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Applied Exercise Science

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Erie, Pennsylvania
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  • Put Your Career in Motion with an Applied Exercise Science Degree from Gannon University 

    Exercise scientists study human motion to understand and foster safe, active and healthy lifestyle behaviors in others. Gannon University’s applied exercise science program will prepare you to become a leader in preventing diseases, enhancing athletic performance, rehabilitating injuries and making life truly enjoyable for those in your community.

    • Engage in research activities, interactive learning and community health initiatives. 
    • CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education ProgramsAccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
    • 100%100% of 2022-2023 graduates felt their learning in the classroom excellently prepared them for their future career or graduate school.

    Learn to Lead the Way in Applied Exercise Science

    • Assess health status, conduct fitness testing, and design, implement and administer exercise programs for clients based on assessed needs.
    • Understand the physiological basis for exercise and physical activity.
    • Recognize critical issues in the field of applied exercise science and develop solutions.

    Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment

    Learn in two of our innovative laboratory spaces: 

    • Human Performance Laboratory: Explore motion analysis technologies to measure body composition and cardiovascular performance on test subjects using a variety of modalities.
    • Movement Analysis Laboratory: Use motion-capture equipment to record movement and evaluate the presence of abnormalities and biomechanics of movements in test subjects. 

    Inspire Your Academic Success

    Gain real-world knowledge through key courses including: 

    Sport Psychology: Learn psychological factors related to sports involvement and performance including elite athlete motivation and performance, intervention and performance enhancement, and anxiety and skill performance. 

    Human Motor Control: Explore the nature and control of movement and identify solutions for those with movement disorders.

    Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries: Gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to recognize, evaluate and treat athletic injuries to the head, face, spine, torso and extremities. 

    Achieve the Possibilities

    Students will gain advanced knowledge and skills in applied exercise science that will enable career success. Our program will let you: 

    • Collaborate with organizations and agencies to complete a 100+ hour practicum in a setting reflective of your career interest.
    • Secure highly sought-after careers in a wide array of fields including coaching, corporate wellness, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning and more.
    • Pursue an advanced education and gain the credentials needed for careers in fields such as athletic training and medicine.
    • Earn a median annual wage of $51,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and physics of movement and the structural anatomy of the human body, including the ability to identify and assess various anatomical landmarks most likely to be injured in athletic settings
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to assess health status, conduct fitness testing, and based on assessed need, design, implement and administer exercise programs. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physiological basis for exercise and
  3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of nutrition and the role of diet and exercise on body composition and weight control.
  4. Students will recognize critical issues in the field of Sport and Exercise Science and produce potential solutions. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how these matters can be impacted by gender, physical adaptations and cultural differences
  5. Students will demonstrate comprehensive understanding of psychological principles as applied to sport and physical activity.
  6. Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the research process and will identify various research methods and statistical techniques.
  7. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the progression of growth and development from infancy through adulthood and the psychological and motoric ramifications of movement behavior across the lifespan.
  8. Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate and/or employ course materials in practical or research settings
Victoria Obenrader

Victoria Obenrader Applied Exercise Science

"The Applied Exercise Science program has allowed me to incorporate my love for physical activity and academics to further my education to build a career that I will love. All the members of this department have gone above and beyond to make sure that I am as prepared as possible to be successful in my graduate schooling."

Samantha Bigley

Samantha Bigley School of Public Health and Health Sciences

“My program experience has been one I feel I could not get anywhere else. The Gannon faculty and staff have taken me in and treated me like family since day one. It is an indescribable feeling to be surrounded by an army of people that wish nothing but success for me and my future.”

  • Receive hands-on learning through real-world courses, projects and valuable internship experiences that prepare you to become a professional in the field.
  • 13:1Enjoy a personalized experience inspired by Gannon’s faculty experts and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
  • Apply for generous financial aid packages and scholarship awards.

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