Learn How Exercise Is Therapy at NUNM

Are you fascinated by the positive effects that physical activity can have on the human body? 

Now, you can turn your passion into expertise and a fulfilling career, with NUNM’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program, right here in Portland, Oregon.

NUNM’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science explores the ways in which exercise goes beyond our basic understanding of fitness to establish a whole-person, evidence-based therapy designed to promote mobility, prevent the effects of chronic illness and disease, and improve overall wellness. 

This brand-new cutting edge program is a blend of:

• Exercise Physiology — ”the science of human performance under physical stress” 
• Human Movement Science — “the study of the causes and consequences of human movement across one’s lifespan”
• Integrative Health Principles — “an evidence-based approach to health that uses a combination of biomedical and traditional medical knowledge, skills and practices”

You’ll develop hands-on skills based in foundational science, earning eligibility for a variety of credentials, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine. 

NUNM’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Core Areas of Study

Exercise Physiology and Applied Human Physiology

Human Physiology, distinct from human anatomy, is the scientific study of how the human body functions, its many systems, how its systems work together, and how it responds to stress and disease. 

When combined with Exercise Physiology — the science of how the body responds to movement and physical activity — students will gain an understanding of how exercise can be used to create treatment plans for certain types of health conditions.

Kinesiology and Biomechanics for Movement Analysis

Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement, a broader examination of the human body and its physical performance. 

Biomechanics is a more specialized area of study, focusing on the mechanics of human movement to help students understand how different components of the body work together to facilitate actions like walking, running, catching, or throwing. 

Exercise Evaluation and Program Design

This area of study teaches students how to observe and evaluate a client or patient’s physical capabilities during activity from an objective, scientifically grounded perspective. 

This data can then be used to create a personalized exercise program designed to improve the person’s overall health and wellness. 

Strength and Conditioning Principles

Strength and Conditioning Principles as they relate to Exercise Science explore how the body adapts to certain types of stimuli to increase strength or endurance, how the body responds to overload, progression, rest, recovery, and other core concepts that will help students formulate individualized exercise programs for their clients or patients. 

Sports Nutrition and Performance Support

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how nutrition supports the body during exercise, and how foods can be prescriptively recommended for the individual to meet different health or fitness goals. 

Psychology Of Exercise, Sport, and Motivation

The Psychology of Exercise, Sport, and Motivation explore behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors influencing physical activity and performance. Topics include motivation, adherence, self-efficacy, arousal regulation, team dynamics, burnout, and behavior-change theory. Students develop counseling and communication skills for working with athletes, patients, and fitness clients.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Career Outcomes

Upon completion of your degree, you have a wide range of career options to explore, including those in the fitness industry, sports medicine and rehabilitation, corporate and community wellness, education, and clinical or healthcare roles. 

And while many graduates go on to build their careers with this degree, many others use this as a springboard to become a physical therapist, or to continue their education at NUNM to study Nutrition, Naturopathic or Chinese Medicine. 

Preparation for National Certification and State Licensure

NUNM’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program prepares students for certification from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. 

These certifications, in addition to your degree, will help you with marketability in your career goals while also helping you with your continuing education. 

In addition to certification preparation, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program prepares you for Oregon State licensure with the Oregon Health Authority’s Board of Athletic Trainers. 

Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at NUNM

If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting and growing profession, and how you can study Exercise Science at NUNM’s campus, located in beautiful Portland, Oregon, contact our Admissions team today for more information.