Overview
Research indicates a rise in the number of adults from all ages who are seeking to be more proactive in managing their fitness and overall health. Our two-year exercise science degree was designed with this in mind. The academic track allows you to earn an associate degree while also equipping you to pass a certified personal trainer exam upon completion of the program. The diverse curricular offerings of the department, integrated with several supporting courses from other disciplines, give students a solid foundation upon which to build their career.
Students will benefit from a variety of exposure to topics in classes such as these:
- Fundamentals of Strength Training and Aerobic Conditioning
- Nutrition for Fitness and Performance
- Personal Training as a Business
- Sport Psychology
- Introduction to Health Care Management
- Human Growth and Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Financial Stewardship
“With obesity rates on the rise, (personal) trainers are in a position to change someone’s health for the better—and for the long haul. They can also work in a variety of settings beyond the gym, from hospitals to corporate wellness departments to clients’ homes to outdoor boot camps.” – CNN Money
Faculty
News
Core Classes
Outcomes / Careers
Students who earn an associate degree in Exercise Science are well-positioned to immediately receive certification to become a personal trainer, a career in rising demand as more adults become increasingly proactive navigating their fitness and wellness.
Sit for the certification exam after earning your degree and begin working in a club gym, private studio, community center or a variety of other fitness settings. Receiving your personal trainer certification could also help you achieve your career goal of opening and/or managing a health care facility or gym.
Other students may choose to work as a trainer while continuing to finish coursework with the goal of earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Classes completed as part of a student’s associate degree at Trevecca can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science as well. Professionals who later decide to attend occupational or physical therapy school or seek certification to become an athletic trainer often find value in prior work as a personal trainer.
FAQs
Which kind of job can I obtain with an associate degree in Exercise Science?
Individuals who earn an associate degree in Exercise Science receive preparation for the certification exam to become a personal trainer. Upon receiving certification, you can immediately begin working as a personal trainer in a variety of outlets—whether it’s a gym, community fitness center, a client’s private residence or even at a hotel, hospital or on a cruise ship. Personal trainers are also well-suited to become group fitness instructors, yoga instructors, lifestyle and weight management consultants or health and wellness coaches.
What will I learn from the program?
Students can expect to receive a robust and well-rounded foundation that combines a liberal arts education with instruction in exercise science. The 37 credit hours required to complete the associate degree included classes in topics such as biblical faith, speech communication, principles in macroeconomics, financial stewardship, fundamentals for strength training, personal training as a business, sport psychology, introduction to entrepreneurship and small business management, and a psychology course in human growth and development. As part of the program, students also will engage in a practicum completed outside of the classroom in order to gain hands-on experience in the field of personal training. This will offer students the opportunity to network with professionals and possibly learn of future job opportunities.
Can I transition into a bachelor’s degree after I complete my associate degree?
Yes. Classes completed as part of a student’s associate degree in Exercise Science can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science as well. Upon completion of the associate degree, students can discuss their course plan with an academic advisor and formulate a continued path of study.
Overview
Research indicates a rise in the number of adults from all ages who are seeking to be more proactive in managing their fitness and overall health. Our two-year exercise science degree was designed with this in mind. The academic track allows you to earn an associate degree while also equipping you to pass a certified personal trainer exam upon completion of the program. The diverse curricular offerings of the department, integrated with several supporting courses from other disciplines, give students a solid foundation upon which to build their career.
Students will benefit from a variety of exposure to topics in classes such as these:
- Fundamentals of Strength Training and Aerobic Conditioning
- Nutrition for Fitness and Performance
- Personal Training as a Business
- Sport Psychology
- Introduction to Health Care Management
- Human Growth and Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Financial Stewardship
“With obesity rates on the rise, (personal) trainers are in a position to change someone’s health for the better—and for the long haul. They can also work in a variety of settings beyond the gym, from hospitals to corporate wellness departments to clients’ homes to outdoor boot camps.” – CNN Money