Minor in Exercise Science
About the Minor
The Exercise Science minor provides students with foundational and applied knowledge in exercise physiology, human movement, fitness assessment, and exercise programming. Designed for students interested in health, fitness, performance, and related professions, the minor supports preparation for graduate study and professional development in exercise science and related fields.
Students complete 24 credits through one of three pathways: a Certification Track, a Research Track, or an Experiential Track. The Certification Track is designed for students seeking coursework aligned with preparation for certifications in exercise science and fitness. The Research Track emphasizes research design, statistics, and applied undergraduate research. The Experiential Track emphasizes applied learning in areas such as physical activity behavior, sports and performance nutrition, health assessment, and specialized exercise science electives.
Across these pathways, students develop knowledge and skills in areas such as anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, exercise testing and prescription, and exercise programming for diverse populations. The minor is open to Drexel undergraduate students in good standing.
Admission Requirements
Open to Drexel undergraduate students in good standing. Students should consult with the program advisor to review pathway options, course sequencing, and prerequisite requirements associated with individual courses in the minor.
Students are required to declare a major before declaring a minor. Students admitted directly into a specific major at the time of matriculation may declare a minor beginning in their second semester. All requirements for the minor must be completed either concurrently with or prior to the completion of the primary major requirements. This ensures that students fulfill the expectations of their primary field of study while completing any additional areas of academic specialization.
Minor Requirements
| Core Requirements | ||
| ESCI 3101 | Exercise Physiology | 4.0 |
| HSCI 1101 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| HSCI 1102 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| Focus Area Tracks | ||
| Select one of the following tracks: | 12.0 | |
| Certification Track | ||
| Exercise Testing and Prescription 1 | ||
| Exercise for Clinical Populations 1 | ||
or ESCI 3201 | Strength and Conditioning | |
| Health Assessment through the Lifespan 1 | ||
| Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology 1 | ||
| Experiential Track | ||
| Select 12 credits of the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to Exercise Science | ||
| Psychology of Physical Activity | ||
| Strength and Conditioning | ||
| Physical Growth and Motor Behavior | ||
| Concepts and Practices of Inclusive Physical Activity | ||
| Technological Advancements and Integrations in Exercise Science | ||
| Exercise Testing and Prescription 1 | ||
| Wellness and Fitness Program Management | ||
| Exercise for Clinical Populations 1 | ||
| Practicum in Exercise Science | ||
| Internship in Exercise Science I | ||
| Internship in Exercise Science II | ||
| Aging and Exercise | ||
| Electrocardiography Interpretation and Graded Exercise Testing | ||
| Health Assessment through the Lifespan 1 | ||
| Pharmacology for Health Sciences | ||
| Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology | ||
| Sports and Performance Nutrition | ||
| The Business of Sport | ||
| Sport in Society: Trends, Issues, and Opportunities | ||
| Total Credits | 24.0 | |
- 1
HSCI 2001, HSCI 4031, ESCI 3301 and ESCI 3401 are required for students to be eligible for the ACSM EP, NSCA CSCS, and other similar exercise science certifications. Students who want to be eligible for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist must complete courses denoted with this footnote mark. Please work with your minor advisor to determine which courses you should take within this minor if you intend to pursue health/fitness certification exam readiness.
For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions.