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Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science
  • 120 Credits
  • School of Health and Natural Sciences
  • Dobbs Ferry
  1. Academics
  2. Programs & Degrees
  3. Exercise Science
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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.

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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

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Mercy’s Accredited Bachelor’s Program in Exercise Science Earns National Recognition

The Education Recognition Program (ERP) designation, awarded by the National Strength Conditioning Association, has singled out Mercy’s Exercise Science Bachelor’s Degree Program for its commitment to quality education leading to careers in exercise science. The recognition follows the program’s accomplishment last spring, when it earned continued accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education, the accrediting body for health sciences education, for the maximum period of ten years.

Read more here

Meet Some Exercise Science Students

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

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13% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Exercise Physiology jobs to grow 13% by 2030*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics
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21% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Physical Therapists to grow 21% by 2030*
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23% growth rate

Career Outcomes

Athletic Training jobs to grow 23% by 2030*

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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.

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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
Mercy College student bowl winners

Mercy College Students Win Regional Competition in Exercise Science

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Program Outcomes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog:

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.

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.

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.

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

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Download a copy of the sequence map for:

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Contact the Exercise Science Program

Dr. Astrid Mel
Program Director, Exercise Science
amel@mercy.edu
(914) 674-7874

Valeria Zappone
Administrative Assistant, Biology
vzappone@mercy.edu
(914) 674-7550

Full-Time Faculty

Part-Time Faculty