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.

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 online during the fall or spring semesters.

University General Education Requirements - all concentrations

University Writing 
One of the following University Writing Courses (4 credits):
UW 1020 | University Writing
HONR 1015 | Origins & Evolution of Modern Thought

Writing in the Disciplines (WID)
Two WID courses, which may also be counted in another category (6 credits)

Humanities 
One course in the Humanities (3 credits). Click here for eligible classes.

Mathematics/Statistics
One course in Mathematics or Statistics (3 credits). Suggested courses are:
STAT 1051 | Introduction to Business & Economic Statistics (3 credits)*
STAT 1053 | Introduction to Statistics in Social Science (3 credits)*
STAT 1127 | Statistics for the Biological Sciences (3 credits)*

Science 
One Natural or Physical Science Course with Laboratory  (4 credits). Suggested course is:
BISC 1111 | Introduction to Biology: Cells & Molecules & Laboratory (4 credits)*
 
Social Science 
Two courses in the Social Sciences (6 credits). Suggested courses are: 
   one of the following:
COMM 1040 | Public Communication (3 credits)*
COMM 1041 | Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)*
   and one of the following:
ANTH 1002 | Sociocultural Anthropology (3 credits)*
ANTH 1003 | Archaeology (3 credits)*
ANTH 1004 | Language in Culture & Society (3 credits)*

* Some classes will double count towards University General Education (GenEd) requirements as well as Exercise Science Core requirements. Confirm with Advisor that these courses count towards GenEd and Exercise Science core requirements.
 

GENERAL EDUCATION TOTAL:  26 CREDITS

See the University Bulletin for most up-to-date version of GenEd requirements and approved courses here.

Exercise Science Core Courses - all concentrations

EXNS 1103 | Professional Foundations in Exercise Science (1 credit)
EXNS 2116 | Exercise and Health Psychology (3 credits)
EXNS 2119 | Introduction to Nutrition Sciences (3 credits)
EXNS 2210 | Applied Anatomy Physiology I & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 2211 | Applied Anatomy Physiology II & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 3110 | Field Experience in Exercise & Nutrition Sciences (2 credits)
EXNS 3111W | Exercise & Nutrition Sciences Research Methods (3 credits)
EXNS 3311 | Exercise Physiology I & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 3312 | Exercise Physiology II & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 3313 | Kinesiology (4 credits)
PUBH 1010 | First Year Experience Course (1 credit)
PUBH 1101 | Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
PSYC 1001 | General Psychology (3 credits)
 

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

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 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.

• Program Guide, 2024-25
• Program Guide, 2023-24
• Program Guide, 2022-23
• Program Guide, 2021-22
• Program Guide, 2020-21
• Program Guide, 2019-20
• Program Guide, 2018-19
• Program Guide, 2017-18
• Program Guide, 2016-17

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

Guided Electives are courses that have been identified as highly relevant to the BS in Exercise Science curricula. These preapproved courses can be found on the Guided Electives list on the program guide.

General Electives are any undergraduate course at the university, except LSPA designated courses. Students are welcome to take additional courses from the Guided Electives list as General Electives.

For the most up to date list of program and concentration requirements, please reference the program guide.

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.

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 (3 credits) or higher level MATH course
PHYS 1011 | General Physics I (4 credits) 
PHYS 1012 | General Physics II (4 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 31 CREDITS

26 credits | General Education Requirements (GenEd) & WID Courses
39 credits | Core Exercise Science Requirements
31 credits | Pre-Medical Professional Concentration Requirements
10 credits | Guided Electives
14 credits | General Electives

EXERCISE SCIENCE, PRE-MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 120 CREDITS 

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 (3 credits) or higher level MATH course
PHYS 1011 | General Physics I (4 credits)
PHYS 1012 | General Physics II (4 credits)
   and one of the following:
PSYC 2011 | Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 2013 | Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 26 CREDITS

26 credits | General Education Requirements (GenEd) & WID Courses
39 credits | Core Exercise Science Requirements
26 credits | Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration Requirements
15 credits | Guided Electives
14 credits | General Electives

EXERCISE SCIENCE, PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 120 CREDITS 

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.

CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry I (4 credits)
EXNS 1113 | Medical Terminology (3 credits)
EXNS 3123W | Psychology of Injury and Performance (3 credits)
EXNS 3125 | Athletic Training Practicum (3 credits)
PHYS 1011 | General Physics I (4 credits)
   and 6-8 credits from the following:
CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry II (4 credits)
EXNS 2110 | Injury Prevention and Control (3 credits)
EXNS 2121 | Orthopedic Taping and Bracing (1 credit)
EXNS 3117 | Injury Assessment (4 credits)
EXNS 3328 | Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3 credits)
EXNS 4103 | Training and Conditioning Program Design and Application I (4 credits)
PHYS 1012 | General Physics II (4 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 23-25 CREDITS

26 credits | General Education Requirements (GenEd) & WID Courses
39 credits | Core Exercise Science Requirements
23-25 credits | Pre-Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Concentration Requirements
16-18 credits | Guided Electives
14 credits | General Electives

EXERCISE SCIENCE, PRE-ATHLETIC TRAINING/SPORTS MEDICINE CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 120 CREDITS 

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 accredited by 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 2117 | Sports Psychology (3 credits)
EXNS 2118 | Sports and Nutrition (3 credits)
EXNS 3110 | Strength and Conditioning Field Experience (4 credits)
EXNS 3123W | Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation (3 credits)
EXNS 3328 | Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3 credits)
EXNS 4103 | Training and Conditioning Program Design and Application I (4 credits)
EXNS 4104 | Training and Conditioning Program Design and Application II (4 credits)

CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 27 CREDITS

26 credits | General Education Requirements (GenEd) & WID Courses
39 credits | All Core Exercise Science Requirements
27 credits | Strength & Conditioning Concentration Requirements 
14 credits | Guided Electives
14 credits | General Electives

EXERCISE SCIENCE, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 120 CREDITS 

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

EXERCISE SCIENCE, NO CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 120 CREDITS 

 

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.