Exercise Science – Academics

Exercise Science encompasses a diverse field of study from personal training to clinical laboratory research. Students prepare for careers in clinical, corporate, community, or commercial settings in which exercise testing and prescription is a primary focus. Coursework is designed to aid students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Program Highlights

Learn “on the job”

You’ll get hands-on experience in a professional setting when you take part in our Exercise Science internship opportunities.

Real-World Experience

Our Exercise Science program prepares students for future careers as exercise specialists, personal trainers, physical therapy aides, strength and conditioning coaches, and corrective exercise specialists in many settings.

Unique Program

Have a passion for sports? This program prepares you for a career that puts you in the center of the action.

Graduate Preparation

Thinking about grad school? The Exercise Science Program prepares students for a variety of pathways, including graduate and doctoral programs for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Athletic Training Pathway

Is Athletic Training the career you want to pursue? Our Exercise Science program strategically prepares you for that graduate program.

Exercise Science + PTA Pathway

If Physical Therapy is your passion, you’ll want to explore this pathway. You can earn your Exercise Science and Physical Therapist Assistant degrees during your time with us.

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EXPECT generous scholarships

EXPECT generous scholarships

Financial Aid Scholarships & Awards

Learn “on the job”

We work with many businesses and organizations in the region to ensure our students have real and lasting clinical experiences. Our clinical sites include:

Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital
Northern Physical Therapy
Next Level Training
Area high schools
Gentile Hall Fitness Center
Local fitness and healthcare facilities near your home

photo of student and instructor using exercise equipment

Real-World Experience

Whether you’re interested in personal training, physical therapy, or anything in between, our program provides you with multiple hands-on experiences that prepare you for your future career field.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Unique program

Our exercise and sport science degree programs can help you turn your passion for sports into a career in a variety of sports and exercise-related fields. With personalized attention, small class sizes, our mission is to help you get the degree you need to start or advance your career in this exciting field.

Graduate Preparation

The Pre-Healthcare concentration allows students from other Allied Health programs to join the Exercise Science degree program to continue the academic groundwork in biology, chemistry, and physics, you’ll be prepared to enroll in a graduate program to launch your career as a physician assistant, physical therapist, chiropractor, or exercise scientist. You will also be ready to obtain certifications through the NSCA and NASM, or as an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) through the American College of Sports Medicine. We will connect you to graduate programs in physical therapy as well as occupational therapy. We work closely with several UMaine system campuses and other universities in New England including Husson, University of New England and Franklin Pierce.

students in classroom

Athletic Training Pathway

The Pre-Healthcare concentration allows students from other Allied Health programs to join the Exercise Science degree program to continue the academic groundwork in biology, chemistry, and physics, you’ll be prepared to enroll in a graduate program to launch your career in a masters program in Athletic Training. We work closely with the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine.as well as other universities across the country We will prepare you for a great career in athletic training with hands on experiences as an undergraduate student.

exercise science students doing physical therapy on leg

Exercise Science + PTA Pathway

The Exercise Science self design pathway allows students to join the Exercise Science degree program with the courses needed to obtain their associate degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program and continue the coursework to prepare for a Bachelor of Science degree and potential graduate degrees.

Vision

The Exercise Science major provides students a vehicle within an intellectual environment that fosters their knowledge in the areas of Exercise Science. Exercise Science graduates will have developed knowledge and skills essential for entry-level exercise science professionals through the curriculum, laboratory experiences, applied research, internships, and student-faculty interactions. The Exercise Science major can also serve as a foundation for graduate studies in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training and other post baccalaureate degrees in allied health.

Mission

The mission of the Exercise Science Bachelor of Science program is producing graduates that are able to learn, discover, create, and promote science-based principles and practices of human movement that improve the quality of life for individuals and society.

Frequently Asked Questions

It must remain no lower than a 2.5. If you drop below this average, then you are placed on probation.

All majors earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The major you declare, Exercise Science will be listed on your degree.

Exercise Science is the study of numerous aspects of physical activity, exercise, health, sport and athletic performance. The goal of the exercise scientist is to optimize human health and performance through exercise, training, and a healthy lifestyle. This field has evolved primarily from the disciplines of exercise physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and physical education. Exercise science broadly includes the nutritional, physiological, psychological and functional adaptations to movement and sport.

Students take a variety of courses in exercise physiology, exercise prescription, fitness assessment techniques, injury prevention and management, group exercise leadership, anatomy and kinesiology, strength and conditioning instruction, fitness management, nutrition, biology, health, etc. In addition, general education courses in writing, math, communication, human relations, and cultural literacy are required. Interested students should demonstrate an appreciation for the sciences, overall wellness, regular exercise and be a role model of a healthy lifestyle.

After completion of the program, many graduates transfer to post graduate colleges or universities to pursue further education or additional career preparation. Exercise and Movement Science is an excellent gateway into numerous other health professionals including: physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports medicine, coaching, nutrition, etc. UMPI has great relationships with many of the area’s universities and transfer options are available.

The majority of employers require fitness professionals to have a nationally recognized certification and experience in specialty areas (Sports Conditioning, Yoga, Pilates, Exercise and Pregnancy, etc.). UMPI’s Exercise and Movement Science curriculum is designed to help students prepare for national certifications through a variety of organizations including: the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American Council on Exercise and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Employment of fitness workers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, with expected growth of nearly 29% annually.

When comparing the number of individuals seeking jobs in this field with the number of job openings, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that there is a good balance between these two variables resulting in favorable employment opportunities.

Fitness Trainers/Aerobics Instructors Wages (U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics)
National: Mean hourly wage = $16.50/hour Mean annual salary = $34,310

Exercise scientists and fitness professionals are involved in numerous exciting and innovative careers that focus on “exercise as medicine” and in enhancing athletic performance. Professionals in this field include personal trainers, group exercise instructors, corporate fitness directors, researchers, fitness technicians, fitness specialists, coaches, teachers, athletic trainers, and recreation managers. They work with clients in a variety of settings including, but not limited to: gyms, recreation center, rehabilitation settings, aquatics settings, outdoor facilities, client’s homes, resorts/spas, schools, and athletic training facilities. Fitness professionals work with clients of all ages, genders, abilities, and at various life stages.

Faculty

Photo of Barbara Blackstone

Barbara J Blackstone

Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Location: 104 Wieden Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9415
Email: barbara.blackstone@maine.edu

photo of Keli Marston

Keli Marston, CSCS

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Strength Coach

Phone: (207) 768-9773
Email: keli.marston@maine.edu

Photo of Brian Morrison

Brian Morrison

Head Athletic Trainer

Location: Weiden Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9474
Email: brian.morrison@maine.edu

Other Important Links

Exercise science links Learning Outcomes

EXPECT to Finish in Four

EXPECT to Finish in Four

Academic maps Advising Innovative Learning

Exercise Science Program Offerings

You’ll learn to create or modify safe, effective exercise approaches for all types of clients, from young children to top athletes to the aging population. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the industry through real-world externships at sports medicine facilities, hospitals, and more. To prepare for a career as a health and fitness professional, you’ll also learn various business and marketing strategies to help you succeed. With your advanced skills, you’ll graduate prepared for certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Corrective Exercise, Personal Training, and Group Fitness Instruction from reputable organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

An undergraduate degree in Exercise Science may also serve as a step toward the pursuit of a graduate degree in exercise physiology or related area. Students also enter specialized programs leading to careers in strength and conditioning, physical or occupational therapy, athletic training, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition, physician’s assistant, chiropractic medicine, and clinical research.

An undergraduate degree in Exercise Science may also serve as a step toward the pursuit of a graduate degree in exercise physiology or related area. Students also enter specialized programs leading to careers in strength and conditioning, physical or occupational therapy, athletic training, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition, physician’s assistant, chiropractic medicine, and clinical research.

Our self design concentration gives students the chance to add a complimentary minor in a number of fields such as business to improve their marketability.

What can you do with an Exercise Science BS with a Self-Designed Concentration?

Our self design concentration gives students the chance to add a complimentary minor in PTA to improve their marketability.

If you’re interested in exploring another degree with a similar focus, check out our Physical Education degree.

What can you do with a degree in Exercise Science?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!