Exercise Science

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Exercise Science Overview

Chatham University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for dynamic careers in health, fitness, and rehabilitation. With a solid foundation in human physiology, biomechanics, and evidence-based practice, this program offers hands-on learning, expert faculty, a strong preparation for professional practice, and pathways to graduate study in physical therapy, athletic training, and more.

Preparing for Practice

Career-Ready Curriculum

Our curriculum builds a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and evidence-based practice to prepare students for employment after graduation.

Gain Practical Skills

Hands-On Experience

Exercise Science students develop practical skills through internships, lab work, and community-based learning opportunities.

Plan for Your Future

Graduate Pathways

Our program prepares students for advanced study in physical therapy, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and other health professions.

Experienced Professors

Expert Faculty

As part of Chatham's College of Health Sciences, you'll learn from experienced exercise science, rehabilitation, and human performance professionals.

We hold our students to very high standards in the exercise science program. Partly because we are preparing them for demanding roles as physicians, therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise scientists, but also because these graduates will contribute to the future health of people, regardless of which career path they choose.

— EDWARD RYAN, Ph.D., Professor & Program Coordinator of Exercise Science

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Where Innovation Meets Wellness

Located in Pittsburgh’s vibrant academic and healthcare hub, Chatham’s Exercise Science program offers access to cutting-edge labs, collaborative research, and real-world internship partnerships—all on a scenic, sustainability-focused campus.

Courses & Curriculum

The Exercise Science major is designed to prepare competent entry-level exercise science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Under faculty supervision, students work with real subjects as early as their first year, conduct exercise and performance testing using cutting-edge equipment, analyze their findings, and prescribe exercises accordingly. Click the button below to explore sample courses and curriculum.

Explore Exercise Science Curriculum : Checkerboard 1 - Courses & Curriculum
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Integrated Degree Program (IDP)

Save money and earn two degrees in less time: qualified students from the exercise science program are guaranteed early admission to Chatham's entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program, Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, or Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. Students complete all pre-requisite classes while working towards their exercise science degree and have access to an advisor from the respective program.

Explore IDP : Checkerboard 2 - Integrated Degree Program (IDP)

Research Opportunities

Exercise science students collaborate with faculty on applied research in areas like human performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Students have published their work, contributed to peer-reviewed publications, and presented at local, regional, and national conferences.

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Program Faculty

Our expert faculty are not only educators, but also active researchers and clinicians. With small class sizes and an open-door culture, students receive personalized mentorship and support throughout their academic journey.

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 4 - Program Faculty
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Internship Opportunities

Students have interned at locations including the Pittsburgh Penguins, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Children’s Institute, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Pittsburgh Fit, St. Clair Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation, UPMC Shadyside HELP, Positive Steps Therapy, UPMC Shadyside Cardiac Rehabilitation, Silverio-Hoffman Fitness, OSPTA Physical and Hand Therapy, Chatham University Athletics, and Chatham University Athletic Training.

Alumni Employment & Studies

Recent graduates from the exercise science program have gained employment in various settings, ranging from corporate wellness to facility coordinator positions and personal trainers/strength and conditioning coaches. Other graduates have continued into advanced health science degree programs, including athletic training, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and medical school.

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Accreditation

Chatham's Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). CAAHEP, www.caahep.org, is located at 9355 113th St N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, and can be reached at 727-210-2350. All 2024-2025 graduate survey respondents reported 100% satisfaction with their experience.

BS in Exercise Science

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

undergraduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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