Quick Facts - Exercise Science
Degree
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Exercise Science and Wellness
General Requirements
- Completion of the equivalent of two years of college course work
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Grade of C or better in all basic proficiency and science requirement courses
- 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits), including a minimum number of credits in the basic proficiency, science and general education categories
Length of Program
2 years, full time
Tuition and Fees
First year: $21,990
Career Opportunities
- Exercise physiologist
- Cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation physiologist
- Corporate fitness director
- Certified health/fitness instructor and personal trainer
- Group fitness consultant
- Exercise specialist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Fitness and nutrition consultant
- Sports massage therapist
Certification
This program prepares you for success on the ACSM and NSCA certification exams.
Program Summary - Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Exercise Science and Wellness integrates the study of exercise physiology with a comprehensive introduction to holistic health and wellness. The program prepares you for a variety of career options, including the physical fitness industry, hospitals and schools.
Hands-On Experience
Bastyr's education goes far beyond classroom lecture. You'll gain hands-on experience through our exercise science laboratory, outdoor instruction and external internships, where you can enhance your skills in coaching, counseling and effective motivational techniques. You'll learn to develop exercise prescriptions, work with clients on rehabilitation from injuries or illness, and design fitness programs for anyone from a professional athlete to a new mom to a senior citizen.
Program Features
- Learn in small classes with highly experienced faculty who are committed and accessible to students.
- Gain hands-on experience through a modern exercise science laboratory and internships at a variety of medical centers, sports medicine clinics and health clubs.
- Explore other areas of natural health with electives in fields such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine, naturopathic medicine and herbal sciences.
- Diversify your career options with an optional summer massage intensive co-sponsored by the Bellevue Massage School Center for Healing Arts.
- Enjoy Bastyr's 51-acre wooded campus, with hiking, running and biking trails, as well as access to Lake Washington and the adjacent 316-acre St. Edward State Park.
- Keep fit with various classes/clubs on campus including yoga, tai chi, hapkido, belly dancing and aikido.
- Prepare for success on the American College of Sports and Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association certification exams.
Curriculum - Exercise Science
The curriculum table that follows lists the tentative schedule of courses each quarter. Next to each course is the number of credits per course (Credits), the lecture hours each week (Lec.) and the lab/clinic hours each week (L/C).
Junior Year (Year I)
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | BC3124 | Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Lec/Lab | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| BC3161 | Anatomy/Physiology 1 Lec/Lab | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| EX4115 | Motor Learning and Development | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| IS3111 | Interdisciplinary Experiences in Natural Health Arts & Sciences 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| PS3128 | Psychology of Sports and Exercise | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 12 | 4 | ||
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| Winter | BC3113 | Living Anatomy | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BC3162 | Anatomy/Physiology 2 Lec/Lab | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| BC4117 | Biochemistry for Life Sciences 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| IS3112 | Interdisciplinary Experiences in Natural Health Arts & Sciences 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| TR4100 | Intro to Research Methods (hybrid online course) | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 15 | 12 | 6 | ||
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| Spring | BC3163 | Anatomy/Physiology 3 Lec/Lab | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| BC4118 | Biochemistry for Life Sciences 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| EX3101 | Biomechanics 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| EX3105 | Physical Activity and Wellness | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 13 | 10 | 6 | ||
Senior Year (Year II)
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | EX4100 | Physiology of Exercise | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| EX4102 | Biomechanics 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| EX4107 | Sports Nutrition | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| EX4119 | Principles of Resistance Training | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 16 | 14 | 4 | ||
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| Winter | EX4105 | Business Practices in Health Promotion | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| EX4112 | Seminar in Ergogenic Aids | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| EX4123 | Exercise Prescrip and Testing | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| EX4133 | Exercise Prescrip for Special Populations | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| EX4140 | Community Health Promotion | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| PS4112 | Creating Wellness | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 15 | 14 | 2 | ||
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| Spring | EX4810 | Intern for Exercise Science & Wellness | 12 | 0 | 36 |
| Quarterly Total: | 12 | 0 | 36 | ||
Elective and Activity Requirements
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Credits | Lec. | L/C | |
| variable | variable | General ElectivesGeneral elective courses may be from any program or department. There is also a graduation requirement of Advanced First Aid and CPR. | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Activity CreditsTwo one-credit activity courses are required (e.g. tai chi, aerobics, yoga, tennis, etc.). | 2 | 0 | 4 | ||
| Elective and Activity Totals | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Total Requirements |
Credits | Lec. | L/C | ||
| Total Core Course Credits and Hours | 85 | 62 | 58 | ||
| Total Elective Credits and Activity Credits and Hours | 5 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Total Requirements | 90 | 65 | 62 | ||
Expected Learning Outcomes
The Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science has established the following expected learning outcomes for all its Bachelor of Science programs:
- Biological/Medical Sciences
- Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning
- Research
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Communication
- General Health and Wellness
- Nutrition, Whole Foods and Exercise Science
- Professionalism
- Promotion of the University's and the Department's mission and vision
Curriculum and course changes in the 2011-2012 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2011-2012 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.
Prerequisites - Exercise Science
Entering undergraduates must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA with a grade of C or better in all basic proficiency and science requirement courses. Exceptional applicants who do not meet this minimum requirement will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Prior to enrolling, students must have completed 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits), including a minimum number of credits in the basic proficiency, science and general education categories. Surplus credits not used to satisfy basic proficiency or science requirements may be applied to the appropriate general education requirements.
Note: Students may apply to the program while completing prerequisite course work.
Basic Proficiency and Science Requirements
| English literature or composition | 9 quarter credits |
| General psychology | 3 quarter credits |
| College Algebra | 4 quarter credits |
| General chemistry (science-major level with lab) |
8 quarter credits |
| General biology (with lab) | 4 quarter credits |
| Introductory nutrition (should include metabolism) |
5 quarter credits |
General Education Requirements
| Natural science and mathematics | 8 quarter credits |
| Arts and humanities | 15 quarter credits |
| Social sciences | 15 quarter credits |
| Speech communication or public speaking |
3 quarter credits |
| Electives | 16 quarter creditsThe number of elective credits may vary depending upon the exact number of quarter credits earned in the other prerequisite categories. Total prerequisite credits must equal at least 90 quarter credits. |
Want to know which classes fulfill these prerequisites? Check these lists:
Tuition for Bachelor's Degrees
Average first-year tuition and fee costs for a typical credit load in the 2012/2013 academic year. The "first year" is considered fall, winter and spring quarters.
Degree |
Average Credits |
Tuition & FeesFees include a $375 new student matriculation fee and $25 quarterly student activity fee. See the University catalog for a full schedule of fees. |
Books & Supplies |
TotalThe budget used to determine financial-aid eligibility allows for an additional $18,990 for a 9-month period of living expenses for undergraduates. |
| All Bachelor of Science | 45 | $21,990 | $2,250 | $24,240 |
What Can I Do With This Degree?
Our students hone their skills through internships in everything from resistance training to wellness education. Recent placements have included strength training with the University of Washington Huskies, exercise testing and prescription with patients in cardiac rehabilitation services, working in a physical therapy clinic, and assisting in a research project at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center that studies the effects of regular physical activity on colon cancer prevention.
Career Options
- Exercise physiologist
- Cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation physiologist
- Corporate fitness director
- Group exercise coordinator
- Exercise specialist
- Wellness coach
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Personal trainer
- Fitness consultant
Pursue admittance to:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractor schools
- Medical schools
- Nursing programs
Internships Completed by Bastyr Students
- University of Washington - Strength and Conditioning
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- Swedish Medical Center
- Olympic Medical Center
- Evergreen Hospital
- Seattle YMCA
Pro Sports Club - Sports Reaction Center
- Physical therapy clinics
- Seattle Performance Medicine
- TOSH Acceleration Program
- Tahoe Fracture Clinic
- Velocity Sports
- Montana State University- Strength and Conditioning
- Vivecorp, Inc
- Northshore YMCA
- Bellevue YMCA
- Fitness Together
- Sound Mind and Body
- Seattle VA Hospital
- Always Running
- Washington Athletic Club
- Auburn Regional Medical Center
Where have our graduates found employment?
- Auburn Regional Medical Center
- Olympic Physical Therapy
- Seattle Performance Medicine
- Summit Physical Therapy
- Seattle YMCA
- Kinetix
- TOSH Acceleration Program
- Carson City Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Activities Instructor for local community colleges
- Director of group fitness programs
- Fitness Together
- Sound Mind and Body
- Always Running
- Washington Athletic Club
- Sammamish Club