Meet Your Major
As an exercise science major, you’ll explore the anatomical, biomedical and physiological basis of exercise and human movement.
Designed to deepen your understanding how physical activity affects health and disease, you’ll develop a toolkit for teaching others, changing behaviors and improving lives.
What You’ll Learn
In the exercise science program, you will:
- Learn how to help individuals meet and exceed their health and rehabilitation goals.
- Use state-of-the-art equipment to analyze the performance of our Division I and II athletes.
- Work with renowned faculty on exercise science research in our Human Performance Laboratory.
- Gain hands-on, clinical experience with innovative technological tools like the BodPod and our 3-D Gait Analysis.
Hands-on Learning
100% of exercise science majors participate in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum. Put theory into real-world practice by taking part in any number of experiential opportunities, from faculty-directed research projects to internships and co-op placements at places like Northeast Rehabilitation Network, Abilities Rehab and the Harvard University athletic department. You can also get involved with local community organizations by teaching kids about physical fitness through Active Science, Merrimack’s proprietary, interactive mobile app.
Career Options
When you graduate from the exercise science program, you’ll be ready for whatever path you choose. Want to dive into your professional career? You can pursue positions in fields like health promotion; strength and conditioning; and personal training. Thinking about graduate or continued studies? You’ll be qualified to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association and American College of Sports Medicine exams, so you can go on to work in areas like physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, public health, or biomedical science.
Courses You’ll Take
Exercise Science, B.S. Requirements
Exercise Science, B.S. Requirements
To see more details about the minor, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
Sample Curriculum Guide
Exercise Science Student Profiles
Exercise Science, Class of 2024
Trainer
F45 North Andover
“I chose Merrimack not only because of the close location that is to where I live, but also because of the level of education and opportunities that were available within the Exercise Science program.”
Exercise Science, Class of 2024
“Merrimack’s class size allows for genuine connections with your professors, which helped me do well in the classroom.”
Exercise Science, Class of 2024
“Taking so many major-specific courses has made it easy for me to apply the educational skills in a practical setting.”
Exercise Science & Psychology, Class of 2024
“My education at Merrimack was able to lay the groundwork and provide me a basic understanding of psychological theories, as well as fundamental human anatomy and physiology.”
Exercise Science, Accelerated Athletic Training Program
Personal Trainer
Merrimack Campus Fitness & Recreation
“Merrimack has given me a great skill set as a clinician to be able to provide the best possible care to my patients and clients.”
Exercise Science Alumni Profiles
Exercise Science & Business Administration, Class of 2023
Graduate Student, Exercise and Nutrition Science Master's Program
University of Tampa
“This (undergraduate) degree has allowed me to continue on to graduate school, where I am in classes that are building off of the solid foundation Merrimack gave me. My first step at Merrimack has laid the groundwork for a successful career path.”
Exercise Science
Physician Assistant Student
Sacred Heart University
“I was fortunate to have amazing professors and mentors throughout my time at Merrimack. Jessica Peacock and Andy Cannon were two people who helped guide me in my career path. Being involved on a team, I was supported by my teammates and we would push each other, both on and off the field.”
Exercise Science
“Earning my bachelor in Exercise Science has given me many experiences and opportunities for future success and career opportunities.”
Exercise Science
Student
Merrimack College Athletic Training Master's Degree Program
“I chose to attend Merrimack for Athletic Training and Sports Management specifically because of their close affiliations with well-known organizations in the Boston area!”
Exercise Science
Inpatient Physician Therapist
Massachusetts General Hospital
“I chose to attend Merrimack after attending the open house where I got the chance to experience what it would be like pursuing my degree in exercise science, along with what opportunities the School of Health Sciences provided for their students.”
