Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology Degree

Exercise physiology is the study of how the body responds to the stress of physical activity or exercise. As an exercise physiology student, you’ll study the basic sciences and learn about the human body’s amazing capacity for movement, agility and strength. Majoring in exercise physiology will prepare you for a graduate degree in allied health or a meaningful career in the fitness industry.

Type of Offering

Major Minor Pathway

College

Arts & Sciences School of Health, Life Sciences, and Education

As a student in exercise physiology, you’ll study how exercise alters the structure and function of the human body. You’ll receive a solid foundation in the basic and applied sciences and delve into physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, and allied health.

Practical, hands-on experience is woven into our program. Our professors and network of alumni will open doors to incredible opportunities in the field. Our students land internships at places like Columbus Children's Hospital, Mercy Health System and Bowling Green State University Department of Athletics.

From day one, you’ll be part of our family. You’ll enjoy small classes, a safe campus and lasting friendships. Our supportive professors will get to know you. They’ll guide you every step of the way as you make decisions about your future.

Exercise Physiology Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

Exercise physiology majors take a core group of 58 credit hours to fulfill CAAHEP accreditation requirements. Students then choose a pathway – either Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences or Exercise Professions – that requires an additional 11-13 credit hours. Courses include:Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Physiology of Aging, Pathophysiology, Nutrition for Health Sciences, Exercise Testing and Prescription and Strength and Conditioning.

Solid Outcomes

9 Our exercise physiology program is one of only seven in Ohio to be accredited in exercise science by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
100 Our exercise physiology program is one of only 100 in the nation to be accredited in exercise science by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
90 Our students enjoy a greater than 90 percent acceptance rate into allied health graduate programs and professional programs.
11:1 ONU student to faculty ratio.

Our program gives you the flexibility to explore your interests and to change your mind. You don’t have to be 100 percent certain about your future plans. We designed our curriculum to be relevant to many different professional careers. You can choose between two different paths: Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences and Exercise Professions.
This pathway balances coursework with applied learning and will prepare you for a variety of allied health professions. Many of our graduates use this concentration to pursue advanced professional degrees in physical or occupational therapy. Students who know they want to become an athletic trainer can apply for the 3+2 Master of Athletic Training programs with affiliate universities. This five-year program involves three years at ONU to receive a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and then two years at another university for a Master of Science in athletic training.
This pathway offers a challenging curriculum that includes practical and hands-on experience and prepares you for graduate school or a variety of professional careers, including cardiac rehabilitation, corporate fitness, personal fitness training or working with a collegiate or professional athletic team. Through a combination of our challenging curriculum and your own hard work, you’ll be prepared to sit for national certification exams like those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Certification will set you apart from the competition by ensuring you meet rigorous national standards of practice.

You can't learn this from a book

Exercise physiology is about as hands-on a field as there is. In our program, you will learn the techniques and philosophies that produce the best results, and you will have the opportunities to put that training to use. It's a wonderful feeling to help someone transform their body, improve their physical and mental health, and push beyond the barriers that have held them back. You'll experience that feeling at ONU.

Professor Scott Swanson assisting students

Students running tests in exercise physiology

Hands-on experiences in exercise physiology

Michelle Wilson teaching a student in exercise physiology

Students getting real-life exposure to exercise physiology

Students gaining valuable experience in exercise physiology

Exercise physiology enabled me to understand how the human body works and how it can be developed into something more. ONU gave me the opportunity to learn everything I needed to
start my career.

Brandon Hubbard, exercise physiology major

CAAHEP Accreditation

The Exercise Physiology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in Exercise Science. ��ɫ��TV's Exercise Physiology program is one of only 14 Midwest Universities with this distinctive accreditation and one of six Ohio schools. CAAHEP accreditation ensures Exercise Physiology majors will have met vigorous national standards established by professional organizations. CAAHEP accreditation ensures you will have all the knowledge, skills and assessments to be successful upon graduation. The Exercise Physiology curriculum also prepares you for the NSCA's (National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)) national certification exam. These standards ensure you will receive the most up-to-date and pertinent curriculum.

End game: a fulfilling exercise physiology career

Exercise Physiology majors go on to become a Physical or Occupational Therapist, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation professional, Strength and Conditioning professional, Personal Trainer or Fitness professional, Manager of corporate wellness program or Strength coach for university or professional sports team. Places where our graduates have gone on to include:

Careers in Exercise Physiology:
- Physical or occupational therapist
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professional
- Exercise physiologist
- Personal trainer or Fitness professional
- Manager of corporate wellness program
- Athletic trainer

It was a great choice for me because of the small setting, friendly atmosphere and numerous opportunities for growth.

LINDSEY INKROTT, BS ’16

The Sound of Science

Listen to the sounds you can make in a science-related field of study at ONU.

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

We would love to meet you and show you around!
Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.

��ɫ����TV

Exercise Physiology Degree

Exercise Physiology Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

Solid Outcomes

Choose A Pathway

Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences

Exercise Professions

You can't learn this from a book

CAAHEP Accreditation

End game: a fulfilling exercise physiology career

The Sound of Science

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

Information for:

��ɫ��TV