Exercise science explores how the body’s muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems respond and adapt to physical activity. At Concordia University Chicago, you’ll build a strong foundation in movement science while learning how evidence-based exercise improves health, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance.

Coursework combines scientific theory with practical application and includes:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Kinesiology and biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Fitness and wellness
• Exercise testing and fitness assessment
• Exercise prescription
• Weight training and resistance exercise
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Measurement and evaluation
• Management and marketing for health and fitness organizations

As you advance through the program, you’ll learn how to evaluate movement, develop exercise programs, interpret fitness assessments, and apply scientific principles to help individuals achieve healthier, more active lives.

Graduates develop the scientific knowledge, technical abilities, and leadership skills needed across today’s health, fitness, and human performance professions.

You’ll gain experience in:

• Fitness assessment and evaluation
• Exercise program design
• Exercise prescription
• Human movement analysis
• Health promotion and wellness coaching
• Performance improvement strategies
• Professional communication
• Critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making
• Ethical leadership and service

These competencies prepare graduates to work with individuals across a variety of settings, including fitness centers, wellness programs, rehabilitation environments, community organizations, and sports performance facilities.

Concordia’s Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science combines scientific coursework with the broad perspective of a Christian liberal arts education. In addition to developing expertise in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise science, you’ll strengthen communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking skills that employers value across the health and wellness industry.

This well-rounded approach prepares graduates to adapt to changing career opportunities while serving individuals and communities with knowledge, compassion, and integrity.

One of the defining features of Concordia’s Exercise Science degree is the required 300-hour senior practicum. This supervised field experience bridges classroom instruction with professional practice, allowing you to apply exercise testing, fitness assessment, exercise prescription, coaching, and client communication in real-world settings.

Recent practicum placements have included:

• Athletico Physical Therapy
• Chicago Rush Arena Football
• Gottlieb Health and Fitness Center
• Shriners Hospital for Children
• Community fitness centers
• Local park districts and recreation agencies

By graduation, you’ll have practical experience working alongside professionals while developing the confidence, technical skills, and professional judgment employers and graduate programs expect.

Learning in Concordia University Chicago’s Exercise & Sport Science Department extends well beyond the classroom. Small class sizes encourage discussion, collaboration, and individualized instruction, allowing faculty to mentor students throughout their academic journey.

Students in Concordia-Chicago’s health-related programs frequently describe instructors as approachable, responsive to questions, and committed to helping them connect coursework with careers in fitness, coaching, rehabilitation, and allied health professions.  

Located in River Forest, Illinois, just outside Chicago, Concordia-Chicago also provides access to one of the Midwest’s largest healthcare, sports, fitness, and wellness markets. Through practicum placements and community partnerships, students gain valuable professional experience while building relationships that support future employment or graduate education.

Many Exercise Science graduates choose to continue their professional development after earning their bachelor’s degree. Depending on your career goals, graduates may pursue certifications from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

The program also provides a strong academic foundation for graduate study in fields such as:

• Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Occupational Therapy
• Athletic Training
• Exercise Physiology
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Chiropractic
• Strength and Conditioning
• Human Performance

Faculty advisors work closely with students to help align coursework with their long-term career and educational goals.