Exercise Science
Terry Favero, Ph.D., Director
The B.S. in Exercise Science prepares students to understand human movement and physical performance at a biological, physiological, and biomechanical level. Graduates pursue careers across a wide range of fields — including exercise physiology, clinical and rehabilitative settings, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, corporate wellness, and community health — as well as competitive product development and research roles in the sport and fitness industry. Students with aspirations toward graduate and professional programs in physical therapy, orthopedic medicine, or advanced study in exercise science should select the Pre-Professional Concentration. The degree requires 120 credit hours.
Learning Outcomes for Exercise Science Majors
Exercise Science graduates of the University of Portland will be able to:
- Explain how biomechanical, neuromuscular, and metabolic systems interact to produce and regulate human movement.
- Integrate knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanical mechanism, and behavioral sciences to explain physical performance and the underlying mechanisms of movement dysfunction.
- Apply the scientific process to investigate human movement and performance by formulating research questions, critically evaluating exercise science literature, developing hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing kinematic and physiological data, and synthesizing evidence-based conclusions.
- Effectively communicate exercise science concepts, both orally and in writing, that include movement analysis and performance data interpretations to diverse audiences, athletes, patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
- Integrate biological, behavioral, and sociocultural perspectives to analyze complex issues in physical activity promotion, athletic performance, and movement across the human lifespan.
- Articulate how the skills and capacities developed through the study of exercise science translate into possible career and life paths.