Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science
100% of exercise science majors get hands-on experience through internships, co-ops or fieldwork with placements at places like Harvard Athletics and Northeast Rehab.
As an exercise science major, you’ll delve into the anatomical, biomedical and physiological foundations of exercise and human movement.
Exercise Science Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op/
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Exercise Science Major
This program focuses on the impact of physical activity on health and wellness. You’ll learn how to help individuals achieve and exceed their fitness and rehabilitation goals. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the dynamic health and fitness industry or for advanced study in exercise science.
What You'll Study
Collaborate with expert faculty on exercise science research in our Human Performance Lab. Get hands-on clinical experience with innovative tech like the BodPod and 3-D Gait Analysis, and become a lifelong learner, analytical problem solver and contributing leader in both your profession and the broader community.
Anatomy and Physiology
Biomechanics
Strength and Conditioning
Exercise Physiology
Health Behavior
Nutrition
Exercise Testing
Program Design
Data Analysis
Kinesiology
Skills You'll Learn
You”ll be prepared to sit for nationally recognized certification examinations including but not limited to those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Gain the skills necessary to teach others, inspire change, and make a real difference in people’s lives!
Team Collaboration
Research Skills
Health Promotion
Nutritional Awareness
Preparation for Graduate School
Exercise Science Concentrations
The Exercise Science major is an academically rigorous and demanding science-based professional preparation program focused on the scientific principles of physical activity, fitness, exercise and human performance. The curriculum prepares students to pursue careers in health, fitness, and wellness or for advanced study in related fields including exercise physiology, clinical exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy and strength and conditioning.
Students may choose one concentration within Exercise Science Major. Students who do not choose a concentration will follow the General Exercise Sciences major degree curriculum. All concentrations act as an undergraduate pathway to graduate school for physical and occupational therapy.
Concentrations Include:
Strength and Conditioning
Develop effective communication skills to enhance individual and group experiences in strength and conditioning, while understanding physiological adaptations, applying periodization and recovery strategies.
Rehabilitation Sciences
Learn how to analyze normal and pathological movement patterns, implement evaluation methods, understand therapeutic interventions and health conditions that affect their ability to perform everyday activities.
Exercise Science Courses You'll Take
Strength &
Conditioning I
EXS 2345
This course is designed as an introduction to the principles of strength and conditioning with an emphasis on applications for improving health and performance in the athlete and non-athlete population.
Exercise Program Design
EXS 4348
This course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and principles associated with program design and fitness training considerations for the healthy population in personal training and performance settings.
HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND PROMOTION
HSC 2500
This course focuses on health behavior theories and strategies to promote individuals’ healthy lifestyle. In addition, students will explore and apply theoretically based principles and strategies to real-life cases.
See All Courses & Options Available to Exercise Majors Majors
Exercise Science Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Exercise Science Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Exercise Science Major
Exercise Science Major
Exercise Science Major
Exercise Science Major
Career Outlook: Where Can an Exercise Science Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
95% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of the undergraduate exercise science class of 2024 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing & Health Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Exercise Science Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in exercise science and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Athletic Trainer
- Exercise Program Director
- Health and Wellness Coach
- Kinesiologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Personal Trainer
- Physical Therapist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
Where Merrimack Exercise Science Graduates Work & Intern
Northeast Rehabilitation Network
Intern
F45 North Andover
Trainer
Sacred Heart University
Physician Assistant Student
Massachusetts General Hospital
Inpatient Physical Therapist
Harvard University
Athletic Department Intern
University of Denver
Assistant Sports Performance Coach
Northeastern Men's Ice Hockey
Athletic Training Student
Phillips Exeter Academy
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 80+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Exercise Science Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
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