UB Programs At-A-Glance

Exercise Science

Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
School of Public Health and Health Professions
405 Kimball Tower
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079

Phone: 716.829.2941
Fax: 716.829.2428
Web: sphhp.buffalo.edu/ens/

John X. Wilson
Chair

About the Program

The undergraduate program in exercise science (ES)is designed to give students a strong knowledge base in physiological, biomechanical, and nutritional aspects of human physical activity. Students can choose tracks in general ES, exercise nutrition or pre-physical therapy. The formal lecture/laboratory sequence of courses in the four-year program, coupled with a one-semester internship experience, prepares graduates for entry-level positions focusing on rehabilitation, prevention of injury and disease, and/or performance enhancement. Many students find employment as a direct result of the internship experience. The exercise science program is also excellent preparation for entry into professional courses of study in other health professions, such as medicine, chiropractic, or physician’s assistant. The ES program is also the entry point for the doctorate in physical therapy (DPT). Students complete one year of the upper-level professional sequence in the ES program before entering the DPT. In addition, a five-year combined BS in exercise science/MS in nutrition science is available.

About Our Degrees

The undergraduate program in Exercise Science (ES) is designed to give students a strong knowledge base in physiological, biomechanical, and nutritional aspects of human physical activity. Students can choose a general ES program or specialize in exercise nutrition or pre-physical therapy. Nine credits of electives coupled with an internship experience enable students to concentrate in a particular area of interest. For more information visit our Web site.

The formal lecture/laboratory sequence of courses in the four-year program, coupled with a one-semester internship experience, prepares graduates for entry-level positions focusing on rehabilitation, prevention of injury and disease, and/or performance enhancement. The ES program is also the entry point for the doctorate in physical therapy (D.P.T.). Students complete one year of the ES program before applying to D.P.T.

Acceptance Criteria - B.S.

Minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses (44-46 credit hours).

Acceptance Criteria - B.S./M.S. Program and Pre-PT

Completion of general education requirements.
Minimum GPA of 2.8 in prerequisite courses.
Minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses.

Acceptance Information

Deadline: January 31st
Number of applicants for Promotion to Professional Sequence (2005): 194
Number promoted to Professional Sequence (2005): 131
Total number currently enrolled in Professional Sequence (junior/senior level courses): 195

Degree Requirements

Please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

Certain upper level lecture courses may have 100-200 students while other lecture courses, laboratories, and recitations have 80-90 students.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Independent Study and Internships

Practicums and independent studies are highly recommended and internships are required. Independent studies, practicums, and internships enable students to concentrate in a specific area of interest and to gain valuable work experience. Many students find employment as a direct result of the internship experience.

Extracurricular Activities

These include the Exercise Science Club; for information, contact the department (716-829-2941).

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Career Information and Further Study

The Exercise Science program prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in the areas of fitness, health and wellness, prevention of injury and rehabilitation through exercise and physical activity. Students apply scientific principles of conditioning and the ability to design a safe lifestyle program, including healthy exercise habits. UB also offers a specialization in Exercise Nutrition.

Skills gained in this program include:

Managing, organizing and meeting deadlines, analyzing, critical thinking, teaching, interpreting, communicating, persuading/influencing, selling, coordinating, planning, and helping people.

Career Choices

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions that focus on rehabilitation, prevention of injury and disease, performance enhancement, and exercise nutrition.

Alumni of Exercise Science have found employment in the following fields:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (hospitals, clinics)
  • Chiropractic*
  • Health and wellness (corporate, community, commercial)
  • Journalism
  • Law*
  • Management
  • Medicine*
  • Personal fitness training
  • Physical therapy*
  • Podiatry*
  • Special education*
  • Strength and conditioning programs (collegiate and professional level)


*Note: Graduates from the Exercise Science program are not eligible for employment in these areas without further schooling.

Work settings include:

Entry-level exercise science positions can be found in commercial, agency, corporate, hospital, clinical and recreational settings, including health clubs and community centers, special interest groups such as Olympic training centers and professional sports teams, personal consulting, and educational institutions.

Salary Information

Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position, and work setting to another. Graduates can improve their marketability by earning specialized certifications, such as those administered by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Training Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?

50% obtain entry-level positions

What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?

50% either to graduate school or to a variety of other professional programs

Career Hints

Although a master's degree is not needed for employment in this field, management and leadership positions usually require a degree beyond the bachelors.

Many graduates pursue further education in exercise physiology, exercise science, biomechanics, management, special education, business administration, law, medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, podiatry, nutrition, physician assistant programs, and journalism, while some are self-employed.

Employers are seeking candidates with experience and those who have developed their skills from that experience. Internships, part-time, summer employment, and/or further education can enhance a graduate's employability in their chosen career area.

Graduates are ideal candidates for additional degrees in the following areas:

  • Biomechanics
  • Chiropractic
  • Exercise physiology
  • Health promotion
  • Medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • Physician assistant programs

Links to Further Information About This Program


Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:09 EST