The foundation of physiology and exercise science is the nature of human movement and how it impacts our day-to-day lives. The demand for physiology professionals is only growing in the U.S., with occupations like personal trainer, occupational therapist, and exercise physiologist projected to grow 9 percent or more over the next several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

About Salem’s Exercise Science & Physiology Degree

Students of Salem University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology with a specialization in Physiology & Exercise Science program can gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and structure and how it applies to practical settings. This program embraces both qualitative and quantitative approaches to support ethical decision-making. Whether you pursue an on-campus or online exercise science degree, we offer a supportive, diverse experience that combines classroom instruction by experienced faculty with skills-building exercises and real-world applications. A bachelor’s in biology — exercise physiology degree can also be a great stepping off point toward getting your Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.

We’ve designed our exercise physiology degree program curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage all of our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule. Salem offers STEM Designated Degree Programs identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, signaling their importance to the nation and the world.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in physiology and exercise science can help you prepare for entry-level employment in areas like:

  • Health Care
  • Personal Training
  • Athletic and Fitness Coaching
  • Kinesiology
  • Corporate Wellness

The main focus of our on-campus and online exercise science degree program is to prepare you for further professional study in an exercise science-related field, like physical or occupational therapy.

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s in Exercise Science & Physiology Degree Program?

As a student in our on-campus or online exercise science degree program, you will start with gathering knowledge and skills related to both physical and biological sciences as a whole. From there, you will build on that base by studying topics like skeletal structure and motor components; how the body works; how to assess athletic performance; how internal biology affects outer functions including pathophysiology, with special reference to microbiology; the immune system; and the role nutrition plays in performance assessment. You will focus on practical applications of these concepts, so you can be ready to enter the career field.

In your specialized physiology and exercise science courses, you will cover topics like:

  • The basics of skeletal structure, anatomy, the motor learning components of the central nervous system, basic Newtonian mechanics, and general force-velocity physics
  • Physiological changes accompanying acute and chronic exercise and how to develop, administer, and evaluate physiological tests and prescribe exercise training procedures
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and their viruses, including the engineering and utilization of microorganisms as related to the immune system
  • The fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology of cellular function and structure, tissues, organs, and organ systems, as well as the altered regulatory mechanisms associated with disease
  • The interrelationships between optimal nutrition absorption and various nutrients for better athletic performance, focusing on nutrient requirements, hormones, metabolism, and dietary supplements

What Physiology & Exercise Science Classes Will I Take?

The bachelor’s in exercise physiology degree requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core biology credits that include:

  • BIO110 General Biology
  • BIO111 General Biology 2
  • BIO112 General Biology Lab
  • BIO210 Anatomy & Physiology
  • BIO211 Anatomy & Physiology 2
  • BIO499 Senior Capstone Project
  • CHM110 General Chemistry
  • CHM111 General Chemistry 2
  • CHM112 General Chemistry Lab
  • CHM210 Organic Chemistry
  • CHM211 Organic Chemistry 2
  • CHM212 Organic Chemistry Lab
  • CHM350 Biochemistry
  • CHM351 Biochemistry 2
  • PHY110 General Physics
  • PHY111 General Physics 2
  • PHY112 General Physics Lab

You will also take 15 credits in the Physiology & Exercise Science specialization:

  • BIO260 Kinesiology & Biomechanics
  • BIO365 Physiology of Exercise & Performance Assessment
  • BIO442 Microbiology
  • BIO444 Pathophysiology
  • BIO460 Human Nutrition and Physical Performance

How Long Will It Take to Get My Exercise Physiology Degree? 

On average, a full-time student can complete our on-campus or online exercise science degree program in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Anyone who wishes to apply to our Bachelor of Science in Biology program must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • High school graduate or equivalent (such as a GED or international secondary institution).

High school transcripts (and/or college transcripts for transfer students) must be provided before the end of the first semester of study. International students will need to provide results of credential evaluation and English language capability.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Bachelor of Science in Biology — exercise physiology degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.