Program Overview
The B.S. in Exercise Science program at WCU prepares students for positions in the fields of health and fitness, as well as for professional and graduate programs. Exercise Science provides you with the opportunity to learn about the human body and its functions through theories of exercise and their application for improving fitness and performance. This knowledge allows our students to help others improve their health and quality of life, all while developing the critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Our goal is to develop graduates who provide leadership in the health and fitness fields, and become successful members of society. Get involved: Exercise Science Club Alpha Eta (allied health honor society) Campus Recreation Club
Tracks
Exercise Science Specialist
Students graduating as Exercise Science Specialists are prepared to conduct adult fitness programs, prescribe and administer exercise in settings such as hospitals, clinics, corporations, or community centers, and work as personal trainers or strength and conditioning coaches.
Pre-Chiropractic
Students graduating in the Pre-Chiropractic concentration are prepared for entrance into a graduate chiropractic program. West Chester has set up an articulation agreement with New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) and Texas Chiropractic College. If interested in NYCC, the student must complete a letter of intent in their first year.
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Students graduating in the Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration are prepared for entrance into a school of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy programs accept a limited number of students and are highly competitive – the student is encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better while in this concentration.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Students graduating in the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration are prepared for entrance into a school of physical therapy. Physical therapy programs accept a limited number of students and are highly competitive – the student is encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better while in this concentration. WCU does have an articulation agreement with Arcadia University, which is a 4+3 program leading to a DPT.
Program Highlights
-
Accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
-
Minors available in athletic coaching, exercise science, and physical education for individuals with disabilities
-
Faculty experts and practitioners
-
State-of-the-art labs including a human performance laboratory and strength and conditioning facilities
-
Study abroad options
-
Conference attendance and presentation opportunities
-
Collaborative research with faculty
-
Internship placements
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates can be found in allied health related fields as well as prestigious graduate programs across the region. Some job titles include:
- Behavioral interventionist
- Chiropractor
- Exercise physiologist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Health and physical educator
- Clinical research associate
- Managing director of a sports group
- Orthopedic technology consultant
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist
- Practice manager
- Regional director of risk management
- Sports performance coach
Some graduate institutions include:
- Arcadia University
- Auburn University
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Louisiana State University
- Texas A&M
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Florida
- University of North Texas
- Villanova University
- West Chester University