Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science

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Learn more about the Exercise Science program.

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Field of Interest

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Exercise Science provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sport Science, Healthy Lifestyles Coaching, or Fitness and Wellness. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career as a fitness specialist or director, strength and conditioning specialist, healthy lifestyles coach, or an exercise physiologist. With a graduate degree, students may pursue careers in a number of fields, including but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, medicine, and physician assistant. Certificates of Completion (CCLs) in Personal Trainer and Personal Trainer Advanced as well as an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Exercise Science: Health, Fitness, and Sports Performance are also available.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest

Health Sciences

Type

Associate in Arts (AA)

Academic Plan

Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8121

Total Credits Required

60-64

Catalog Year

2026-2027

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.

This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:
ASU (College of Health Solutions), Health Sciences (Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science), BS
ASU (College of Health Solutions), Sports Science and Performance Programming, BS
ASU (College of Health Solutions), Clinical Exercise Science, BS
ASU (College of Health Solutions), Kinesiology, BS
NAU, Fitness Wellness, BS

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , NAU .

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Examine human movement using a fundamental understanding of human anatomy and physiology and the relevant scientific concepts of biology, the physical sciences, and psychology.
Integrate knowledge of the human body and psychological concepts to promote health and well-being in self and others.
Locate and critically evaluate relevant scholarly literature.
Use relevant scholarly literature, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, and statistical analysis to inform decision making and solve problems.
Interpret foundational assessments of health and human movement.
Design basic movement programs.
Effectively communicate with diverse audiences and within varied contexts.
Collaborate with diverse individuals to achieve common goals.
Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision making and actions.
Demonstrate dependability, adaptability, and persistence to set and achieve goals.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Athletic Trainers

$62,882

Community Health Workers

$48,991

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$23.55

Annual Median Wage

$48,991

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

807

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 15.6 %

Exercise Physiologists

$60,542

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

$41,158

Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

$49,853

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

Typical Education Level

a certificate

Hourly Median Wage

$23.96

Annual Median Wage

$49,853

Annual Job Openings

1,253

Number of People Employed

6,073

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 19.1 %

Health Educators

$62,103

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

Typical Education Level

an Associate degree

Hourly Median Wage

$29.85

Annual Median Wage

$62,103

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

706

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 14.2 %

Occupational Therapists

$101,754

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$48.92

Annual Median Wage

$101,754

Annual Job Openings

170

Number of People Employed

1,897

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 22.2 %

Physical Therapists

$99,782

Physician Assistants

$134,505

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$64.66

Annual Median Wage

$134,505

Annual Job Openings

209

Number of People Employed

2,969

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 19.3 %

Sports Medicine Physicians

$97,369

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements. Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include: Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits) Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits) Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits) Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include: Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits) Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits) Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits) Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits) For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+).	FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success			1–3
EXS101	Introduction to Exercise Science			3
QNR	Quantitative Reasoning		QNR	3–6
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives			0–4

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
HES100	Healthful Living			SB, SCB	3
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
PSY101	Introduction to Psychology			SB, SCB	3
BIO201 or BIO160	Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology	Prerequisites: C or better in (BIO156, or BIO156XT, or BIO181, or BIO181XT, or 1 yr of high school biology) and (RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101). CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required. or No requisites	Recommend BIO201 and BIO202 for students intending to transfer to NAU for Fitness Wellness or to ASU for Clinical Exercise Science or Sports Science and Performance Programming or Kinesiology. Recommend BIO160 and CHM130+++ for students intending to transfer to ASU for Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science.	NSI, SG or NSI, SQ	4
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives				3–4

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
SCB	Social and Behavioral Sciences			SCB	3
BIO202 or (CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA	Human Anatomy and Physiology II or (Fundamental Chemistry and Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory) or Fundamental Chemistry with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO201 or BIO201XT. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM100 or MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or higher or satisfactory math placement) and (RDG100 or RDG100LL, or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by appropriate reading placement)] or permission of the Instructor. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: A grade of "C" or better in CHM130. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM090 or MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or higher or satisfactory math placement) and (RDG100 or RDG100LL, or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by appropriate reading placement)] or permission of the Instructor.	Recommend BIO201 and BIO202 for students intending to transfer to NAU for Fitness Wellness or to ASU for Clinical Exercise Science or Sports Science and Performance Programming or Kinesiology. Recommend BIO160 and CHM130+++ for students intending to transfer to ASU for Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science.	NSI, SG or NSI in combo w/ CHM130LL; and NSI in combo w/ CHM130; or NSI, SQ	4
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives				3–5

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
EXS290	Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice	Prerequisites: C or better in [(RDG100, or RDG100LL, or RDG111, or RDG112, or RDG113 or District reading placement) and (MAT090, or MAT091, or MAT092, or District math placement) and (ENG101 or ENG107)] or permission of Instructor. EXS101 recommended.	L	3
OCM	Oral Communication		OCM	3
IAM	Institutions of the Americas		IAM	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives			3–4
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives			3–4

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements. Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include: Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits) Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits) Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits) Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include: Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits) Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits) Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits) Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits) For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+).	FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success			1–3
EXS101	Introduction to Exercise Science			3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Area	Credits
QNR	Quantitative Reasoning	QNR	3–6
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives		0–4
HES100	Healthful Living	SB, SCB	3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
BIO201 or BIO160	Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology	Prerequisites: C or better in (BIO156, or BIO156XT, or BIO181, or BIO181XT, or 1 yr of high school biology) and (RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101). CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required. or No requisites	Recommend BIO201 and BIO202 for students intending to transfer to NAU for Fitness Wellness or to ASU for Clinical Exercise Science or Sports Science and Performance Programming or Kinesiology. Recommend BIO160 and CHM130+++ for students intending to transfer to ASU for Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science.	NSI, SG or NSI, SQ	4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
PSY101	Introduction to Psychology			SB, SCB	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives				3–4

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
BIO202 or (CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA	Human Anatomy and Physiology II or (Fundamental Chemistry and Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory) or Fundamental Chemistry with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO201 or BIO201XT. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM100 or MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or higher or satisfactory math placement) and (RDG100 or RDG100LL, or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by appropriate reading placement)] or permission of the Instructor. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: A grade of "C" or better in CHM130. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM090 or MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or higher or satisfactory math placement) and (RDG100 or RDG100LL, or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by appropriate reading placement)] or permission of the Instructor.	Recommend BIO201 and BIO202 for students intending to transfer to NAU for Fitness Wellness or to ASU for Clinical Exercise Science or Sports Science and Performance Programming or Kinesiology. Recommend BIO160 and CHM130+++ for students intending to transfer to ASU for Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science.	NSI, SG or NSI in combo w/ CHM130LL; and NSI in combo w/ CHM130; or NSI, SQ	4

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
SCB	Social and Behavioral Sciences			SCB	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives				3–5

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
OCM	Oral Communication			OCM	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives				3–4

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
EXS290	Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice	Prerequisites: C or better in [(RDG100, or RDG100LL, or RDG111, or RDG112, or RDG113 or District reading placement) and (MAT090, or MAT091, or MAT092, or District math placement) and (ENG101 or ENG107)] or permission of Instructor. EXS101 recommended.	L	3
IAM	Institutions of the Americas		IAM	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Electives			3–4

Plan Course Electives

Transfer Plan 1: Kinesiology
Credits: 20-21
+ BIO181++ General Biology (Majors) I 4
+ BIO182++ General Biology (Majors) II 4

+ CHM150 General Chemistry I (4) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM150AA General Chemistry I with Lab (5) OR
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM151AA General Chemistry I with Lab (4) 4-5

+ CHM152 General Chemistry II (3) AND
+ CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM152AA General Chemistry II with Lab (4) 4

+ PHY111 General Physics I 4

Transfer Plan 2: Applied Exercise and Sport Sciences
Credits: 13-15
+ EXS125 Introduction to Exercise Physiology 3

+ EXS145 Exercise Testing (3) OR
+ EXS270AA Exercise Science Internship (1) 1-3

+ EXS215 Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques 3
+ EXS217 Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training 3
FON241 Principles of Human Nutrition 3

General Electives

Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Exercise Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

AHM = Arts and Humanities
FYC = First-Year Composition
IAM = Institutions of the Americas
L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
NSI = Natural Sciences
OCM = Oral Communication
QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
WCM = Written Communication

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/acres.woa/wa/customView?id=16461519.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science

Field of Interest

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Course Sequence by Term

Full-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Term 7

Term 8

Plan Course Electives

General Electives

Ready to get started?

Course Area Key

Disclaimer

Previous Catalog Years

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