Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Receiving a bachelor's degree (B.S.) in exercise science at SBU will prepare you to pursue any allied health career as you learn how to deal with people who need injury rehabilitation. A combination of coursework in sciences and human development will equip you with the skills needed for a variety of professions.

The exercise science major is designed for students interested in a career in personal training, biomechanics, or those students who intend to pursue post-graduate schooling/certification in physical therapy, athletic training, or exercise physiology.

Choose from two concentrations:

• Strength and Conditioning/Personal Training  — For a career in personal training or biomechanics. Courses will prepare you to take the NSCA Strength and Conditioning and NCSA Personal Training certification exams if you wish to become a certified strength and conditioning coach or personal trainer.
• Rehabilitative Sciences  — For students who intend to pursue post-graduate schooling/certification in physical therapy, athletic training, or exercise physiology. This concentration is great preparation for career success and advanced education in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician's assistant, personal training, and more. Your faculty advisor will work with you to ensure your course plan includes all prerequisites needed for any graduate degree program you wish to pursue.

Hands-on practicum experiences, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty will prepare you to either pursue graduate school or enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

The SBU Advantage

• You will gain beneficial real-world experience through a required practicum completed during the B.S. in Exercise Science program and a required internship completed at the end of the program.
• Faculty will work with you one-on-one to help find the practicums and internships that best fit your interests and desires.
• Most allied health career paths require an additional graduate or professional school programs, but the exercise science faculty will work with you individually to help set you up for success at the next level.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.