EXPLORE THE EXERCISE SCIENCE & WELLNESS PROGRAM

Any age or stage of life - this is an industry that will always have relevance and importance. Health and wellness plays a significant role in our everyday lives, and for those who make an impact in the quality of life for others through this work - well, let’s just say, meaningful and rewarding is an understatement. From conducting and interpreting physical fitness assessments to developing exercise prescriptions for various demographic populations, you’ll make a difference toward improving human health.

Exercise Science and Wellness is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

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Is Crookston the M for You?

Program Features

  • AVERAGE SALARY: $67,000
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    Exercise Science class looking at state of the art equipment
  • LEARN IN OUR EXERCISE SCIENCE LABORATORY
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    Faculty member doing physical therapy on a student
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    Faculty member and student measuring oxygen on a treadmill run
  • DEVELOP EXERCISE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR OTHERS
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    Exercise and Wellness students during a lab with professor
  • OBTAIN CERTIFICATION WITH ACSM, NACA AND ACE

REAL. HANDS-ON. READY.

quick facts >>

Faculty member teaching students in the Exercise Science and Wellness program in the Wellness Center

CERTIFICATIONS

Students are qualified (but not required) to apply for a variety of certifications with a degree in Exercise Science and Wellness: Several examples associated with professional organizations: 

JOB MARKET

The job market is great. Sport performance and sport specific facilities are opening and developing routinely. The population is aging, so there is a large job market for older adults and those with chronic diseases. More opportunities are arising for unique populations to be more inclusive (e.g. special need).

Bureau of Labor Statistics: 

  • Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • Demand for these workers may rise as healthcare providers emphasize exercise and preventive care to help people who have cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases to improve their overall health.
     

CAREER PATHS

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Sports Performance Coach
  • Kinesiologist
  • Fitness Trainer
  • Cancer Exercise Trainer
  • Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist
  • Wellness Coach/Coordinator
  • Biomechanist
  • Sport Coach

PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES IN

LEARN ABOUT OUR ALUMNI

DO THESE FIT YOUR PERSONALITY & SKILLS?

  • Energetic
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Compassionate
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Motivated
  • Assertive

If yes, a major in Exercise Science and Wellness is for you!

On-Campus Exercise Science and Wellness

at a glance...

Blend your knowledge of exercise physiology with nutrition and wellness

Gain skills and knowledge in fitness appraisal, exercise programming, wellness counseling, and motivation techniques

Support the physical and mental health of fellow Golden Eagles

Advance your education into the fields of physical therapy, athletic training and chiropractic care

Crookston Golden Eagle

REAL. HANDS-ON. READY.

At the U of M Crookston, you won’t spend all your time behind a desk. Our curriculum is designed around experiential learning, which means we want you to have as much hands-on learning as possible. Depending on your major, you’ll find opportunities to be in the field, the lab, the classroom, or engaging in simulated scenarios that give you a competitive edge when you enter the workforce or head to grad school. You’ll learn the concepts and then actively apply them through projects, field trips, site visits, internships, and interactions with professionals in the field.

YOUR FUTURE PROFESSORS

Picture of Anita Gust
Assistant Professor
Picture of Steven Krouse
Head Athletic Trainer, Health Care Administrator
Picture of Sharon Stewart
Associate Professor, Department Chair

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WHAT ARE OUR EXERCISE SCIENCE & WELLNESS ALUMNI DOING?

  • Several students in or completed Physical Therapy (PT) or Occupational Therapy (OT) school at University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND), University of Mary (Bismarck, ND), Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI), University of Jamestown (Fargo, ND), University of Pacific (Stockton, CA), and University of Toronto
  • Two were accepted into University of Minnesota Masters of Nursing Program (2019 and 2023)
  • Two chiropractic students: Life West Chiropractic College in California (2022 and 2023)
  • Some pursued athletic training (North Dakota State University and Washington State)
  • 2021 Graduate: Director of Performance, Pitch to Pitch training facility in the Twin Cities area (MN)
  • 2020 Graduate: Sport Performance specialist, Sanford Power in Bismark, ND
  • 2019 Graduate: Head Athletic Trainer (North Dakota State University program) and Athletic coach, Ely, MN
  • 2018 Graduate: Pursued an advance degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and doctorate in Chinese Medicine with Sports Emphasis (Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN) 
  • Several are serving as personal trainers/strength coaches in various capacities: private lessons, fitness facilities, etc. (in CA, ND, KS, FL, and WI)

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS