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Exercise Science

Exercise science is the study of human movement. This field examines how physical activity, exercise, sport, and rehabilitation can help improve people’s lives.

Why Choose Exercise Science?

Exercise is as necessary to your physical well-being as it is to your mental health. In fact, studies show the two go hand-in-hand. Geared towards students with interests in science, biology, and health, the exercise science program at Manhattan is designed to not only educate you on this partnership, but to spread that message as leaders in:

  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • fitness
  • sport
  • rehabilitation
  • wellness
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Manhattan's exercise science program truly prepared me better than I ever could have imagined. Being a part of this program not only set me up for success in graduate school, but also for success in my future. I am truly grateful for the experience that I had at Manhattan.

Maria Toscano ’14, Doctorate of Physical Therapy candidate, Physical Therapy Aide at EXCEL Physical Therapy

Certification

Being a certified professional is important in this field, and your coursework in the exercise science program will help you earn the certification you need. Classes you take contribute to the requirements for two types of certification:

  • Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM), the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world.
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the world's leading organization for athletic conditioning coaches and personal training professionals.

Real World Experience

As an exercise science major, you will complete a 120-hour internship at a professional site. You will be able to match your internship with your interests and career goals to receive valuable hands-on training before you graduate. Internships are available with a variety of exercise science professionals who are:

  • physical therapists
  • occupational therapists
  • certified strength and conditioning coaches
  • sport performance coaches
  • exercise leaders
  • physician assistants
  • cardio-pulmonary specialists
  • nutritionists

Co-Curricular Experiences

The Manhattan University campus and our local community provide numerous opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom, including:

Manhattan University Games: Each spring, the Kinesiology Department and its honor society, Phi Epsilon Kappa, host a day of physical activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center: Students can get involved with providing recreational programming for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Manhattan University Fitness Center: The campus fitness center provides work-study opportunities reserved for physical education students working as fitness attendants and personal trainers in the JasperFit program.

What Will You Learn?

In addition to learning the cultural, historical, and philosophical dimensions of kinesiology, you will develop an understanding of the following exercise science fundamentals:

  • exercise physiology
  • anatomical kinesiology
  • care and prevention of athletic injury
  • biomechanics
  • motor learning
  • adapted exercise and sport
  • psychology

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What Will You Do?

The exercise and rehabilitation industry offers numerous career opportunities for Exercise Science majors. Some graduates choose to go straight into the workforce, while others go on to pursue advanced degrees in physical or occupational therapy.