Clinical Exercise Science, BS
Learn to prevent, manage and improve chronic health conditions through exercise, guided by hands-on lab training, clinical experiences and evidence-based coursework. Prepare for a career as an exercise physiologist or a pathway to physical therapy, occupational therapy and medicine.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 170 Precalculus
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Clinical Exercise Science degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in clinical exercise science, you develop a detailed understanding of how the human body responds to and benefits from exercise.
This program prepares you for an artificial intelligence-integrated health care future by combining practical training with next-generation technology. You learn to use AI tools to support data analysis and to streamline repetitive tasks while developing the interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities and clinical judgment that technology can't replace.
Hands-on laboratory courses with innovative exercise, metabolic and cardiopulmonary equipment provide you with the skills and experience you need to change lives through exercise.
This program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org) and endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Recent program outcomes include:
In 2025-26, the program had a graduate satisfaction rate of 100% and a graduate positive placement rate (employed within the field, pursuing graduate school, or engaging in military service within 12-months after graduation) of 89%.
In 2024-25, the program had a graduate satisfaction rate of 100% and a graduate positive placement rate of 83%.
In 2023-24, the program had a graduate satisfaction rate of 100% and a graduate positive placement rate of 88%.
Why study clinical exercise science at ASU?
Where many exercise science programs zero in on fitness, athletic performance or sports training, the clinical exercise science program treats exercise as a health care intervention.
Housed within ASU's College of Health Solutions, you study in an interdisciplinary environment that blends health care, technology, rehabilitation, movement science and population health.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| EXW 215 Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques |
| EXW 217 Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training |
| EXW 330 Kinesiological Foundations of Movement |
| EXW 344 Impact of Physical Activity on Health and Disease |
| EXW 420 Exercise Testing |
| EXW 427 Exercise Prescription for Cardiometabolic Health |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply mathematical skills related to bioenergetics and exercise intensities.
- Apply the principles guiding evidence-based practice learned through the appraisal of scientific literature.
- Create exercise prescriptions for healthy clients and clients with chronic conditions.
- Apply professional competencies (i.e., job-related skills) commonly required in the fitness industries.
- Apply concepts of basic human anatomy and physiology as they relate to exercise.
Apply mathematical skills related to bioenergetics and exercise intensities.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, clinical exercise science students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in clinical exercise science.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapted Physical Education Teacher | 1.9% | $76,580 | Learn more |
| Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) | 3.7% | $74,310 | Learn more |
| Certified Recreational Therapist | 4.8% | $61,960 | Learn more |
| Exercise Physiologist | 12.8% | $59,460 | Learn more |
| Fitness Instructor | 7.3% | $47,160 | Learn more |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | 6.2% | $69,770 | Learn more |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | 14.8% | $100,330 | Learn more |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | 11.9% | $102,760 | Learn more |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | 23.0% | $68,380 | Learn more |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | 2.2% | $46,850 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this clinical exercise science degree prepares you for
Graduates enter areas such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and athletic training, where human-centered expertise and complex decision-making remain essential and least impacted by automation. They are prepared for a career as an exercise physiologist, a versatile occupation with a faster than average growth rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm).
Graduates may obtain positions as clinical exercise specialists, exercise scientists or weight management consultants in settings such as:
- cardiac rehabilitation facilities
- corporate wellness firms
- health care agencies and medical centers
- hospitals
- lifestyle and weight management consulting firms
- medical fitness centers
- nonprofit disease prevention agencies (e.g., American Heart Association)
- outpatient fitness centers
- university fitness and wellness centers
Specialty areas may include:
- bariatric weight loss (counseling and pre- or postsurgery fitness training)
- cancer rehabilitation
- cardiac rehabilitation
- corporate fitness and worksite wellness
- exercise and weight counseling and management
Graduates are well prepared for admission to graduate programs in clinical exercise physiology, athletic training, obesity prevention and management, rehabilitative fields (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy) and medicine.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Performance and Lifespan Health
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
