Exercise Science, B.S.

Curriculum Overview

The exercise science B.S. at Saint Louis University consists of three pathways. The exercise and wellness concentration is for students who are seeking careers as an exercise physiologist, medical scientist, personal trainer, health and wellness coordinator, wellness coaches or recreation specialist. SLU also offers the exercise science B.S. with concentrations in either athletic training or physical therapy. These two concentrations are for students who wish to continue their education towards a Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree respectively. For additional information on all the exercise science, B.S. concentrations, see the Requirements and Roadmap tabs.

For additional information on the M.A.T. and the D.P.T., see the catalog entries below:

Athletic Training, Master of

Physical Therapy, Doctor of

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
  • Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
ANAT 1000Basic Human Anatomy3
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
ENGL 1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
IPE 2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
IPE 4200Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice3
IPE 4900Interprofessional Community Practicum3
MATH 1400Pre-Calculus3
PHIL 2050Ethics3
or HCE 2010 Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PPY 2540Human Physiology4
PSY 1010General Psychology3
STAT 1100Introduction to Statistics3
General Electives12-15
Choose a Concentration:43-60
Total Credits121-142

Exercise and Wellness Concentration

DIET 2080Foundations in Nutrition2,3
HSCI 2500Human Development across the Lifespan3
EXSC 3230Exercise Physiology3
EXSC 4121Clinical Biomechanics3
EXSC 4150Nutrition, Health, and Physical Performance3
EXSC 4170Exercise Testing and Prescription3
EDI 4361Art and Science of Human Flourishing3
EXSC 4260Enhancing Human Performance3
EXSC 4241Clinical Research and Design2
Concentration Electives
Foundational Electives--Select 2 courses or course sequences below, to be completed Freshman or Sophomore years:6-8
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
Exercise and Health
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
Nutrition in the Lifecycle
Principles of Food Preparation
Sports in American Culture
Sociology of Sport
Upper-level Electives--Select 8 courses below, 2 of which must be upper level psychology courses, to be completed Junior or Senior years:24
American Food and Cultures
Sustainable Food Systems
Abnormal Psychology
Science of Sleep
Health Psychology
Management Theory and Practice
Social Entrepreneurship
Internship / Fieldwork in Exercise Science
Public Health & Social Justice
Disability Studies: Medicine, Ethics, and Policy
Mindfulness & the Ethics of Healthcare
Total Credits55-58

Athletic Training Concentration

PSY 3000/4000Psychology Elective3
ANAT 4000Human Gross Anatomy6
EXSC 5121Clinical Biomechanics3
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
MAT 1000Intro to Athletic Training1
MAT 2000Athletic Training Student Development I1
MAT 3000Athletic Training Student Development II2
MAT 3230Exercise Physiology3
MAT 5010Principles of Athletic Training2
MAT 5125Therapeutic Modalities3
MAT 5160Aspects of Nutrition2
MAT 5240Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management I4
MAT 5250Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management II4
MAT 5500Rehabilitation in AT I4
MAT 5800Medical Conditions and Physical Activity4
Total Credits46

Physical Therapy Concentration 

Students must earn a C or better in all required courses with a DPT, EXSC, and IPE prefix. Students must earn a C or better in all required ANAT courses at the 4000 level and above. For clinical education courses in the professional phase, an S (satisfactory) grade is required.

PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
ANAT 4000Human Gross Anatomy6
ANAT 4300AHP Neurosciences4
BIOL 1260
BIOL 1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
PSY 3460Abnormal Psychology3
DPT 1111Self and Community in PT1
DPT 1212Fueling the Fire, Discovering Your Passion2
DPT 2213Professionalism and Physical Therapy Thought1
DPT 3214Reflections on the Core and the Future1
EXSC 3230Exercise Physiology3
EXSC 5121Clinical Biomechanics3
DPT 5125Therapeutic Modalities3
DPT 5127Basic Examination3
DPT 5130System-Based Pathology4
DPT 5147Human Growth and Development3
DPT 5222Kinesiology3
DPT 5226Therapeutic Exercise2
DPT 5228Basic Procedures2
DPT 5240Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions4
EXSC 5241Clinical Research and Design2
DPT 5276Documentation1
DPT 5290Skills Practicum1
Total Credits60

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Exercise and Wellness Concentration (B.S. in Exercise Science)

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research 3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
 Credits15
Spring
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus 3
Foundational Major Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits18-19
Year Two
Fall
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PPY 2540 Human Physiology 4
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
DIET 2080 Foundations in Nutrition 3
 Credits17
Spring
ANAT 1000 Basic Human Anatomy 3
IPE 4200 Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice 3
HSCI 2500 Human Development across the Lifespan 3
Foundational Major Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
PHIL 2050
Ethics
or Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics
3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
Upper-level Major Psychology Elective 3
Upper-level Major Elective 3
 Credits17-18
Spring
EXSC 3230 Exercise Physiology 3
IPE 4900 Interprofessional Community Practicum 3
STAT 1100 Introduction to Statistics 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
Upper-level Major Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits16
Year Four
Fall
EXSC 4121 Clinical Biomechanics 3
EXSC 4150 Nutrition, Health, and Physical Performance 3
EXSC 4170 Exercise Testing and Prescription 3
EDI 4361 Art and Science of Human Flourishing 3
Upper-level Major Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
EXSC 4260 Enhancing Human Performance 3
EXSC 4241 Clinical Research and Design 2
Upper-level Major Psychology Elective 3
Upper-level Major Electives 9
 Credits17
 Total Credits130-132

Athletic Training Concentration (B.S. in Exercise Science) continuing to the Master of Athletic Training

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab (satisfies CORE 3800)
4
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) 3
XXXXElective 3
 Credits15
Spring
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
MAT 1000 Intro to Athletic Training 1
MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus 1 3
XXXXElective 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
MAT 2000 Athletic Training Student Development I 1
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab 1
4
PPY 2540 Human Physiology 4
PSY 1010 General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
 Credits18
Spring
ANAT 1000 Basic Human Anatomy 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
IPE 4200 Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice 3
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab 1
4
XXXXUpper Division Psychology Elective 3
 Credits16
Year Three
Fall
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
PHIL 2050 Ethics 3
STAT 1100 Introduction to Statistics (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
XXXXElective 3
 Credits14-15
Spring
IPE 4900 Interprofessional Community Practicum 3
MAT 3000 Athletic Training Student Development II (satisfies CORE 3500) 2
EXSC 3230 Exercise Physiology 3
XXXXElective 3
XXXXElective 1-3
 Credits12-14
Summer
ANAT 4000 Human Gross Anatomy 5
MAT 5010 Principles of Athletic Training 2
 Credits7
Year Four
Fall
MAT 5125 Therapeutic Modalities 3
EXSC 5121 Clinical Biomechanics 3
MAT 5240 Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management I 4
MAT 5160X Aspects of Nutrition 2
MAT 5700 AT Clinical Practicum I 3
 Credits15
Spring
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - AT awarded upon completion of Semester 8 (minimum 130 credits)  
MAT 5250 Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management II 4
MAT 5500 Rehabilitation in Athletic Training I 4
MAT 5750 AT Clinical Practicum II 3
EXSC 5241 Clinical Research and Design 2
MAT 5800 Medical Conditions and Physical Activity 4
 Credits17
Summer
MAT 5900 AT Field Experience 2
 Credits2
Year Five
Fall
MAT 5550 Rehabilitation in Athletic Training II 4
MAT 5600 Athletic Training Administration 3
MAT 5620X Sports Psychology 3
MAT 6010 Contemporary Clinical Practice 2
MAT 6700 AT Clinical Practicum III 4
 Credits16
Spring
MAT 6160 Enhancing Human Performance 3
MAT 6750 AT Clinical Practicum IV 4
MAT 6800 Seminar in Athletic Training 3
MAT 6960 AT Capstone Project 2
 Credits12
 Total Credits160-163

Physical Therapy Concentration (B.S. in Exercise Science) continuing to the Doctor of Physical Therapy

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Pre-Professional Phase  
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy (satisfies CORE 1700) 3
DPT 1111 Self and Community in PT (satisfies CORE 1500) 1
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) 3
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 1260
BIOL 1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
DPT 1212 Fueling the Fire, Discovering Your Passion (satisfies CORE 1000) 2
MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (satisfies CORE 1200) 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PPY 2540 Human Physiology 4
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
 Credits17
Spring
ANAT 1000 Basic Human Anatomy 3
DPT 2213 Professionalism and Physical Therapy Thought (satisfies CORE 2500) 1
IPE 4200 Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice 3
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
 Credits17
Year Three
Fall
Participation in Study Abroad Optional  
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
PHIL 2050
Ethics
or Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics
3
PSY 3460 Abnormal Psychology 3
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
 Credits17-18
Spring
EXSC 3230 Exercise Physiology 3
IPE 4900 Interprofessional Community Practicum 3
STAT 1100 Introduction to Statistics 3
DPT 3214 Reflections on the Core and the Future 1
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
XXXXElective (for minor) 3
 Credits16
Year Four
Summer
Professional Phase  
ANAT 4000 Human Gross Anatomy 5
 Credits5
Fall
EXSC 5121 Clinical Biomechanics 3
DPT 5125 Therapeutic Modalities 3
DPT 5127 Basic Examination 3
DPT 5130 System-Based Pathology 4
DPT 5147 Human Growth and Development 3
 Credits16
Spring
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - PT awarded upon completion of Semester Eight  
ANAT 4300 AHP Neurosciences 4
DPT 5222 Kinesiology 3
DPT 5226 Therapeutic Exercise 2
DPT 5228 Basic Procedures 2
EXSC 5241 Clinical Research and Design 2
DPT 5240 Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions 4
DPT 5290 Skills Practicum 1
 Credits18
Year Five
Fall
DPT 5123 Clinical Gait 2
DPT 5134 Multi System Management 3
DPT 5135 Cardiopulmonary Conditions 3
DPT 5137 Aspects of Nutrition 2
DPT 5142 Evidence Based Practice 2
DPT 5149 Applied Neuroscience 2
DPT 5162 Musculoskeletal Conditions II 4
 Credits18
Spring
DPT 5215 Professional Development I 2
DPT 5218 Effective Communication and Teaching 3
DPT 5251 Neurological Conditions I 4
DPT 5263 Musculoskeletal Conditions III 4
DPT 5271 Patient Management I 3
DPT 5291 Clinical Experience IA 2
 Credits18
Year Six
Summer
DPT 6072 Patient Management II 1
DPT 6077 Department Administration 2
DPT 6091 Clinical Experience IB 1-2
DPT 6092 Clinical Experience IIA 2
 Credits6-7
Fall
DPT 6116 Professional Development II 2
DPT 6124 Biomechanical Interventions 3
DPT 6138 Concepts of Wellness 1
DPT 6152 Neurological Conditions II 2
DPT 6164 Musculoskeletal Conditions IV 3
DPT 6173 Patient Management III 2
DPT 6178 Applied Administration and Management 2
DPT 618XPhysical Therapy Elective (optional) 0-1
DPT 6192 Clinical Experience IIB 2
 Credits17-18
Spring
Doctor of Physical Therapy awarded upon completion of Semester 12  
DPT 6293 Clinical Experience III 3
DPT 6294 Clinical Experience IV 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits202-205
1

CHEM 1110 General Chemistry 1 (0,3 cr) and CHEM 1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1 cr) can be taken in place of CHEM 1080 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEM 1085 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab (1 cr).

2

CHEM 1120 General Chemistry 2 (0,3 cr) and CHEM 1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1 cr) may be taken in place of CHEM 1480 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEM 1485 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab (1 cr)

3

PHYS 1310 College Physics I (3 cr) and PHYS 1320 College Physics I Laboratory (1 cr) may be taken in place of PHYS 1220 General Physics I (3 cr) and PHYS 1235 General Physics I Lab (1 cr)

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

Exercise Science, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)