male student runs on a treadmill

Improving health and performance through the science of exercise.

The exercise science program aspires to prepare health and fitness professionals with a strong understanding of the scientific concepts related to exercise science and the practical application of these concepts. The exercise science graduate will have the ability to raise awareness about health and physical activity, change behavior and create environments that support good health practices, including, but not limited to exercise and physical activity. The exercise science professional assists people to develop self-responsibility for their own health and wellness and implement health assessments and wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Exercise science professionals work and study in commercial, clinical and industrial settings to improve health, fitness and quality of life for the general population. They are also able to apply their knowledge of acute and chronic exercise physiology to promote better health in the general population, reduce chronic disease and enhance the performance of athletes.

Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
  • Enjoy fitness, physical activity and/or sports.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle.
  • Want to help people improve their health, fitness and/or sport performance.
  • Enjoy science based coursework.
  • Have strong communication skills.
Career Opportunities
Explore possible career opportunities with this degree:
  • Personal trainer
  • Group exercise instructor
  • Gym/wellness center manager/owner
  • Worksite wellness coordinator
  • Clinical exercise physiologist (cardiac rehabilitation) (with additional education)
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Physical therapist/occupational therapist (with additional education)
  • Chiropractor (with additional education)
  • Occupational therapist (with additional education)
Recent Employers
Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as:
  • Sanford Health (Sanford Health Plan, Sanford Power, Sanford Wellness Center)
  • Avera Health (Corporate Health, Avera Sports Institute, Avera McKennan Fitness Center
  • Orthopedic Institute (OI Performance)
  • GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness
  • SDSU Strength and Conditioning
Internship Opportunities
We have provided the following internship opportunities:
  • Active Generations, Sioux Falls
  • Avera - Human Performance Center, Sioux Falls, and Avera Therapy, Sioux Falls
  • Brookings Health System Cardiac Rehabilitation, Brookings
  • Brookings High School Strength and Conditioning, Brookings
  • Benson Sports Training, Rapid City
  • GreatLIFE Fitness, Sioux Falls
  • Orthopedic Institute Performance, Sioux Falls
  • Rock Steady Boxing, Sioux Falls SD and Stillwater, Minnesota
  • Sanford Health - Sanford Sports, Sioux Falls, and Sanford Cardiac Rehabilitation, Sioux Falls
  • 葫芦影业 - Strength and Conditioning Department, Miller Wellness Center, and Extension
Clubs & Organizations
We offer the following extracurricular clubs to participate in:
  • Exercise Science Club