Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

This degree prepares students for the job market in areas such as clinical exercise physiology as well as for entry into graduate programs in the exercise sciences or professional programs in the health professions.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology?

The biological sciences encompass numerous cutting-edge disciplines. Each offers a multitude of exciting career paths. One of the most exciting is the growing field of exercise science. By studying exercise science at Northern Arizona University, you can prepare for a career in clinical exercise physiology, working in areas such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, or for admission to graduate or professional school in areas such as medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, or other health care fields. You'll receive plenty of personal attention from faculty in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science. And you can take advantage of our location on the Colorado Plateau, which offers a high quality of life with many excellent destinations for field projects and recreation.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Medical corporations
  • Biological testing laboratories
  • Schools
  • Gyms

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician
  • Researcher
  • Personal trainer
  • University professor

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 125
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology consists of core studies in areas such as chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and general biology, as well as more advanced courses specific to the study of physiology and movement during exercise. Students will develop an understanding of human physiology, human movement, and the biological and chemical responses of the body to acute and chronic (training) exercise in the core Exercise Science courses; Introduction to Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology and its lab, Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology, Exercise Testing and Prescription and its lab, and in their senior capstone.  With the help of advisors, students choose approved Exercise Science electives, which cover a wide range of disciplinary areas and are selected based on the individual student’s career or graduate school goals.  These include courses in psychology, microbiology, genetics, pathology, cell and molecular biology, amongst many others.
 
Research opportunities are available for students in individual faculty’s research labs, as well as in NAU’s research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Bioengineering Innovation (CBI).  Exercise Science students also have the option of completing an internship in sports performance or cardiac rehabilitation if they are considering a career in clinical exercise physiology.
 
Students graduating with an Exercise Science degree will be well prepared for careers in clinical exercise physiology, for admission into graduate programs in exercise science and for admission into professional programs such as physical therapy, physician’s assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, and medicine.

Student Learning Outcomes 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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