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Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Exercise Science bachelor of science program at UMass Lowell gives students the confidence and skills necessary to educate, transform and inspire people to live healthier lives.

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STUDENTS CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO OPTIONS

UMass Lowell students have joined together across majors to design, build and donate prosthetic devices for children.

Earn an Exercise Science BS degree in the:

  • Exercise and Fitness Management Option – Students acquire knowledge in exercise science, public health, nutrition and business to pursue careers in the fitness industry. Students could choose to earn a minor in business to apply toward UMass Lowell’s MBA program. 
  • Clinical Option – Students gain a strong foundation in the sciences to work in clinical settings and take the certification examinations by the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Students would choose this option if they want to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.


The Exercise and Fitness Management option is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates exercise, nutrition, public health, and business courses. Students selecting the Fitness Management option graduate with work ready and transferrable skills in careers that develop and implement exercise and wellness programming. The structure of this degree option allows students to complete one of five business minors making it easy to transition into the Manning School of Business’s MBA program.

The Exercise Science Clinical Option gives students the confidence and skills necessary to educate, transform and inspire people to live healthier lives through the study of the body’s response to exercise. With a strong foundation in the sciences, the curriculum prepares students for the capstone senior clinical practicum in a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation setting or a private or corporate fitness center. On completion, students are prepared to take certification examinations by the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. 

Students who wish to continue onto the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should choose this option. Graduates have also applied to medical, osteopathic, chiropractic, physician assistant and occupational therapy programs.

Requirements to be Considered for Freshman Admission:

Learn more about the exercise science BS admission requirements in the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog.

The undergraduate Exercise Science curriculum at UMass Lowell has a strong foundation in the sciences and meets all general education requirements of the university.

Graduates of the BS in Exercise Science Clinical Option work in:

  • Corporate or private fitness settings
  • Strength and conditioning settings
  • Research facilities
  • Clinical settings caring for patients with cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic conditions.
Graduates of the BS in Exercise Science Fitness Management Option work in:
  • Corporate or private fitness settings
  • Wellness Centers
  • Public Health or public policy centers

What are advancement options after graduation for both options?

  • Pursue graduate study in Exercise Science
    • Advanced degrees in EP (Master’s, Doctorate) prepare individuals for positions as Exercise Specialists or Exercise Program Directors
    • Specializations and certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
    • Research or teaching positions (PhD level)
  • Pursue graduate study in other health professions (after completing pre-requisite requirements)
    • Chiropractic
    • Ergonomics
    • Medicine
    • Nursing
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physician’s Assistant
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Sports Performance

Graduates of the Clinical Option 

  • Graduates of the Exercise Science Clinical Option program meet all the necessary requirements for application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at UMass Lowell or other accredited PT programs.
Graduates of the Fitness and Management Option
  • Students in the Exercise Science Fitness and Management Option have a choice to complete one of five business minors as undergraduate students that position themselves to pursue an MBA from UMass Lowell.

The goal of the Exercise Science minor is to educate undergraduate students on the concepts and principles of exercise science and its role as a critical component of health promotion and disease prevention.

This minor degree is open to all students.

Stories Beyond the Classroom

  • Yonnie Collins
    Yonnie Collins
    Exercise Physiology

    Yonnie Collins joined the Honors College to get a well-rounded education – and for challenging classes.

  • Patrice Olivar
    Patrice Olivar
    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.

  • Haley LaFreniere
    Haley LaFreniere
    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.

  • Patrick Pang
    Patrick Pang
    Exercise Physiology

    Patrick Pang knew he wanted hands-on experience conducting research. As a college freshman in the Immersive Scholar program, he conducted research on protective wear that helps prevent injuries.