Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Exercise Science (Major) | BS

  • Exercise Science
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 377
  • Degree Type: BS
  • Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: The Exercise Science major encompasses healthcare and fitness disciplines and is designed to provide students with expertise in how the body responds to exercise, the importance of physical activity for health, and the implementation of evidence-based exercise prescriptions. The curriculum allows students to learn and apply their skills in areas such as human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and behavioral health to diverse populations across the lifespan. Students who graduate with an exercise science degree leave with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of careers and advanced degrees, including those in Physiology, Physical Therapy, Medicine, and Allied Health fields.

  • Department Approval with Departmental Meeting- Students who wish to declare this major must have completed a minimum of 1 semester at Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. First Semester Transfer Students are eligible to declare if they have transferred into Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a minimum of 15 credits. Students must also attend a department declaration meeting.

  • Biological Sciences (119), Biomathematics (122), Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146), Exercise Science (377), Genetics and Genomics (449), Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (694), Biochemistry (115), and/or Microbiology (680) may not be combined as double majors or as major/minor combinations.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

     

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

     Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
     Foundations of Exercise Science  01:377:111 3 Exercise Science (377)
    General Biology I 01:119:115 4 Biology (119)
    General Psychology   01:830:101 3 Psychology (830)

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
     Nutrition and Health 11:709:255 3 Nutritional Sciences (709)
    Calculus (or highest math placement) 01:640:135 4 Mathematics (640)
    Principles of Public Health 01:832:201 3 Public Health (832)
    Career Explorations in Arts and Sciences 01:090:210 1.5 Arts and Sciences (090)

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. 

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.

    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:

    Biological Sciences (119)

    Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146)

    Statistics (960)

    Sport Management (955)

    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed

    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. 

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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