Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Health and Physical Education Department offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the field of exercise science. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science program in Exercise Science was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in March 2008. In 2003, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) endorsed the Exercise Science program at IUP as a "University Connected Program." In addition, our exercise science program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

About the Bachelor of Science Program in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with a program in Exercise Science is a diverse program of study at IUP. Students who complete this degree of study will be prepared to work in private and commercial fitness clubs, medical fitness facilities, sport strength and conditioning programming, and clinical fitness programming such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. In addition, students who complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science can pursue graduate education in such areas as exercise physiology, physical and occupational therapy, biomechanics, and other allied health programs. For additional information regarding career opportunities in the field of exercise science, go to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Program Goals and Objectives

  1. Prepare students for a variety of career opportunities within the health and fitness industry.
  2. To ensure students have the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities for entry-level positions in the field of exercise science.
  3. To prepare for advanced degrees and certifications in a variety of health and fitness organizations, including ACSM and the NSCA. (Certification requirements/NCCA testing)

Why Exercise Science at IUP?

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania's undergraduate Exercise Science program is designed to prepare students for their chosen profession in multiple settings. Students will get "hands-on" experience in addition to their course work. Students will learn from faculty members who have extensive background in clinical exercise science, health and fitness club management, strength and conditioning, and exercise science research.
  • The Center for Health Promotion and Cardiac Disease Prevention features a fully-equipped Human Performance Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment such as a hydrostatic weighing tank, a BodPod, and a Parvo metabolic testing system for analysis of fitness and metabolism. The Human Performance laboratory features various exercise testing equipment such as treadmills, exercise cycles, and access to the Jim Mill Fitness Center located in Zink Hall for the development of hands-on activities for students. In addition, students will have access to full lipid panel testing, exercise lactate testing, and strength and flexibility testing equipment.
  • Quality internships and research opportunities. Students are required to enroll in a variety of work site experiences that will maximize the students' experiences in various health and fitness work environments.
  • Our faculty members are passionate about exercise science and truly care for our students and their success, both in the academic setting and in their future career opportunities. Many faculty members have doctoral degrees and a variety of non-academic work experiences. Contact our faculty.

Certification Exam Requirements

Students are required to take a NCCA certification examination as part of the fulfillment of the requirements of the exercise science program. Students will typically complete one of these exams in their senior year. NCCA Approved Certification Exams.

Internship Requirements

Undergraduate students are required to enroll in HPED 319 Preprofessional Experience (3 credits) and HPED 493 Internship (3 credits) to complete program requirements for Exercise Science. Students can enroll in three credits at a time and complete two internship experiences or enroll in HPED 319 and HPED 493 in the same semester and complete a single internship. Check out our recent internship sites of IUP Exercise Science students.

Ready to start an exciting educational journey?Ready to help make a difference in the health and fitness industry? Contact us today!

Meet our Exercise Science Faculty

Professional Organizations in the Field of Health and Fitness