Overview
“With obesity rates on the rise, (personal) trainers are in a position to change someone’s health for the better—and for the long haul. They can also work in a variety of settings beyond the gym, from hospitals to corporate wellness departments to clients’ homes to outdoor boot camps.” – CNN Money
Research indicates a rise in the number of adults from all ages who are seeking to be more proactive in managing their fitness and overall health. Our two-year exercise science degree was designed with this in mind. The academic track allows you to earn an associate degree while also equipping you to pass a certified personal trainer exam upon completion of the program. The diverse curricular offerings of the department, integrated with several supporting courses from other disciplines, give students a solid foundation upon which to build their career.
Students will benefit from a variety of exposure to topics in classes such as these:
- Fundamentals of Strength Training and Aerobic Conditioning
- Nutrition for Fitness and Performance
- Personal Training as a Business
- Sport Psychology
- Introduction to Health Care Management
- Human Growth and Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Financial Stewardship
Faculty
News
Core Classes
Basic Nutrition Across the Lifespan
EXS 2000
This course will explore the nutritive value of foods and provide an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of macronutrients, energy, vitamins, and minerals for the human body across the lifespan.
Fundamentals of Strength Training
EXS 2010
Content and activity course that covers current strength training techniques and methods. Students will participate in a specific weight training program during the semester while learning a variety of strength training techniques.
Fundamentals of Aerobic Conditioning
EXS 2020
Content and activity that covers current aerobic conditioning techniques and methods. Students will participate in a specific aerobic training program during the semester while learning a variety of aerobic training methods.
Personal Training
EXS 2040
Bridges the gap between exercise-science related course work and the practical application skills of personal training. Students learn how to properly screen and evaluate clients; design and implement exercise prescription; and how to manage personal training services. Includes a laboratory experience.
Nutrition for Fitness and Performance
EXS 2100
Provide an understanding of optimal nutritional intake in support of peak performance in sport. Address food as fuel and which fuels are most important to specific sport activities, the role nutritional supplements can play, how to assure fluid balance, weight management for athletes, and the effects of disordered eating on performance and health. The unique international food and athletic culture should be incorporated into understanding nutrition for peak performance. Understand what athletes should eat before, during, and after competition, design optimal meal plans for athletes, and be able to identify the best and worst applications of sport supplements such as protein powders/bars, creatine, and sport drinks. This will be prescribed through a Christian worldview for the best stewardship of the body for optimal muscle development, recovery, and sports performance.
Practicum I: Exercise Science
EXS 2240
This course involves the application and direct observation of principles/standards learned throughout the academic course offerings. The student will choose from a broad range of clinical settings (PT/OT clinical sites; athletic training rooms; personal training facilities, etc.) to complete the practicum observation hours. Practicum site should align with the student's career goals and must have academic advisor's approval. The Exercise Science Practicum Manual will serve as the guiding reference and will include the following benchmark requirements (documented observation time logs, weekly journals, summary of learning experience, clinical site supervisor evaluation and a practicum-specific assignment). A minimum of 40 contact hours required. Graded S/U.
Personal Training as a Business
EXS 3210
Introduction to the business-based side of personal training including marketing, sales, budgets, staffing and clientele issues.
Sport Psychology
SMC 3700
A study of the interaction between sport and psychology with a focus on psychological skills training for athletes and coaches. Includes topics such as motivation, imagery, anxiety, stress, attention, confidence, leadership, and communication.
Personal Training Certification
EXS 4320
Designed to prepare students to sit for a nationally recognized personal training certification exam. Students will be engaged in practical applications of the material covered. The course will offer both lecture and movement training applying theory to practice. Upon successful completion of the program, students will gain the information and strategies needed to pass the chosen personal training certification exam.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
BUS 2300
Designed to teach the student concepts and skills needed to succeed in an entrepreneurial venture. It will include understanding unique characteristics an entrepreneur should possess, and it will view marketing, economics, finance, accounting, management, communication and legal issues from a small business perspective.
Introduction to Healthcare Management
BUS 2350
Introduces students to the healthcare industry and explores significant challenges of healthcare management. This course examines various issues within healthcare, such as cost management, healthcare financing, disease management, information technology, the regulatory environment, the pharmaceutical industry, human resource issues, ethical issues, and health reform. Students also explore various healthcare settings (such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics) and research job opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Human Growth and Development
PSY 2175
A survey of development from conception throughout the life span.
Abnormal Psychology
PSY 4150
Survey of the causes, forms and methods of treating behavior abnormalities.
Outcomes / Careers
Students who earn an associate degree in Exercise Science are well-positioned to immediately receive certification to become a personal trainer, a career in rising demand as more adults become increasingly proactive navigating their fitness and wellness.
Sit for the certification exam after earning your degree and begin working in a club gym, private studio, community center or a variety of other fitness settings. Receiving your personal trainer certification could also help you achieve your career goal of opening and/or managing a health care facility or gym.
Other students may choose to work as a trainer while continuing to finish coursework with the goal of earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Classes completed as part of a student’s associate degree at Trevecca can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science as well. Professionals who later decide to attend occupational or physical therapy school or seek certification to become an athletic trainer often find value in prior work as a personal trainer.
FAQs
Which kind of job can I obtain with an associate degree in Exercise Science?
Individuals who earn an associate degree in Exercise Science receive preparation for the certification exam to become a personal trainer. Upon receiving certification, you can immediately begin working as a personal trainer in a variety of outlets—whether it’s a gym, community fitness center, a client’s private residence or even at a hotel, hospital or on a cruise ship. Personal trainers are also well-suited to become group fitness instructors, yoga instructors, lifestyle and weight management consultants or health and wellness coaches.
What will I learn from the program?
Students can expect to receive a robust and well-rounded foundation that combines a liberal arts education with instruction in exercise science. The 37 credit hours required to complete the associate degree included classes in topics such as biblical faith, speech communication, principles in macroeconomics, financial stewardship, fundamentals for strength training, personal training as a business, sport psychology, introduction to entrepreneurship and small business management, and a psychology course in human growth and development. As part of the program, students also will engage in a practicum completed outside of the classroom in order to gain hands-on experience in the field of personal training. This will offer students the opportunity to network with professionals and possibly learn of future job opportunities.
Can I transition into a bachelor’s degree after I complete my associate degree?
Yes. Classes completed as part of a student’s associate degree in Exercise Science can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science as well. Upon completion of the associate degree, students can discuss their course plan with an academic advisor and formulate a continued path of study.
Overview
“With obesity rates on the rise, (personal) trainers are in a position to change someone’s health for the better—and for the long haul. They can also work in a variety of settings beyond the gym, from hospitals to corporate wellness departments to clients’ homes to outdoor boot camps.” – CNN Money
Research indicates a rise in the number of adults from all ages who are seeking to be more proactive in managing their fitness and overall health. Our two-year exercise science degree was designed with this in mind. The academic track allows you to earn an associate degree while also equipping you to pass a certified personal trainer exam upon completion of the program. The diverse curricular offerings of the department, integrated with several supporting courses from other disciplines, give students a solid foundation upon which to build their career.
Students will benefit from a variety of exposure to topics in classes such as these:
- Fundamentals of Strength Training and Aerobic Conditioning
- Nutrition for Fitness and Performance
- Personal Training as a Business
- Sport Psychology
- Introduction to Health Care Management
- Human Growth and Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Financial Stewardship