Exercise Science Associate Degree

Students in the Exercise Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Science degree examine how exercise prescription and physical activity habits optimize physical performance and mental health of all people. This degree prepares students to transfer, and choose from a broad range of careers, such as clinical testing, personal training and performance enhancement, sports management, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, and many more.

Quick Facts

Overview

The Exercise Science Transfer Pathway is designed to transfer to a related bachelor's degree program at one of six Minnesota State Universities. Students will focus on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. By exploring these topics, students gain foundational skills and knowledge before transferring to a related bachelor's program.

Delivery Method: Hybrid

Important Links

Pursue a bachelor's degree on NHCC's campus

Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS Curriculum PDF

Workforce Development Scholarship

Exercise Science Course Outlines and Descriptions

Free College Tuition - North Star Promise Scholarship

Time to Complete

The Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS degree program can be completed in four semesters. Transferring credits into NHCC may result in the program taking less time. Taking classes on a part-time basis will require additional semesters.

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Costs

Tuition & Fees:
$210.86 per credit (60 credits)
$220.48 per fully online credit

Tuition Details

What You Will Learn

• How to manipulate training environments to create specific health, wellness, and performance improvements of individuals at the personal level.

• An understanding of how the human body reads, reacts, and responds to all types of exercises.

• How to manipulate training variables to trigger physiological responses from the body; we change the environment and the body follows.

• How to apply theoretical principles in practice with hands-on assessment practice and interpretation, training prescription to clients, and research opportunities.

• An in-depth understanding of the history and diversity of the ever-growing field of Exercise Science.

After NHCC

In partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science on NHCC's campus.

The Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS transfers to related bachelor's programs at six Minnesota State universities. Students planning to transfer to non-system universities are advised to consult with their intended transfer institution as early as possible to determine transferability of the courses in this curriculum.

Transfer Options

NHCC's Exercise Science AS Degree transfers seamlessly to many bachelor's degree programs at Minnesota State universities, and there are many transfer options for private colleges. If you plan on transferring to a bachelor's program, be sure to meet with your academic advisor in your first semester at NHCC.

Minnesota State Transfer

In partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science on NHCC's campus.

The Exercise Transfer Pathway AS will transfer to any of the following Minnesota State universities:

Private College Transfer

The Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS will transfer to Concordia University, St.Paul.

Be sure to meet with your academic advisor if you are considering transferring.

an instructor talking with two students on rowers

Exercise Science Instructors

NHCC's Exercise Science instructors bring a range of expertise, education, and experience to the classroom. Students learn from instructors who are passionate about teaching, education, fitness, health, human performance, and more.

Get to Know Your Instructors

NHCC's Exercise Science program is very hands-on. Students learn through a mix of classroom and skills-based lab activities.

a student running on a treadmill next to an instructor

instructor showing students something an anatomical arm

instructor working with students in a classroom

students working with instructor in a gym setting

exercise science students doing yoga in a gym

Exercise Science Partnerships

NHCC’s Exercise Science program is a proud partner of nationally accredited and world-renowned organizations to bring to campus the best quality education and opportunities to all students.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
NHCC is an approved Exercise is Medicine On Campus program, hosting opportunities for engagement and advocacy for the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being of the campus community

American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Nationally accredited organization partner of our curriculum for the certification of Personal Trainers and Wellness Coaches.

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Nationally accredited organization partners of our curriculum for the certification of Personal Trainers.

Career Outlook

Exercise Science is a broad career field with many opportunities for specialization. Students who complete the Exercise Science Transfer Pathway can increase their career options with further education.

Potential Job Titles

Athletic Instructor
Certified Athletic Trainer
Clinical Exercise Specialist
Kinesiotherapist
Sports Physiologist

Where NHCC Grads Work

3 CLICK Fitness
Anytime Fitness
Robbinsdale School District
Snap Fitness
Three Rivers Fitness
YMCA

NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.

Graph showing the costs of various colleges with NHCC as the lowest cost

Financial Aid

Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
Grants are money you don't have to repay

Free College Tuition

The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible.

Earn a $2,500 Scholarship!

In addition to NHCC scholarships, the college will be awarding $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships that encourage and reward students pursuing high-demand occupations. Exercise Science is a high-demand field and Exercise Science students are eligible to apply for a $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarship.

Learn More

Program Roadmaps

Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.

Exercise Science Transfer Pathway Curriculum

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Curriculum

Print Curriculum

Program Courses
Course Code	Title	Course Outlines	Goal Areas	Credits
BIOL 2111	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	View-BIOL 2111	n/a	4
BIOL 2112	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	View-BIOL 2112	n/a	4
EXSC 1050	Weight Training	View-EXSC 1050	n/a	1
EXSC 1500	Foundations of Exercise Science	View-EXSC 1500	n/a	3
EXSC 1900	Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends	View-EXSC 1900	n/a	1
EXSC 2010	Essentials of Exercise Science	View-EXSC 2010	n/a	3
EXSC 2110	Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription	View-EXSC 2110	n/a	3
EXSC 1060	Advanced Weight Training	View-EXSC 1060	n/a	2
EXSC 2490	Kinesiology	View-EXSC 2490	n/a	4
HLTH 1070	Nutrition	View-HLTH 1070	n/a	3
1 course from HLTH1250, EXSC1250
EXSC 1250	Wellness for Life or	View-EXSC 1250	n/a	3
HLTH 1250	Wellness for Life	View-HLTH 1250	n/a	3

General Education Courses
Course Code	Title	Course Outlines	Goal Areas	Credits
College Writing I II
ENGL 1200	Gateway College Writing or	View-ENGL 1200	n/a	4
ENGL 1201	College Writing I	View-ENGL 1201	n/a	4
ENGL 1202	College Writing II or	View-ENGL 1202	n/a	2
ENGL 1203	College Writing II with Workshop	View-ENGL 1203	n/a	2
Biology I Principles of Biology
BIOL 1001	Biology I or	View-BIOL 1001	n/a	4
BIOL 1101	Principles of Biology I	View-BIOL 1101	n/a	4
Intro to Chemistry Principles of Chemistry
CHEM 1010	Introduction to Chemistry or	View-CHEM 1010	n/a	4
CHEM 1061	Principles of Chemistry I	View-CHEM 1061	n/a	4
COMM 1110	Principles of Interpersonal Communication	View-COMM 1110	n/a	3
MATH 1130	Elementary Statistics	View-MATH 1130	n/a	3
PSYC 1150	General Psychology or	View-PSYC 1150	n/a	3
PSYC 1160	Introduction to Psychology	View-PSYC 1160	n/a	4
SOC 1110	Introduction to Sociology	View-SOC 1110	n/a	3
History the Social Behavioral Sciences - Complete 3 credits

Electives
Addidional courses, if needed, to reach 30 MnTC credits, 60 total credits

Total Credits Required

Program Overview

2024-2025

This program will examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on people in order to optimize their physical and mental health. Students will focus on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
This degree will prepare students for a plethora of career options, including clinical testing, personal training, sports management, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, athletic training, and cardiac rehabilitation among many others.
In partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science on NHCC’s campus.
The Associate of Science in Exercise Science Transfer Pathway will examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on people in order to optimize their physical and mental health. This program focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biophysics of human movement, and application to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. This degree can prepare students to transfer and choose from a broad range of careers such as clinical testing, personal training and performance enhancement, sports management, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation and many more.

Program Outcomes

Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World.

Apply principles, skills, and methods related to biomechanics, exercise physiology, health promotion, exercise prescription and sport psychology.

and sport psychology.

Intellectual and Practical Skills, Including: Apply the clinical and epidemiological evidence linking physical activity and exercise to mental and physical health. Apply the scientific method to solve problems related to physical activity and health. Utilize oral and written communication that meets appropriate professional and scientific standards in the field of Kinesiology/Exercise Science. Evaluate the effectiveness of human movement using mechanical principles. Associate the organic, skeletal, and neuromuscular structures of the human body to psychological factors associated with diverse physical activities. Work effectively in teams by valuing collaboration, providing service to others, and developing relational techniques for lifelong learning and problem solving.

Personal and Social Responsibility and Engagement, Including Apply Exercise Science related skills to real-world problems through empirical research, internships, field experience, and/or service learning. Demonstrate leadership and social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active, healthy lifestyle. Model behavior consistent with that of a Kinesiology professional, including 1) advocacy for a healthy, active lifestyle, 2) adherence to professional ethics, 3) service to others, 4) shared responsibility and successful collaboration with peers, and 5) pursuit of learning beyond NHCC. Safely Develop an individualized exercise prescription based on scientific principles and appropriate evaluation techniques designed to reduce the risk of chronic disease and avoid injuries.

Integrative and Applied Learning, Including Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general education, liberal studies, specialized studies and activities in the broader campus community. Assimilate, analyze, synthesize and integrate concepts related to the exercise science field. Students will also be able to sit for professional certifications related to personal training, including but not limited to those offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and select others.

Program Maps

Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.

Career Opportunities

Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.

Transfer Information

If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

Degree Information

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelor's degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.

A student shall:

Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.

Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.

Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.

Earn 30 professional/technical credits.

Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the four year period preceding their graduation.

Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.

Accreditation

North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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