Earning an Exercise Science degree from Malone University enables students to understand the role exercise plays in improving health, quality of life, and sport performance. Students develop application and critical thinking skills through enhanced laboratory and hands-on experiences and learn to integrate their Christian faith into their future professions. Approaching the exercise science industry from a Christian worldview fosters a calling to heal a broken world through healthy living.
The core of the Exercise Science program emphasizes mastery of foundational principles in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and exercise prescription. Students choose one of 5 distinct tracks in which to specialize. The Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Chiropractic and Pre-Athletic Training tracks are designed to prepare students for continued graduate work in these professions. The Medical Fitness track prepares students for direct entry into the medical fitness industry.
A required internship course provides the opportunity to apply what has been learned in real-world settings. Students may intern in locations such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, sports medicine centers, fitness and sports performance facilities, and many others.
Upon graduation, students are prepared for the professional certification exams offered through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, two of the leading professional organizations in the field. The exercise science degree serves as the foundation for the pursuit of a variety of related careers in the health and wellness industry, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Athletic trainer
- Biomechanist
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Medical doctor
- Medical salesperson
- Occupational therapist
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist
- Physician assistant
- Sports nutritionist
- Strength & conditioning coach