About the Program
Why This Major Is Relevant
Fitness and overall personal health are a critical concern in a society where we are living longer, but not necessarily better. Childhood obesity is on the rise, and sedentary lifestyles into adulthood and old age contribute to increased, unnecessary strain on our medical system and our families. As a result, the fitness and health services fields are growing exponentially. Wellness clinics, public and private fitness facilities, intercollegiate and professional sports programs, rehabilitative sports clinics, and hospitals all call for professionals with the expertise necessary to formulate exercise plans for increased athletic performance and better quality of life. APU’s applied exercise science degree uniquely qualifies graduates to meet this demand, and upon completion of the degree they are eligible to sit for professional certification exams through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Gain In-Depth Learning Experiences
All applied exercise science majors take part in two, semester-long internships under the direction of an exercise science professional at one of several APU-approved practicum sites. Students receive invaluable hands-on learning that can then be applied back to coursework. These internship opportunities provide contacts in the field and ensure that exercise science majors graduate with significant, relevant experience on their résumés.
Mission Statement
The mission of the applied exercise science (AES) program is to prepare students through Christ-centered values to assess, design, and implement fitness programs for clients based on scientific evidence to achieve optimal health and performance across a variety of settings. Through a dynamic academic and applied background, students are expertly prepared for professional certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and to enter post-professional degrees in exercise science and other allied health professions.
