Exercise Physiology

The rigorous exercise physiology program from Saint Joseph’s University focuses on courses that cover physiology, fitness, health and management. You will acquire and apply skills in communication, leadership, planning and organization. You will also learn about the structure, function and processes of the body and the multidimensional nature of wellness. You will design programs that help individuals maintain healthy lifestyles and engage in hands-on learning through a practicum, internship and research experiences. You will become certified as an exercise physiologist or strength and conditioning specialist before you graduate.

The undergraduate exercise physiology major and minor programs allows you to choose a traditional four-year curriculum or a three-year accelerated track. You can also choose specialty electives based on your area of interest or career goals, including physical education, biology and chemistry.

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What Can You Do With an Exercise Physiology Degree?

The exercise physiology field is projected to grow 13% by 2030, faster than the average for all other occupations. Our program prepares students for a variety of career paths and graduate studies, including Saint Joseph’s DrOT, DPT, PA and MBA in pharmaceutical business.

With an exercise physiology degree from Saint Joseph’s, you’ll be prepared to pursue careers in:

  • Clinical exercise physiology
  • Cardiovascular rehabilitation
  • Corporate wellness
  • Team marketing or management
  • Fitness training
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Health education
  • Health-related product or sport equipment sales

What Sets Our Program Apart

  • As an exercise physiology major or minor at Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll have the opportunity to get certified as an exercise physiologist or a strength and conditioning specialist before graduation. You may also seek additional certifications under the supervision of your advisor and instructors.

  • You’ll get to engage in independent research under the guidance of faculty who are nationally certified specialists. You’ll design a research topic, draft a proposal, collect and analyze data and more. You’ll complete a two-semester, hands-on practicum in a sport, fitness, health or recreation area of your choice. 

  • Our international course curriculum offers the opportunity to see different cultures while studying abroad, with course locations changing annually.

Why Study Exercise Physiology in Philadelphia?

By studying exercise physiology at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, you’ll gain valuable internship experience in the heart of the health science industry, surrounded by 250 medical facilities.

Program Details

  • BS in Exercise Physiology/DPT

    Saint Joseph’s offers an accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to incoming first-year undergraduates and transfer students. Through our condensed curriculum, you can earn your bachelor’s in exercise physiology and a DPT in under six years, allowing you to enter the field faster.

    Health Professions Pathways

    We offer health professions advising for students who are interested in pursuing a science- or health-related career. Exercise physiology majors and minors can participate in our pre-health professions (pre-med) program, which provides the tools, preparation and foundation to gain admission to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry or podiatry schools.

    Double Majors and Minors

    Here at Saint Joseph’s, we encourage you to double major or add a minor to make your experience rewarding and unique. The following majors or minors can complement your exercise physiology degree:

  • The tuition for an exercise physiology major entering fall 2022 is $49,410/year*. *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

    Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Exercise Physiology Admission Information

To apply for the exercise physiology program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they will strengthen your application. 

Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student. You can also get a feel for life as a Hawk with our in-person and virtual visit opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Exercise physiology lies at the heart of preventing illness and improving the quality of life for all populations. Those who study this in-demand field tackle obesity and other health-related illnesses, help reduce health disparities and aid individuals’ rehabilitation journeys.

Explore Other Degree Programs

BS to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Become a skilled physical therapy practitioner and earn a wealth of clinical experience while graduating in 5 1/2 years through Saint Joseph’s direct entry physical therapy program. Enter as a first-year undergraduate or transfer student to earn a bachelor’s in exercise physiology or health science and continue on to your DPT without having to reapply.

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who seek to become a registered occupational therapist. Through this program, you will learn how to help patients overcome physical, sensory or cognitive obstacles and will make a meaningful impact on patient care.

BS to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Master the skills and expertise required to practice as an occupational therapist through Saint Joseph’s accelerated occupational therapy program. Enter the program as a first-year undergraduate student to earn a BS in health science (BSHS) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) in just 5.5 years.

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