Program Details
Exercise Science Fitness and Wellness (BA)
Bachelor of ArtsEmory & Henry University
Objective: To prepare students for careers in the fields of commercial fitness, corporate wellness, or strength and conditioning, or for graduate study in a health-related field (public health, nutrition/dietetics, clinical exercise physiology, kinesiology.)
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Basic Lab sciences- Make sure to take BIO 101 & 102 to earn BIOL 117 equivalency. English Writing- complete ENG 111 & 112 to earn ENGL 101 equivalency. Introductory Psychology (PSY 200) Ethics Math up to Pre-Calculus Anatomy & Physiology 1&2 would be ideal to complete. However, If you are planning to attend graduate school for a healthcare profession and the A&P option is only online at your VCCS, you may want to wait until at E&H to take those F2F.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Travel abroad is an option but is not required. This program is primarily taught during the days, Monday-Friday. Some courses are offered online but most are in-person. Most students earning an AS/AA degree can earn their Bachelor's degree in 2 years. |
Doing More With Your Degree | Graduates of this major have a high acceptance rate in graduate programs for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant/Associate, Athletic Training and others. The broad range of contextual & support electives allows students to select courses that support their specific professional and educational goals. Many students elect to minor in a related area of interest or double major. |
Program Successes & Highlights | As the only undergraduate major in the School of Health Sciences, the Exercise Science degree is designed with a focus on health across the lifespan and prepares students for success in graduate studies and work. |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Emory & Henry University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
Institution Name | Type | Title |
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Virginia Highlands Community College | GAA | Guaranteed Admission Agreement |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies or an AA/AS degree program will guarantee completion of the 'Think,
Understand & Create' liberal arts core component of the E&H undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. Other elements of the core curriculum may need to be met if not taken as part of the AA/AS degree. Students will be required to complete CORE 200 and CORE 300 at E&H. Students completing at least 56 credits following high school graduation but before transferring to E&H are exempt from CORE 100, CORE 103, and Emory Abroad/Global Citizenship. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Only students who have completed college credit elsewhere following high school graduation will be exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement. Completion of courses that satisfy elements of the Care & Cultural Competency and Think, Understand & Create elements of the curriculum will be awarded equivalent credit with an earned grade of C or better. Students completing the Uniform Certificate of General Studies or an AA/AS degree program concurrently with their high school diploma will not be exempt from CORE 100, CORE 103, or Emory Abroad/Global Citizenship. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Emory & Henry awards credit for AP, IB, and CLEP. Please see the credit equivalency charts to determine the needed scores for course credit. Currently, we do not award academic credit for industry or military training. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Emory & Henry University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing and Health Sciences with more than 90 academic majors, minors and tracks. No matter what you choose to study at Emory & Henry University,you'll be challenged, supported and inspired by your faculty mentors. 10:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio We know you want to engage. With an average class size of 14 students, you will easily be able to be involved in the discussion and have more one-on-one time with your professors. With more than 90 academic majors, minors and tracks, you will find and connect with something you are passionate about! 'Increase in Excellence,' the historic motto of Emory & Henry University, expresses our intention to be a learning community that moves toward fulfilling every student's potential. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | No application fee - free to apply |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Health and Sport Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Health and Sport Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Biology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Health & Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | A.S. in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Exercise Physiology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Health Sciences (BS) - Pre-Professional Specialization | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Chemistry Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Health Sciences, General | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Health Sciences, Medical Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Health Sciences, Therapeutical Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Health Sciences, Veterinary Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph-Macon College | Biology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Health-STEM Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Randolph-Macon College | Psychology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - General (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Biochemistry (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Education (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Forensic Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Research (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Administration and Leadership in Sport and Exercise | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Applied Health Sciences Professions | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Health and Human Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Health and Wellness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science Health Fitness Specialist | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
George Mason University | Kinesiology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education - Health Fitness Instructor | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health Wellness and Rehabilitation | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education - Kinesiotherapy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Exercise Science-BS (HS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Not Specified |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Kinesiology Recreation | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Exercise and Sport Science - Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-1128.00 | Exercise Physiologists | Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-9091.00 | Athletic Trainers | Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
21-1094.00 | Community Health Workers | Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
39-9031.00 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
21-1091.00 | Health Education Specialists | Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
25-1042.00 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-1042.00 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete
