Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science

120 Credits
School of Health and Natural Sciences
Dobbs Ferry

Academics
Programs & Degrees
Exercise Science

Exercise Science Overview

Exercise science is the study of the body’s response to immediate and long-term physical activity, exercise and sport performance. Graduates of our program are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing exercise prescriptions and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive life behaviors for health promotion in apparently healthy adults and those with controlled diseases.

Mercy's exercise science program is one of the only programs in the tri-state area to hold both CAAHEP accreditation through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and ERP designation by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

You can choose one of 2 tracks, both leading to a B.S. in Exercise Science: Clinical or Performance. Both tracks prepare students for professional certification exams such as the ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification (ACSM-EP) and the NSCA Certified and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.

Clinical Track

This track prepares you for careers promoting optimal health through fitness, rehabilitation and health and wellness. This track embeds prerequisites needed to apply for graduate study in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology and other allied health professions.

Performance Track

This track prepares you for careers promoting optimal health in sports performance and physical activity. This track includes prerequisites needed to apply for athletic coaching, physical education, and other health and fitness professions.

Career Opportunities

With a B.S. in Exercise Science, you can pursue a wide array of rewarding careers such as:
Strength and conditioning coaching
Exercise physiology
Athletic coaching
Corporate fitness
Fitness training

Our Exercise Science B.S. also prepares you for graduate school in allied health careers such as:
Physical therapy
Athletic training
Physical education
Sports nutrition
Biomechanics
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
Sports Psychology

Meet Some Exercise Science Students

The Exercise Science at Mercy College offers an extraordinary opportunity for undergraduates to enter into this field!

13% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Exercise Physiology jobs to grow 13% by 2030*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

21% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Physical Therapists to grow 21% by 2030*

23% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Athletic Training jobs to grow 23% by 2030*

Want More Info?

We'd like to hear from you! Get more information.

Meet Dr. Astrid Mel

Astrid Mel is Program Director and Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Mercy College. She is responsible for planning and implementing program initiatives, including the development of a state-of-the-art lab for teaching and research, developing, teaching and supervising curricular activities within the program

Tour the Exercise Science Lab

The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in scientific principles and their practical application to maintaining health through fitness and nutrition, training and performance, rehabilitation, and wellness.

The Mercy Advantage

100% graduate satisfaction rate
Embedded internships
Active Exercise Science club
Personalized advising and mentorships
Cutting-edge equipment (Bod Pod, metabolic cart, and more)
Small class size for personalized attention
Hands-on learning in real-world settings
CAAHEP accredited program through ACSM
Education Recognition Program (ERP) designated by NSCA
Dedicated state-of-the-art exercise science lab

News & Highlights

Cycling and Parkinson's Disease Research Grant

Astrid Mel PhD, Program Director for Exercise Science and Nannette Hyland PT, PhD Program Director for Physical Therapy were awarded $18,000 from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation to study the impact of an indoor cycling protocol in reducing Parkinson’s symptoms. This project involves Mercy students to assist with data collection.

Program Outcomes

Synthesize and apply knowledge of core concepts from biological, physical, health, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for practice in exercise science

Act in accordance with professional and ethical standards in the field of exercise science

Assess health status, conduct fitness testing, and interpret results based on scientific evidence

Utilize evidence to design, administer, and modify appropriate exercise programs for normal and at-risk populations

Design and implement behavior modifications to promote and sustain a healthy lifestyle

Communicate information clearly in written and oral format to clients, colleagues, and community agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of obtaining a B.S. in Exercise Science?

This degree prepares students for a broad range of occupations that promote health and physical fitness. Aspiring physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical education teachers and exercise physiologists should consider earning a B.S. in Exercise Science.

How is Mercy's program unique?

Mercy College is known for flexible scheduling and small class size. Our small class size facilitates a close relationship among the students and between students and faculty. Laboratory sections are taught by the professors who teach the lectures and not by graduate students. This arrangement enables faculty to closely coordinate the lecture and laboratory components of our courses and enables students to learn laboratory skills from experienced professionals.

I've taken classes at another college. Can I transfer credits to complete the B.S.?

Yes. Acceptance of transfer credits is determined by Admissions. They consult with any graduate program to which you intend to apply. To be eligible for a BS in Exercise Science, which is a 120-credit degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits at Mercy College. Mercy may transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits from a 4-year college and up to 75 credits from a 2-year community college.

Are department faculty available for academic advising?

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

Should I finish the general education requirements before starting my major?

No! A combination of general education courses and major-level courses is recommended each semester. Students should contact their PACT advisor and / or Program Director as early as possible to plan their course of study.

Program Details & Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog:

Exercise Science Program Accreditation

Mercy’s exercise science program is one of the only programs in the tri-state area to hold both CAAHEP accreditation through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and ERP designation by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These distinctions set the program apart by upholding the highest standards in the profession and preparing students for professional certification exams from both ACSM and NSCA.

Exercise Science Affiliates for Student Internships

The Exercise Science curriculum includes required internships with professionals in the workforce. We have over 100 internship opportunities ranging from hospitals and physical therapy clinics, to collegiate and professional sports teams in strength and conditioning and athletic training.

Exercise Science Club

Get involved and join other students with a passion for fitness and wellness by making a difference through organizing and promoting community service, social activities and fitness events.

Performance Track Academic Program Sequence Map

Download a copy of the sequence map for: