Exercise Science - BS | Milken Institute School of Public Health

Exercise Science - BS

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science (EXSC) programs offers students the chance to acquire knowledge and skills in the scientific basis of the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition to health and wellness. The BS in EXSC program trains students in the science and practice of exercise, physical activity, and health in the greater context of public health by developing critical thinking skills and fostering life-long learning.

There are currently 4 programs within the BS Exercise Science degree

Pre-Medical Professional
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine
Strength & Conditioning
Exercise Science - no concentration

The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) BS Exercise Science program hopes to matriculate students who will take their public health voice into diverse fields of professional practice.

See the BS Exercise Science Program Guide and the GWSPH Undergraduate Handbook for more information and program policies.

Program Director: Matthew Barberio

Undergraduate Advising

Join T.E.A.M Milken! T.E.A.M. Milken is open to all GWSPH undergraduate majors. Our goal is to provide individualized support to students so you will thrive at GW and be prepared to launch your public health career.

Per GW policy, undergraduate students may not take courses on-line during the fall or spring semesters.

University General Education Requirements - all concentrations

University Writing: UW 1020-University Writing or HONR 1015 (4 credits)
WID: Two WID courses (may also be counted in another category) (6 credits)
Humanities: One course in Humanities (3 credits)
Math/Stats: One course in Mathematics or Statistics (3 credits)
Science: One Natural or Physical Science Course with Laboratory (4 credits)
Social Science: Two courses in the Social Sciences (6 credits)

* Note some classes will double count: for GenEd and Exercise Science Core requirements.

GER TOTAL 26 credit hours

See the University Bulletin for most up-to-date version of GenEd requirements and approved courses: GenEd's Here

Exercise Science Core Courses - all concentrations

PUBH 1010 | First Year Experience Course (1 credit)
EXNS 1103 | Professional Foundations in Exercise Science (1 credit)
EXNS 1110 | Applied Anatomy Physiology I & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 1111 | Applied Anatomy Physiology II & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 2111 | Exercise Physiology I & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 2112 | Exercise Physiology II & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 2113 | Kinesiology (4 credits)
EXNS 2116 | Exercise and Health Psychology (3 credits)
EXNS 2119 | Introduction to Nutrition Sciences (3 credits)
EXNS 3110 | Field Experience (2 credits)
EXNS 4110 | Current Issues in Exercise Science (3 credits)
PUBH 1101 | Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
PSYC 1001 | General Psychology (3 credits)

*BISC 1111 | Introduction to Biology: Cells & Molecules and Laboratory- also fulfills GenEd Science Requirement
*STAT 1051, 1053, 1127, or PUBH 2142 | Statistics Requirement- also fulfills GenEd Statistics Requirement
*COMM 1040 or 1041 | Communications Requirement- also fulfills Social Science & Oral Communication GenEd Requirement
*ANTH 1002, 1003 or 1004 | Anthropology Requirement- also fulfills Social Science & Global/Cross Cultural Perspective GenEd Requirement

* Confirm with Advisor that courses count for GenEd AND meets core Exercise Science requirement.

All SPH programs require students to earn a C– or above in the core curriculum applicable to their major, including required and elective courses and prerequisites for core courses. Exercise Science majors must earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Exercise Science core to graduate.

CORE TOTAL: 39 CREDITS

EXERCISE SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Guided Electives - all concentrations

Number of credits vary by concentration shown in Concentrations Tab

Guided Electives- the courses provided on the Guided Electives list have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science. Each concentration indicates a minimum number of credits that must be selected from this approved list of 'guided elective' courses. See Concentration TAB and program guide for more information.

For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements, please reference the program guide or click the button below for EXNS and SPH course descriptions.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Non-Academic Requirements

Professional Enhancement

Students in GW SPH programs must participate in eight hours of Professional Enhancement. These activities may be Public Health-related lectures, seminars, or symposia related to your field of study.

Professional Enhancement activities supplement the rigorous academic curriculum of the SPH degree programs and help prepare students to participate actively in the professional community. You can learn more about opportunities for Professional Enhancement via the Milken Institute School of Public Health Listserv, through departmental communications, or by speaking with your advisor.

Students submit a completed Professional Enhancement Form to the Office of Student Records which is required documentation to be cleared for graduation.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training

All students are required to complete the Basic CITI training module in Social and Behavioral Research. This online training module for Social and Behavioral Researchers will help new students demonstrate and maintain sufficient knowledge of the ethical principles and regulatory requirements for protecting human subjects - key for any public health research.

Academic Integrity Quiz

All Milken Institute School of Public Health students are required to review the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and complete the GW Academic Integrity Activity. This activity must be completed within 2 weeks of matriculation. Information on GWSPH Academic Integrity requirements can be found here.

Program Guides

Past Program Guides

Students in the BS in Exercise Science program should refer to the guide from the year in which they matriculated into the program. For the current program guide, click the red "PROGRAM GUIDE" button on the right-hand side of the page.

See the Exercise Science Program Guide and the GWSPH Undergraduate Handbook for more information and program policies.

Pre-Medical Professional

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with Pre-Medical Professional Concentration program offers students the chance to acquire knowledge and skills in the scientific basis of the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition to health and wellness. The BS in Exercise Science with Pre-Medical Professional Concentration trains students in the science and practice of exercise, physical activity, and health in the greater context of public health by developing critical thinking skills and fostering life-long learning.

Concentration Requirements

BISC 1112 | Intro Biology: The Biology of Organisms/Lab (4 credits)
CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry II (4 credits)
CHEM 2151 | Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
CHEM 2153 | Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 credit)
CHEM 2152 | Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
CHEM 2154 | Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)
MATH 1220 | Calculus with Precalculus I (or higher level) (3 credits)
PHYS 1011 | General Physics I (4 credits)
PHYS 1012 | General Physics II (4 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 31 credits

124 Credits | TOTAL- Pre-Medical Professional Concentration

Guided Electives: the courses provided on the Guided Electives list have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science curricula. A minimum of 9 credits are required to be selected from this approved list of 'guided elective' courses for the Pre-medical Professional concentration.

General Electives: 18 additional credits can also be chosen from the Guided Elective list, or any other undergraduate course at the University, except LSPA designated courses.

For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements and approved guided electives, please reference the program guide.

Pre-Physical Therapy

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration program offers students the chance to acquire knowledge and skills in the scientific basis of the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition to sports medicine and athletic training. The BS in Exercise Science with Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration trains students in the science and practice of exercise, physical activity, and health in the greater context of public health by developing critical thinking skills and fostering life-long learning.

BISC 1112 | Intro Biology: The Biology of Organisms/Lab (4 credits)
CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry I & Lab (4 credits)
CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry II & Lab (4 credits)
MATH 1220 | Calculus or pre-calculus I (or higher level math) (3 credits)
PHYS 1011 | General Physics I (4 credits)
PHYS 1012 | General Physics II (4 credits)
PSYC 2013 | Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
or
PSYC 2011 | Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 26 credits

124 Credits | TOTAL- Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

Guided Electives: the courses provided on the Guided Electives list have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science curricula. A minimum of 14 credits are required to be selected from this approved list of 'guided elective' courses for the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration.

General Electives: 18 additional credits can also be chosen from the Guided Elective list, or any other undergraduate course at the University, except LSPA designated courses.

For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements and approved guided electives, please reference the program guide.

Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Concentration program offers students the chance to acquire knowledge and skills in the scientific basis of the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition to sports medicine and athletic training. The BS in Exercise Science with Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Concentration trains students in the science and practice of exercise, physical activity, and health in the greater context of public health by developing critical thinking skills and fostering life-long learning.

EXNS 2110 | Injury Prevention and Control (3 credits)
EXNS 2121 | Orthopedic Taping and Bracing (1 credit)
EXNS 3117 | Injury Assessment (4 credits)
EXNS 3118 | Therapeutic Modalities (4 credits)
EXNS 3119 | Therapeutic Exercise (4 credits
EXNS 3121 | Medical Issues in Sports Medicine (3 credits)
EXNS 3123W | Psychology of Injury and Performance (3 credits)
EXNS 3125 | Athletic Training Practicum (3 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 25 credits

124 Credits | TOTAL- Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Concentration

Guided Electives: the courses provided on the Guided Electives list have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science curricula. A minimum of 15 credits are required to be selected from this approved list of 'guided elective' courses for the Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine concentration.

General Electives: 18 additional credits can also be chosen from the Guided Elective list, or any other undergraduate course at the University, except LSPA designated courses.

For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements and approved guided electives, please reference the program guide.

Strength & Conditioning

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning allows students to gain knowledge and skills to facilitate evidence-based practice in health and human performance. Comprehensive instruction is provided in sports performance training theory and techniques, while broader instruction in anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and kinesiology lay foundational multidisciplinary knowledge. Students will also gain practical training and assessment experience through applied laboratory coursework in addition to an athletic or human performance internship. Ultimately, this coursework will help prepare students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam upon graduation.

The Strength & Conditioning concentration is seeking accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength & Conditioning Education (CASCE). For more information see the CASCE self-study.

EXNS 1117 | Principles of Coaching (3 credits)
EXNS 1118 | Sports and Nutrition (3 credits)
EXNS 2117 | Sports Psychology (3 credits)
EXNS 2128 | Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning (3 credits)
EXNS 3103 | Training & Conditioning Program Design & Application I (4 credits)
EXNS 3104 | Training & Conditioning Program Design & Application II (4 credits)
EXNS 3123W | Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation (3 credits)
EXNS 3110 | Strength & Conditioning Field Experience (4 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 27 credits

124 Credits | TOTAL- Strength & Conditioning Science Concentration

Exercise Science - no concentration

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with no Concentration offers students the chance to acquire knowledge and skills in the broader areas of exercise science, including anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, health and exercise psychology, and much more. It they wish, students may also add a minor area of study in an area of their choice.

26 credits | All General Education Requirements (GenEd) & WID Courses
39 credits | All Core Exercise Science Requirements
41 credits | Guided Electives
18 credits | General Electives

124 Credits | TOTAL- Exercise Science - no concentration

Guided Electives- the courses provided on the Guided Electives list have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science curricula. A minimum of 40 credits are required to be selected from this approved list of 'guided elective' courses for the BS, Exercise Science program with no concentration.

General Electives- 18 additional credits can also be chosen from the Guided Elective list, or any other undergraduate course at the University, except LSPA designated courses.

For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements and approved guided electives, please reference the program guide.

Field Experience

Coming soon.....

Careers

The BS in Exercise Science prepares students for professional careers in the field and for entrance into professional graduate programs:

Medicine (Physician Assistant, Nursing, Physician)
Physical Therapy
Athletic Training
Nutrition
Corporate Fitness and Wellness Programs
Personal Training
Exercise Rehabilitation
Coaching
Sport Psychology
Health Promotion
Other health professions

Alumni

Coming Soon...

The Exercise Science major will accept all qualified applicants into the major through the internal transfer process. Students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to qualify for the major.

You may access the internal transfer form here. Internal transfer forms must be submitted by February 15th (for fall transfer) and October 15th (for spring transfer).

Prospective high school students may apply directly to the public health program via the Common Application. Prospective GW students should review the undergraduate admissions page for details about the process.

For more information, please visit Undergraduate Advising.

The BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning is seeking
accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education
(CASCE). The concentration submitted its application and self-study in fall of 2024. A site visit
will be scheduled for spring 2025. Updates on our accreditation status will be available as the
concentration progresses through the accreditation process.

The self-study submitted to CASCE in October 2024 is available below.

CASCE SELF STUDY (view document here)

Enrollment: As of fall 2024, there is one student who is enrolled in the BS in Exercise Science with a
concentration in Strength & Conditioning.
Retention Rates: As of fall 2024, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a
concentration in Strength & Conditioning. As a result, retention rates related to graduation
cannot be calculated.
Graduation Rates: As of fall 2024, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a
concentration in Strength & Conditioning.
Graduate Placement Rates: As of fall 2024, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a
concentration in Strength & Conditioning.
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Pass Rate: Students generally take the CSCS exam after graduation. Since there have not yet been any BS
in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning graduates, no CSCS pass
rates can be calculated for this group. However, several students in other concentrations and
programs have taken strength and conditioning-specific coursework have taken the CSCS
exam. As of October 2024, four students have taken and passed the CSCS exam, resulting in a
100% pass rate.