Exercise Science Kinesiology Degree

Explore Exercise Science

About the Program

The Exercise Science program at Missouri Southern State University prepares students to understand how the human body moves, performs, and adapts to physical activity across a variety of settings. Through a combination of classroom immersive learning and hands-on experiences, students study key areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, exercise prescription for the general and special population and strength and conditioning.

Designed for students passionate about health, fitness, and human performance, the program also serves as a strong foundation for those planning to pursue graduate study in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic care or other health-related professions.

Is the Exercise Science Program Right for You?

The Exercise Science program may be a good fit if you:

Are interested in fitness, health, and human performance
Want to understand how the body responds to exercise, movement, and rehabilitation
Enjoy science-based courses such as anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
Value immersive, hands-on learning and real-world application of concepts
Are considering graduate school or professional programs in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, athletic training, strength and conditioning or other health-related professions

What You'll Learn in the Exercise Science Program

Students in the Exercise Science program develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand human movement, exercise, and overall health through a combination of classroom instruction and immersive, hands-on experiences.

You’ll learn about:

Anatomy & Physiology
Exercise Physiology (with lab) and how the body responds and adapts to physical activity
Biomechanics I & II, including advanced analysis of human movement
Motor Learning and skill acquisition
Strength and conditioning theory and techniques
Corrective exercise, injury prevention, and exercise rehabilitation
Exercise assessment, testing, and program design for general and special populations
Nutrition for human development and performance
Lifetime wellness and health promotion
Research methods and applied learning in exercise science
Professional exploration and career pathways in kinesiology and related fields

Exercise Science Careers

A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science can prepare students for entry-level roles in health, wellness, and fitness settings or for continued education in health-related graduate programs.

Common career paths may include:

Exercise Physiology
Strength and Conditioning
Personal Training and Group Fitness Instruction
Fitness and Wellness Centers
Fitness and Medical Sales
Sport and Fitness Management
Corporate and Community Health and Wellness
Youth Fitness and Sport Programs
Public Health
Exercise Science Research or Teaching at the Collegiate or Corporate Level
Health and Wellness Education
Rehabilitation and Therapy Support

*All the above career opportunities may require additional certification, licensure, or graduate education.

Graduates of MSSU’s Exercise Science program often continue their education in graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or other health sciences.

Experiential Learning

ASTR Lab

The Applied Suspension Training Research (ASTR) Lab focuses on innovative suspension-based training methods designed to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

As the only university worldwide with multiple PENDL devices, Missouri Southern offers students rare, hands-on experience with this advanced technology, exploring how suspension training supports both athletic performance and therapeutic applications in rehabilitation and clinical populations.

Experiential Learning

DARI LAb

The DARI Motion Lab focuses on advanced movement analysis to better understand performance, mobility, and overall motion health.

Using markerless motion capture technology and high-definition cameras, the system provides detailed insights into how individuals move, generating comprehensive movement scores and joint-specific data. This allows students and faculty to evaluate athletic performance, identify movement limitations, and support more precise training and rehabilitation strategies.

Curriculum & Courses

The Exercise Science program requires a total of 120 credit hours, including general education courses, kinesiology major requirements, supporting science coursework, and electives.

Students complete a well-rounded curriculum in kinesiology, biology, communication, and mathematics, while gaining valuable experience through laboratory work, research opportunities, and internships.

Catalog

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus
Location: Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Typical Completion Time: Four years (full-time)
Total Credits Required: 120 credit hours

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Programs You Might Like

If you’re interested in Exercise Science, you might also explore:

Food Science and Nutrition – Learn how nutrition affects health, performance, and overall wellness.
Sport & Recreation Management – Focus on leadership and administration in athletic, recreation, and fitness settings.
Physical Education, K-12 – Prepare to teach health and physical education in elementary and secondary schools.

Contact the Department

Dr. Rawsam Alasmar
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science Program Coordinator

Phone: 417-625-9627
Email: alasmar-r@mssu.edu