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:
December 28, 2026

Start Date:
January 11, 2027

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

Physical Therapists

Bright Outlook

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Median Annual Wage $102,760
Wage Range $77,140 – $135,140
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Bright Outlook

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Median Annual Wage $69,770
Wage Range $44,910 – $118,710
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Occupational Therapists

Bright Outlook

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 developm

Median Annual Wage $100,330
Wage Range $71,690 – $131,950
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Service Orientation
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Bright Outlook

Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home manageme

Median Annual Wage $100,330
Wage Range $71,690 – $131,950
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Bachelor’s degree

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Bright Outlook

Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel in

Median Annual Wage $76,400
Wage Range $49,090 – $103,720
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
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2027-08-23