Exercise Science
- 120 Credits
- School of Health and Natural Sciences
- Dobbs Ferry
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
Want More Info?
We'd like to hear from you! Get more information.
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.
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:
ARCHIVE
Download a copy of the sequence map for:
ARCHIVE
Program Faculty
William Elliott
- VIC 123C
- welliott@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-3083
Astrid Mel
- VIC 115
- amel@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-7874
Dr. Mary Allison Murphy, PhD, FACSM, EP, CSCS
- Victory Hall 115
- mmurphy37@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-3052