Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

• Students must meet with their advisor each semester for pre-registration advising.
• Students must provide evidence of current CPR Certification (infant through adult) prior to entry into their senior year.
• Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions and/or Technical Standards and adhere to those standards in the laboratory and practice setting when necessary.
• All Exercise Science students must adhere to the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Student Policies regarding National Criminal Background Checks, Clinical Affiliate Random Drug Screening, and Social Media Policy.
• Once accepted all Exercise Science students are expected to take all remaining science courses at UMass Lowell. Per UMass Lowell policy, taking a course required of the degree at another college/university requires chairperson permission prior to taking the course. Such permission will only be given for extenuating circumstances. 
  • Degree Pathway
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Course Listing

 Academic Standing

• To qualify for continued matriculation in the Exercise Science program, all students must meet specific academic criteria. These include maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, a minimum science GPA of 2.5, a minimum 2.5 GPA in all courses in the ES major, and no grade less than C in major courses.
• Students who fail to satisfy academic requirements will be dismissed from the program with the right to appeal. Students with a successful appeal will be readmitted to the program on probation. Students may be placed on probation only once. Failure to meet the terms of probation will result in dismissal from the program with no further appeal possible.
• Students are expected to adhere to the Honor Code and to maintain the highest ethical behavior both in and out of the classroom. Cheating and/or plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Should students witness either behavior, they are required by the Honor Code to report infractions. Students found in violation of the Honor Code will be dismissed from the program.

Health Requirements

All students in the Exercise Science program must meet the following health requirements:

• Pertinent health information, or a change in health status, must be communicated to the department faculty in a timely manner.
• Students must meet the program's technical standards/requirements including; gross and fine motor skills, mobility, and strength tasks. Refer to ES Student Manual for specific details.
• Prior to entry into their senior-year Clinical Practicum, students must provide evidence of a current physical exam indicating satisfactory general health, insurance coverage, and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B, chicken pox or vaccination, tetanus shot, and tuberculosis (TB) test. 
• Clinical Practicum facilities may have additional requirements (color vision test, flu shot, drug screening, etc.).

Requirements to be Considered for Freshman Admission:

Freshman Entry ES Program

1. A high school diploma.
2. High school grades of B (3.0) or better.
3. Completion of high school program that is specifically college prep courses which includes English, biology, and chemistry. It is strongly recommended incoming freshman have completed math coursework through pre-calculus or calculus as well as high school physics.
4. Combined SAT scores totaling at least 1080 (mathematics and verbal).
5. Evidence of good health through a physical exam which attests to the student's ability to actively and safely participate in all phases of laboratory work.

Freshman Entry ES/DPT Program

Students who meet the qualifications are invited into the ES/DPT program during the admissions process. Notification is made to students in their letter of acceptance to the university. Students completing the BS in ES/DPT program (4 years) with an overall, major and science GPA minimum of 3.4 will continue into the professional (graduate) phase of the DPT program.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students may apply to transfer into Exercise Science (ES) through two routes; either as an external transfer from another college/university or as internal transfer from another major at UMass Lowell. Transfer admission is competitive and on a space available basis. A cumulative and science GPA of 2.7 is requiredas well as successful completion of at least one, of two-semester, science sequences, e.g. Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physiological Chemistry or General Chemistry I and II, and General Physics I and II. Additionally, it is strongly recommended transfer students complete college level pre-calculus or calculus prior to transfer.

Pathways and associated requirements for external and internal transfer students:

Students may apply to the ES program after completing:

1. Two semesters - demonstrate the minimum required cumulative and science GPA of 2.7 and have successfully completed at least one of the two-semester prerequisite science sequences prior to applying.
2. Three semesters - demonstrate the minimum required cumulative and science GPA of 2.7, have successfully completed at least one of the two-semester prerequisite science sequences, and be on track to complete all prerequisite science course sequences by the completion of their fourth semester.
3. Four semesters - demonstrate the minimum required cumulative and science GPA of 2.7, have successfully completed all prerequisite science coursework, i.e. Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs; General Physics I & II with labs, Physiological Chemistry I and II with labs (or General Chemistry I & II with labs).

Transfer Application

External transfer students wishing to apply to the Exercise Science program should contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Internal Transfer Application

Current UMass Lowell students wishing to apply to the Exercise Science program should contact the Coordinator of Student Success for the College of Health Sciences: Jennifer Keene-Crouse at 978-934-4463, Weed Hall 102.

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

Where do students with a degree in Exercise Science work?

• Corporate or private fitness settings
• Strength and conditioning settings
• Research facilities
• Clinical settings caring for patients with cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic conditions.

What are advancement options after graduation?

• 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 Physical Therapy
  • Graduates of the Exercise Science program meet all the necessary requirements for application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell or other accredited PT programs.
• Pursue graduate study in other health professions
  • Chiropractic
  • Ergonomics
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Sports Performance