Exercise science isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s also about helping people overcome their fears, cope with and prevent injuries, and live longer, happier lives.

The department of exercise science at PUC features programs designed to prepare students for careers in physical education and the exercise sciences, which are often combined with pre-professional programs. The department gives students the opportunity for career development in athletics, sports management, instruction, and a variety of careers in health and wellness.  

Our facilities include the fitness center, weight room, gymnasium, pool, tennis courts, and athletic fields. In recent years, students have supported our facilities and programs by utilizing student senate funds. They provided a substantial amount toward the creation of our $100,000+ fitness center. They also purchased a state-of-the-art sound system for the gymnasium, weight room equipment, and additional equipment for a climbing wall.

Programs offered:

• B.S. in Physical Education, Teacher Education Emphasis
• B.S. in Exercise Science
• Minor in Physical Education

A Student’s Perspective

“Something I appreciate about the department is they do a great job of informing you about the different areas in which this major is useful. They require classes that cross over with the subjects I will also learn about in graduate school, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise physiology, among others. With this degree, I plan to apply to the physical therapy program at Loma Linda University. My future goal is to specialize in pediatrics and work with kids with disabilities. I think PUC’s department of exercise science is preparing me for this career by introducing me to many of the topics I will be learning in graduate school and teaches us about sports and athletic injuries I may encounter as I advance in my career.” — Amy Robles, sophomore, exercise science & honors student

Fast Facts: Exercise Science

• Exercise science students are offered a variety of employment opportunities within the department at PUC to enhance their resumes and experience, including lifeguarding, weight room and fitness center attendants, gym supervisors, officiating and set up crews for intramurals, and athletics office assistants.
• In 2013, the department’s intramurals program was ranked #1 in the nation by Niche.com. It is one of the largest intramural programs offered by a school of our size on the West Coast.
• Interesting and fun classes offered by the department include care & prevention of athletic injuries, pickleball, skiing & snowboarding, kinesiology, hydro aerobics, theory & practice of officiating, fencing, research methods in sports, canoeing, ethics in sports and exercise, and more.
• According to Payscale.com, the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science is approximately $53,000, slightly more than the median household income in the U.S., which is about $51,939 across all jobs.
• Exercise science is a growing field! About a 10 percent growth is expected in positions between now and 2026. As there has been an increased emphasis on health and wellness in recent years, it has expanded job opportunities in the field.

What You Can Do With an Exercise Science Major

Wondering what you can do with a degree in exercise science? Here are just a few places it can take you!

• Research
• Teaching
• Physical therapy
• Public health
• Coaching
• Fitness instructor
• Sports medicine
• Chiropractic medicine
• Athletic trainer
• Corporate wellness
• Sporting goods retail
• Recreational program director

Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about exercise science or any of PUC’s other programs. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!