Turn your passion for health and fitness into a rewarding career! Gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to launch careers in sports medicine, personal training, and strength and conditioning. Or, prepare for graduate study in physical therapy (with our DPT pathway), athletic training, exercise physiology, and more.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Science
120
Recognized by the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) for a standardized curriculum that prepares students for the NSCA-CPT® and CSCS® certification exams.
UHart's exercise science program combines classroom, lab, and internship experiences to build a strong foundation in physical health, fitness, and human performance. You’ll learn to assess cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary function and develop exercise and treatment plans that improve overall health and performance.
Through hands-on internships (including opportunities with UHart Athletics) you’ll gain real-world experience that prepares you for careers in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, personal training, clinical research, or graduate study.
The program also provides pathways to professional certification and serves as a direct pathway to UHart’s BS/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, as well as combined master’s programs in athletic training with partner institutions.
Gain hands-on experience through career readiness internships in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, personal training, clinical research, and more, including opportunities to work with UHart Athletics!
Learn first-hand from our expert and passionate faculty members who are here to support you every step of the way!
UHart's exercise science program is a direct pathway to our clinically-focused DPT program, where you'll acquire the skills needed to thrive in any health care setting. Graduates of the Exercise Science program have opportunities for career advancement through a number of specialized certifications.
Our award winning Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions opened in Fall 2021 and provides a spacious and state-of-the-art home for our Exercise Science program. Take a look!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant employment growth rates for fitness trainers (14%), exercise physiologists (10%), and athletic trainers (14%) through 2032.
The need for exercise science practitioners is expected to remain strong as the U.S. population ages and the desire to remain physically active continues to grow. The need for healthcare providers who specialize in geriatric care is also growing. Our program includes courses such as Exercise Prescription for Special Populations and internships with local Active Life Plan Communities, preparing students to work with this important population.
Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology, '25
While interning at Crescent Moon Care, a clinical partner of the University of Hartford, Hailey Martinez '25 discovered her true passion for pediatrics.
My time at UHart has shaped me both personally and professionally. Through my internships in various physical therapy clinics, I discovered the power of hands-on care and the importance of building trust with patients—especially those facing significant challenges.
The B.S. in Exercise Science is a 120-credit program. A sample of courses is listed below; see the course catalog for the complete list of requirements.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required for continued enrollment and completion of the program. Students on the pre-DPT track will be required to maintain the following GPAs: 3.0 overall and in science courses by the end of semester three, 3.1 overall and in science courses by the end of semester five, 3.2 overall and in science courses by the end of semester seven. Students who do not meet these requirements will lose their direct entry into the DPT program but are able to remain in the undergraduate program to complete the B.S. in Exercise Science.
Science courses in the Exercise Science program total 32 credits and include:
Professional courses in the Exercise Science program total 45 credits and include:
General Education Requirements total 43 credits and include:
BS in Exercise Science and MS in Athletic Training
The University of Hartford offers combined program opportunities for students with career goals in athletic training in partnership with Sacred Heart University and Central Connecticut State University. UHart students who complete the bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and meet program-specific GPA and prerequisite requirements may be eligible for admission into a partner institution’s Master’s in Athletic Training program, based on space availability.
As part of the Exercise Science major, you’ll complete a career readiness internship based on your career goals.
After completing the B.S. in Exercise Science, you’ll be qualified for professional certification through various national associations.
Graduates of the program will have opportunities for career advancement through specialized certifications.
First-year applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in late September. Students should complete a college-prep high school curriculum that includes math and science courses.
For students planning to apply to the combined BS/DPT track, you should complete high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics with an A or B grade point average.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Admission at
860.768.4296 or
admission@hartford.edu
Please feel free to reach out to:
Linda Yamamoto
Associate Professor and Program Director of Exercise Science
860.768.4390
lyamamoto@hartford.edu
Earn a BS in Exercise Science and move straight into our Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Gain hands-on experience, work with UHart’s athletic teams, and train in state-of-the-art labs. An optional accelerated program is available.
Prepare for graduate or professional programs in today’s most in-demand health fields. UHart’s Health Sciences major (or minor) gives you a strong science foundation, flexible electives, and the freedom to explore careers across health care—perfect for students still discovering their path.
Respiratory care is an exciting, fast-paced profession that combines advanced technology with compassionate care of people with breathing disorders. Our program prepares you to work as a respiratory therapist with patients of all ages, from premature infants to older adults, in this high-tech, high-touch career.