Program Information
Learn more about the Exercise Science program.
Course Sequence
- Jump to the Course Sequence
- Print Course Sequence
Field of Interest
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science prepares students with a strong foundation in the scientific principles of human movement. Students learn to assess movement, apply evidence-based practices, and design safe, effective exercise programs that promote performance and health.
Two emphases allow students to focus their studies: Fitness and Human Performance, emphasizing advanced training principles and performance enhancement; and Pre-Physical Therapy, emphasizing anatomy, movement science, and research to support graduate study in rehabilitation and clinical movement fields. Through applied coursework and internship experiences, students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors essential to success in exercise and health-related settings.
Certification of Completion (CCL) in Personal Training and Associate of Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science are also available and embedded within the Bachelor of Science.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Health Sciences
- Type
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Academic Plan
- Exercise Science (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 9313
- Total Credits Required
- 120
- Catalog Year
- 2026-2027
- Notes
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is application-based and selective. Students are not automatically admitted and may not self-declare this degree.
Enrollment is limited; qualified applicants are admitted in the order completed applications are received until capacity is reached.
Students must complete required coursework and submit a formal application to be considered for admission.
To be eligible to apply, students must complete the following introductory coursework with a grade of C or better:
+ BIO181 General Biology I 4
EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science 3
+ EXS145 Exercise Testing 3
+ EXS215 Resistance Training & Recovery Techniques 3
+ EXS217 Cardiorespiratory Training & Flexibility 3
PED142 Sports Performance Practical Training 3+ ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) OR
+ ENG107 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
+ ENG102 First-Year Composition (3) OR
+ ENG108 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) 6+ MAT150 College Algebra/Functions (5) OR
+ MAT151 College Algebra/Functions (4) OR
+ MAT152 College Algebra/Functions (3) OR
+ MAT155 College Algebra/Functions with Review (5) OR
+ MAT156 College Algebra/Functions with Review or higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix(6) 3-6PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 3
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students are not eligible to enroll in 300 or 400 level EXS/FON courses until formal acceptance into the program has been confirmed.
Applications are reviewed in the order received.
Acceptance notifications are sent in late October and late March to the student email address on file.
Upon acceptance, students are required to attend a mandatory program orientation prior to beginning upper-division coursework.Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization (3.5+2.5 Pathway)
The Pre-Physical Therapy specialization has additional requirements beyond those required for entry into the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Students may not self-declare this specialization.
Enrollment in the specialization is limited. Students who meet all stated requirements are admitted in the order completed applications are received until capacity is reached.
To be considered for admission into the Pre-Physical Therapy specialization, students must meet the following requirements:
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
Complete all but three of the following courses prior to admission:
+ BIO182 General Biology II 4
+ BIO201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
+ BIO202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) 4+ CHM152 General Chemistry II (3) AND
+ CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory (1) 4+ MAT187 Precalculus (5) OR
+ MAT188 Precalculus or higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix (4) 4-5+ MAT206 Elements of Statistics (3) OR
+ PSY230 Introduction to Statistics (3) OR
+ PSY230 Introduction to Statistics (3) AND
+ PSY231 Laboratory for Statistics (1) OR
+ PSY230WL Introduction to Statistics with Lab (4) 3-4+ PHY111 General Physics I 4
+ PHY112 General Physics II 4
+ PSY240 Developmental Psychology 3
+ PSY266 Psychological Disorders 3Maintain full-time enrollment upon entry into the specialization.
Students are not eligible to participate in the A.T. Still University 3.5+2.5 pathway program until formal acceptance into the specialization has been confirmed.
Applications are reviewed in the order received.
Acceptance notifications are sent in early October to the student email address on file as conditional acceptances. Final acceptance decisions are confirmed and communicated in early January following the review of fall semester grades.Students may not enroll in the required EXS395 Exercise Science Capstone until they have been formally accepted into the specialization and have attended the mandatory orientation.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course in the program.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Assess human movement using biomechanical, anatomical, physiological, and motor behavior principles.
- Evaluate research to integrate evidence into practice.
- Apply behavioral and motivational strategies grounded in theory to promote physical activity adoption and adherence.
- Design safe and effective exercise programs based on assessment data, goals, and evidence-based guidelines.
- Instruct exercise and movement techniques to promote safety and skill acquisition.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in exercise science practice.
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.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, applicants must:
Submit a formal application through the program’s online application form.
Provide unofficial transcripts demonstrating completion of all required introductory coursework listed in the Program Notes with a grade of C or better.
Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
Acknowledge the ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, and program activities.
Await formal notification of admission from the Program Director.
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.
Specialization 1: Fitness and Human Performance Sequence
Fitness and Human Performance
| 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:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS101 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 | |||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | WCM, FYC or FYC, WCM | 3 | ||
| EXS217 | Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training | 3 | |||
| PED142 | Performance-Based Training | 3 | |||
| BIO181 | General Biology (Majors) I | NSI, SQ | 4 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS145 | Exercise Testing | 3 | |||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| EXS215 | Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques | 3 | |||
| MAT15+ | College Algebra/Functions | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix. | MA | 3–6 | |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | SCB, SB | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS125 | Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 | |||
| EXS290 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice | L | 3 | ||
| HES100 | Healthful Living | SCB, SB | 3 | ||
| BIO201 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | SG, NSI | 4 | ||
| HES210 | Cultural Aspects of Health and Illness | G, AHM, C | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FON241 | Principles of Human Nutrition | NSI in combo w/ FON241LL; | 3 | ||
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| BIO202 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | NSI, SG | 4 | ||
| CHM130 and CHM130LL |
Fundamental Chemistry and Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory | OR Any higher level Chemistry CHM course | NSI in combo w/ CHM130LL; and NSI in combo w/ CHM130; | 4 | |
| EMT101 or WED106 |
Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health Care Providers or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | Prior Learning Credit is available for students who have a current CPR AED certification. | 0.5 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS310 | Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 | |||
| EXS330 | Exercise Psychology | 3 | |||
| EXS390AA or EXS390AB or EXS390AC or EXS395AA or EXS395AB or EXS395AC |
Human Performance Internship I or Human Performance Internship II or Human Performance Internship III or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone | Complete a total of 5 (five) credits by choosing any combination of the 300-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 1–3 | ||
| Elective | General Elective | 4 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS340 | Motor Behavior | 3 | |||
| EXS350 | Human Performance Assessment and Analysis | 3 | |||
| EXS360 | Applied Program Design for Fitness and Health | 3 | |||
| EXS390AA or EXS390AB or EXS390AC or EXS395AA or EXS395AB or EXS395AC |
Human Performance Internship I or Human Performance Internship II or Human Performance Internship III or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone | Complete a total of 5 (five) credits by choosing any combination of the 300-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 1–3 | ||
| Elective | General Elective | 3 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS490 or EXS495 |
Advanced Human Performance Internship or Exercise Science Capstone | Complete a total of 6 (six) credits by choosing any combination of the 400-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 3 | ||
| EXS420 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 4 | |||
| EXS425 | Principles of Resistance Training and Conditioning | 3 | |||
| EXS460 | Advanced Program Design & Instructional Technique for Human Performance | 3 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS490 or EXS495 |
Advanced Human Performance Internship or Exercise Science Capstone | Complete a total of 6 (six) credits by choosing any combination of the 400-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 3 | ||
| EXS470 | Management and Professional Practice in Fitness and Conditioning | 3 | |||
| FON440 | Nutrition for Health and Performance | 3 | |||
| Elective | General Elective | 4 |
Specialization 2: Pre-Physical Therapy Sequence
Pre-Physical Therapy
| 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:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS101 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 | |||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | WCM, FYC or FYC, WCM | 3 | ||
| EXS217 | Cardiorespiratory and Flexibility Training | 3 | |||
| PED142 | Performance-Based Training | 3 | |||
| BIO181 | General Biology (Majors) I | NSI, SQ | 4 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS145 | Exercise Testing | 3 | |||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| EXS215 | Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques | 3 | |||
| MAT187 or MAT188 |
Precalculus or Precalculus | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix. (3-5) 3-5 | QNR, MA or MA, QNR | 4–5 | |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | SCB, SB | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| EXS125 | Introduction to Exercise Physiology | 3 | |||
| EXS290 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice | L | 3 | ||
| BIO201 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | SG, NSI | 4 | ||
| HES210 | Cultural Aspects of Health and Illness | G, AHM, C | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| BIO202 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | NSI, SG | 4 | ||
| CHM151 | General Chemistry I | NSI in combo w/ CHM151LL; | 3 | ||
| CHM151LL | General Chemistry I Laboratory | NSI in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151; | 1 | ||
| EMT101 or WED106 |
Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health Care Providers or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | Prior Learning Credit is available for students who have a current CPR AED certification. | 0.5 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| BIO182 | General Biology (Majors) II | NSI, SG | 4 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY240 | Developmental Psychology | SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| EXS310 | Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 | |||
| EXS330 | Exercise Psychology | 3 | |||
| EXS390AA or EXS390AB or EXS390AC or EXS395AA or EXS395AB or EXS395AC |
Human Performance Internship I or Human Performance Internship II or Human Performance Internship III or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone | Complete a total of 5 (five) credits by choosing any combination of the 300-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 1–3 | ||
| CHM152 | General Chemistry II | NSI in combo w/ CHM152LL; | 3 | ||
| CHM152LL | General Chemistry II Laboratory | NSI in combo w/ CHM152; | 1 | ||
| PHY111 | General Physics I | NSI, SQ | 4 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS340 | Motor Behavior | 3 | |||
| EXS360 | Applied Program Design for Fitness and Health | 3 | |||
| EXS390AA or EXS390AB or EXS390AC or EXS395AA or EXS395AB or EXS395AC |
Human Performance Internship I or Human Performance Internship II or Human Performance Internship III or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone or Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone | Complete a total of 5 (five) credits by choosing any combination of the 300-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 1–3 | ||
| PHY112 | General Physics II | SQ, NSI | 4 | ||
| PSY266 | Psychological Disorders | SCB, SB | 3 | ||
| MAT206 or PSY230 or (PSY230 and PSY231) or PSY230WL |
Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or (Introduction to Statistics and Laboratory for Statistics) or Introduction to Statistics with Lab | QNR, CS or CS, QNR or CS, QNR or QNR, CS | 3–4 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXS490 or EXS495 |
Advanced Human Performance Internship or Exercise Science Capstone | Complete a total of 6 (six) credits by choosing any combination of the 400-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 3 | ||
| EXS490 or EXS495 |
Advanced Human Performance Internship or Exercise Science Capstone | Complete a total of 6 (six) credits by choosing any combination of the 400-level Internship or Capstone courses listed below. Credit by evaluation is also accepted. | 3 | ||
| Elective | General Elective | 4 | |||
| Elective | General Elective | 4 | |||
| Elective | General Elective | 3 |
Request Information
There’s a Better Way to Do College
We offer more value, opportunity, and support for our students. Connect with us to get information about the Exercise Science, BS Bachelor's Degree; including resources, scholarships, and related programs.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Become a Student
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Program Information
Learn more about and find contact information for the Exercise Science program.
Course Area Key
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- 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 in all courses 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=16461581.