Exercise Science

 
 
 

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

As the field of Exercise Science continues to rapidly expand, Morningside University offers a comprehensive program that equips you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this dynamic industry. This versatile curriculum prepares you for a wide range of fulfilling careers in healthcare. Throughout the four-year Bachelor of Science degree, you will dive into the complexities of human movement, learn how it is studied and assessed, and develop strategies to treat injuries related to it. Morningside University's Exercise Science program sets the stage for your success in this ever-growing field.

Degrees

Exercise Science

Major

Why Study Exercise Science?

Morningside University’s Exercise Science program prepares students to understand human movement and health through hands-on learning and advanced lab experiences. Students choose an emphasis area while gaining practical experience that supports graduate study and careers in exercise science.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Emphasis options in Sports Medicine or Strength and Conditioning
  • Advanced motion analysis and human performance technology
  • Small class sizes with personalized faculty mentorship

THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE

Prime Location

Sioux City is Iowa’s fourth largest city, and other large cities are nearby for abundant options for credit-bearing internships and networking.

Internships

There is a high demand for interns from the Siouxland region and beyond. Internships put you in a professional setting where you work side-by-side with experienced professionals.

Travel

You will have the opportunity to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally for professional conferences, industry field trips, or May Term courses. Travel grants and special scholarship eligibility may be available.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

An Exercise Science degree prepares you for graduate study and careers focused on human movement, athletic performance, rehabilitation, and health. Many graduates continue their education in professional programs, while others pursue careers in strength and conditioning, sports performance, and fitness. Potential career pathways include becoming an athletic trainer, physical therapist, chiropractor, strength and conditioning coach, sports scientist, personal trainer, or corporate fitness professional. Potential careers include:

  • Athletic Trainer*
  • Physical Therapist*
  • Chiropractor*
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Sports Scientist
  • Director of Sports Performance
  • Performance Coach
  • Personal Trainer
  • Corporate Fitness Professional

*Additional graduate education is required.


Morningside Exercise Science graduates work in a variety of settings that support athletic performance, rehabilitation, and overall wellness. Alumni serve athletes, patients, and clients at every level—from youth sports to professional organizations—and in healthcare, military, and corporate environments.Graduates work in organizations such as:

  • Professional sports organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Junior colleges
  • High schools and junior high schools
  • Physical therapy and sports medicine clinics
  • Hospitals and healthcare systems
  • Military organizations
  • Corporate wellness and industrial employers, including Amazon
  • Entertainment organizations, including Las Vegas performance productions
  • Rodeo and other sports performance organizations

Exercise Science courses provide a strong foundation in human movement, exercise physiology, biomechanics, fitness assessment, and performance training. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, internships, and a capstone seminar, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for graduate study or careers in health, rehabilitation, and sports performance. Featured courses include Introduction to Exercise & Sport Sciences, Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription, Developmental Motor Control, Biomechanics of Human Motion, Principles of Training & Conditioning, Exercise Science Internship, and Capstone Seminar.

EMPHASIS AREAS

An emphasis enables you to specialize in a specific area within your chosen field of study, providing you with in-depth knowledge and a competitive edge in the job market post-graduation.

SPORTS MEDICINE

This track is meant for students who are pursuing pre-professional programs who are continuing their education to include Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Chiropractic and Occupational Therapy. These students take additional courses in evaluation and rehabilitation.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

This track is meant for students who are looking for careers in fitness/wellness, personal training and corporate fitness. Alums of this program could work in industries such as schools, colleges/universities, corporate offices and fitness facilities.

WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?

13:1

student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you

99%

employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation

65+

majors & pre-professional programs available

Still looking for the right fit? check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.

EDUCATION RECOGNITION PROGRAM (ERP)

The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes and distinguishes programs with approved and standardized strength and conditioning or personal training curricula. Recognized programs are designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.

The “ERP” logo is a trademark of the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the United States and/or other countries.

MEET THE FACULTY

Burford, Katy

Kathryn Burford

Head Athletic Trainer

Kathryn’s Profile

Anni Moore

Associate Professor

I love teaching at Morningside because I get to work with amazing students, teach them about the great world of microbiology, guide many of them through research projects, and see them graduate and go on to do good things in the world. As an educator, I cannot think of anything more rewarding!

Anni’s Profile
Kurt Spearing

Kurt Spearing

Associate Professor

Kurt’s Profile
Aaron Bunker

Aaron Bunker

Professor

Aaron’s Profile
Chad Leugers

Chad Leugers

Associate Professor

Chad’s Profile

Greg Seier

Assistant Professor

Greg’s Profile

Next Steps

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Financial Aid

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Our admissions team is eager to answer your questions about this program and how to apply.

Lewis Hall Illustration