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.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $10,035/yr*
Duration
4 years
Credit Hours
120

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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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 $10,035/yr*

Based on 120 credit hours over 4 years.

*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.

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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Courses & Catalog Information

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.

Athletic Trainers

Bright Outlook

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Median Annual Wage $62,520
Wage Range $48,180 – $88,760
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Bright Outlook

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Median Annual Wage $107,310
Wage Range $59,270 – $322,020
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training

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

Median Annual Wage $77,270
Wage Range $44,900 – $134,890
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Sports Medicine Physicians

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

Median Annual Wage $265,930
Wage Range $69,170 – $452,360
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training

Coaches and Scouts

Bright Outlook

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and

Median Annual Wage $47,320
Wage Range $28,790 – $98,860
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Bright Outlook

Compete in athletic events.

Median Annual Wage $66,710
Wage Range $26,500 – $742,310
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Less than high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
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2026-08-24
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