The Exercise Science program prepares future health professionals in kinesiology, health promotion, physical activity, disease management and professional healthcare programs.
The Exercise Science program is designed to prepare UIS students for various positions in the exercise and health field, or for post-graduate study in Exercise Science or additional School of Health Sciences' programs. Students also will be prepared for various professional certifications throughout this degree curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
- Incorporate foundational knowledge and skills related to the respective content areas in developing, implementing, managing and evaluating human performance programs.
- Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of communication methods and in human relations/interpersonal skills, such as motivating, counseling and working effectively in a team environment.
- Understand the scientific method and its application together with critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems related to kinesiology, health promotion, physical activity, disease management and professional healthcare programs.
- Understand and analyze the clinical and epidemiological evidence linking physical activity and exercise to human health and various approaches to the delivery of physical activity and health programs in diverse settings.
- Identify and portray ethical considerations and behaviors and engage in social justice related to the sub-disciplines within the field of exercise science.
- Implement research as a process of inquiry and critical thinking; identify and evaluate suitable sources; conduct searches strategically; use and communicate information appropriately; and recognize that information has value.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$40,140*
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
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2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Exercise Physiologists
Bright OutlookAssess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular end
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Median Annual Wage
$59,460
Wage Range
$42,760 – $80,560
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctoral degree
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Bright OutlookInstruct 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 measur
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.
Median Annual Wage
$47,160
Wage Range
$28,800 – $83,100
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Post-secondary certificate, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Less than high school diploma
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a c
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$77,270
Wage Range
$44,900 – $134,890
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Median Annual Wage
$72,040
Wage Range
$48,780 – $107,600
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Post-master’s certificate
Animal Caretakers
Bright OutlookFeed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, or
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
Median Annual Wage
$35,360
Wage Range
$27,250 – $50,060
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
Therapists, All Other
All therapists not listed separately.
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