities, businesses, and other health care professionals in the delivery of care.
    5. Develop a self-directed plan for professional development and lifelong learning which includes self- assessment, self-correction and self-direction.
    6. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior during all professional interactions.
    7. Communicate effectively in ways that are congruent with situational needs, including appropriate body language, written communication, active listening skills and questioning.
    8. Develop leadership skills of accountability, delegation, education, and supervision.

Why study exercise science at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell exercise science student wearing a Saucony shirt

Gain Real-world Experiences

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the ways UML students gain career-ready skills:
A group of exercise science students view a computer in a UMass Lowell lab

Research Opportunities

Our faculty actively engages in interdisciplinary clinical and scientific research among the following populations:

  • Athletes
  • Geriatric
  • Pediatric
  • Neurologic
  • Orthopedic/Musculoskelatal
  • Tactical
  • Women's Health
The door leading into UMass Lowell's Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology Labs

Cutting-edge Equipment

Our faculty use state-of-the-art research equipment to investigate:

  • Movement Analysis
  • Foot Pressure Mapping
  • Muscle Function
  • Brain Imaging
  • Cardiopulmonary & Metabolic Function
  • Electrocardiography
  • Body Composition
A student reaches for a target held by another student in a UMass Lowell exercise science lab

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Prepare to become a physical therapist by continuing into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

  • Accredited since 1981
  • Annually, tuition and fees average half the cost of private higher education peers
  • 100% of DPT graduates are fully employed within six months

Students who choose the Clinical Option and meet the qualifications as incoming first-year students are eligible.

What can you do with a degree in exercise science?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's science-based exercise science program are equipped to pursue graduate studies or become exercise practitioners (group exercise instructor, personal trainer) or strength and conditioning coaches.

One student student lifts a weight as another student spots in a UMass Lowell exercise science facility

Alumni of our program work in diverse settings including:

  • Clinical settings caring for patients with cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic conditions
  • Corporate or private fitness settings
  • Public health or public policy centers
  • Research facilities
  • Sports medicine facilities
  • Sports teams
  • Strength and conditioning settings
  • Wellness centers

The UMass Lowell Edge

Alumna-Terrie-Enis-UMass-Lowell-Physical-Therapy-Department
Terrie Enis '90, '07
Physical Therapy

Terrie Enis’ college experience is quite different from most. She was married with a two-year old daughter when she decided to go back to college full time to earn her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.

We hire many PT graduates from UMass Lowell because they are well prepared in the field and have a great work ethic.
Read More About Terrie Enis 
Haley LaFreniere pictured in a Physical Therapy lab at UMass Lowell
Haley LaFreniere '18, '21
Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy

Motivated to help patients regain strength to live their best possible lives, Haley LaFreniere was inspired early on by her mom to pursue a health-related field.

Anything I have wanted from college, UML has provided to me, and I know that I would never have had this experience anywhere else.
Read More About Haley LaFreniere 
Vincent Ciaramella standing in front of a frozen waterfall
Vincent Ciaramella '21
Exercise Science

Even as a transfer student and a commuter, Vincent Ciaramella found friendship and a helpful community at UMass Lowell.

That community feel is where UMass Lowell really stands out.
Read More About Vincent Ciaramella 
Tim DiFrancesco, founder of TD Athletes Edge, trains a client
Tim DiFrancesco '06
Physical Therapy

Tim DiFrancesco served as the head strength and conditioning coach for the LA Lakers, but he knew in his heart that he wanted to have an impact on more people’s lives. So he left to dedicate his career to his business, TD Athletes Edge, a fitness training facility.

Since my clinical rotations at UMass Lowell were filled with rich experiences that helped me point my compass in the right direction, I wanted to help students do the same in their young professional life.
Read More About Tim DiFrancesco 
Edgar Torres
Edgar Torres
Exercise Science, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology

Clinical Assoc. Prof. Edgar Torres was the first in his family to go to college. Now, he’s a mentor to first-year, first-generation college students.

The way to understand the material is to get involved in the class, ask questions and get to know your professor.
Read More About Edgar Torres 
Vocality, a student a cappella group
Akshay Alamuri ’21, ’24
Exercise Science

Akshay Alamuri says UMass Lowell fit his family’s budget – and his own goal of becoming a physical therapist.

It was the perfect combo of cost meets strength of program: the perfect value, basically.
Read More About Akshay Alamuri 
UMass Lowell Image
Sean Jordan '14
Physical Therapy

Sean Jordan is living his dream working for the New England Patriots as an assistant athletic trainer and physical therapist.

The experiences I had at UMass Lowell helped me gain confidence as a clinician and gave me the chance to network and grow as a professional.
Read More About Sean Jordan 
Michael Hines helps a man lift weights on a bench
Michael Hines '21
Exercise Science

Michael Hines, a former college athlete who wants to own his own athletic or physical therapy facility one day, is following the exercise and fitness management degree pathway.

I have a passion for business. I always had that entrepreneurial spirit.
Read More About Michael Hines 
UMass Lowell student and tour guide Patrice Olivar sitting on a bench outside on South Campus
Patrice Olivar '18
Exercise Physiology & Psychology

While double-majoring in psychology and exercise physiology, Patrice Faith Olivar has gained both research and practical experience. UMass Lowell has opened more doors than she thought possible.

I’ve been very fortunate with my practicum sites and all UMass Lowell has to offer.
Read More About Patrice Olivar 
Andrew Stanwicks and other team members from his lab
Andrew Stanwicks
Exercise Physiology

The summer after his freshman year, Andrew Stanwicks worked in a hospital rehabilitation research lab.

I had no idea of the massive impact that the Immersive Scholar program would have, not just on my future career, but on my entire life.
Read More About Andrew Stanwicks 

Contact Us

For program-specific questions, contact:
Kyle F. Coffey PT, DPT
Exercise Science Program Director
978-934-6462
Kyle_Coffey@uml.edu