Health and Exercise Science

The Health and Exercise Science major provides a strong foundation in human physiology, movement science, and wellness, preparing you for careers in health, fitness, and sport or advanced study in healthcare professions.

At Mount St. Joseph University, our Health and Exercise Science students see exercise as more than movement — it is a vital path to health, wellness, and human performance. Rooted in compassion, cultural competence, and the Catholic values of service and solidarity, our students learn that no one climbs alone.

Through hands-on labs, community engagement, and real-world clinical and performance settings, students study human physiology, movement science, mental health, and exercise prescription. They graduate prepared to prevent disease, enhance performance, and improve quality of life across diverse populations. Our graduates build professional portfolios that lead to careers in health, fitness, and sport — or prepare them for advanced study in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, nursing, public health, and more.

Program Type:

Undergraduate

Program Format:

On Campus

School & Department:

School of Health Sciences
Department of Exercise Science and Integrative Health

Leadership:

BC Charles Liscombe
Exercise and Integrative Health, Chairperson and Associate Professor

BC.Charles-Liscombe@msj.edu

Thomas Palmer
Ph. D.
Associate Professor

thomas.palmer@msj.edu

100

Years of Preparing Healthcare Leaders

Champion

Athletics and Facilities

100%

Career Outcomes Rate

Best Catholic College
in Ohio

Health and Exercise Science Major at a Glance

56-68
Credit Hours

$665
Per Credit Hour

On Campus
Learning Format

ACSM Recognized
Silver Level Campus

Health and Exercise Science Concentrations

Clinical Exercise Science

Please follow this link for a list of courses and more information: Clinical Exercise Curriculum Guide

This concentration prepares students for entry-level careers in clinical exercise settings. In addition, students have the opportunity to prepare for graduate programs in a health-related field. Common careers include cardiac rehabilitation specialist, clinical exercise physiologist, or exercise specialist in a medical fitness facility. Common graduate programs: athletic training, chiropractic, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies.

Strength and Conditioning

Please follow this link for a list of courses and more information: Strength and Conditioning Curriculum Guide

This concentration prepares students to design and implement exercise programs across the lifespan. Common career industries: Community and corporate fitness, group exercise instruction, personal training, strength and conditioning, sport coaching, or wellness coaching. Common graduate programs: Athletic training, exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and public health.

3+2 Master of Athletic Training

Please follow this link for a list of courses and more information: 3+2 Master of Science in Athletic Training

This concentration combines sports, medicine, health, disease and injury prevention, health behavior change, and exercise prescription allowing students to earn both degrees in 5 years. Students complete the first three years of the curriculum at Mount St. Joseph University in order to apply for a combined degree program with universities offering a CAATE accredited graduate degree in athletic training. Application and admission to the graduate program is required to declare this concentration.

3 + DPT Program

Please follow this link for a list of courses and more information: 3 + DPT Program Curriculum Guide

What's Happening in Health - Dr. BC and 2 MSJ Students

Health and Exercise Science at the Mount

Careers and Co-ops

Careers and Co-op Placement:

Common career paths: Athletic programs, student wellness centers, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, military, and tactical medical services, performing arts, worksite wellness and occupational health settings, family medicine, and orthopedic physician practices, and the fitness industry.

Our students and alumni have pursued opportunites at the following organizations:

Clinical Exercise Science

Sport Performance and Active Aging:

Health and Exercise Science – 3+2 Master of Athletic Training

AIM for Wellbeing
Bayley Fitness & Wellness (Delhi)
Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Christ Hospital
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Physical Therapy
Cincinnati Recreation Commission – Therapeutic Recreation (Bond Hill)
Cincinnati Sports Club (5-mile Road)
Delhi Township Fire Department (Delhi)
Fyzical Therapy
Mount St. Joseph University Athletics – Sports Medicine
Oak Hills High School Athletic Department
Oxford Physical Therapy
Special Olympics of Hamilton County

Archbishop Moeller High School
BLOC Ministries Sports Performance (Price Hill)
Cincinnati Kettlebell
Cincinnati Recreation Commission – Therapeutic Recreation (Bond Hill)
Elder High School (Price Hill)
Griffin Elite Sports and Wellness (Erlanger, KY)
Mercy HealthPlex (Queen City)
Mount St. Joseph University Athletics – Strength and Conditioning
ProForce Sports Performance

Xavier University
University of Cincinnati
Norther Kentucky University

Featured Courses

In this program, you have the opportunity to work with faculty and professional staff advisors who will help design a course of study that is suited to your career goals.

Athletic Conditioning and Performance
Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement
Exercise Programming for Special Populations
Human Nutrition
Physiological Adaptations and Management of Stress
Principles of Health Assessment and Exercise Prescription

Graduate School Admission

Doctor of Physical Therapy – Mount St. Joseph University, Bellarmine University, University of Dayton, University of Evansville
Master of Science in Athletic Training – Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, University of Indianapolis
Master of Occupational Therapy – Walsh University, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University
Master of Public Health – University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Tufts University

Health and Exercise Science Curriculum Guides

Health and Exercise Science 3+2 AT Program

Health and Exercise Science 3+ DPT Program

Health and Exercise Science - Clinical Exercise

Health and Exercise Science - Strength and Conditioning

Project Description:

"The ESIH department conducted a collaborative project this semester that paired a member of the MSJ community (faculty or staff) with students enrolled in ESC 323: Principles of Health Assessment and Exercise Prescription. The purpose of the project was to incorporate an experiential learning assignment into the course for the students, as well as provide exercise programming services to members of the Mount community." (Dr. BC Charles-Liscombe, Associate Professor, Exercise Science and Integrative Health)

Client Group: Mary Brigham (Associate Director of the Learning Center) with student exercise professionals Jacob B. and Jack T.

ESC-323_S223_ExRx-Project_Mary-B._Jacob-B_Jack_BP-analysis.jpg

Mary: "I was amazed at the amount of progress that I made in five weeks! My Exercise Science students came up with a plan that worked well for my schedule, and each time we met they had something new for me to learn in the weight room. I have more energy and my numbers improved all the way around! This experience was even better than I had hoped for!"

Jack: "Being able to practice and apply the skills learned in class to help members of the MSJ community was an incredibly valuable experience."

Client Group: Dr. Karen Holtgrefe (Associate Professor and PT) with student exercise professionals Ella B. and Kelsey G.

ESC-323_S223_ExRx-Project_Karen-H._Kelsey-G._Ella-B_1-RM.jpg

Karen: "Since the Knowlton Fitness center has opened I wanted to go and work out. The ESIH exercise opportunity was just what I needed. Ella and Kelsey really listened to my goals and created a fabulous program and supported me through the 5 weeks. I already made significant improvements and am looking forward to continuing on my own."

Kelsey: "I found it really motivating to watch our client’s confidence grow not only in us as exercise professionals, but in herself as well."

Ella: "I really enjoyed being able to establish a relationship with the client. I learned how to remain professional but have fun at the same time."

MSJ Health and Exercise Science Student Co-ops

Justin Marquart

Health and Exercise Science Major with a Clinical Exercise Science Concentration

I did my co-op at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. My position in the clinic is a Physical Therapy Aide. Some of my duties include helping patients with stretches, getting set up on different pieces of equipment, and keeping the clinic clean and ready for the next person to come in. Post-graduation, I plan on applying to graduate school to get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.

Read story here

Carter Lindemann

Health and Exercise Science Major

My co-op at Mine Performance Academy was a transformative experience that deepened my passion for exercise science and reinforced my commitment to a career in healthcare. Working with baseball athletes, I gained hands-on experience in mobility instruction, athlete warm-ups, speed work, and movement progressions, while also learning the practical applications of advanced training methods like triphasic programming.

Read story here

Eric Nephew

Health and Exercise Science Major with a Sport Performance and Active Aging Concentration

Completing my co-op experience was one of the best steps I have taken for preparing myself for the professional world. It helped to connect the classroom experience I have with the skills I need to apply my knowledge in the field of exercise science. It helped me to understand how to interact with patients, and has only furthered my desire and passion to enter the field of exercise science

Read story here

Makayla Carroll

Health and Exercise Science Major

I had my co-op at Oxford Physical Therapy. I really enjoyed being there. It made me realize that physical therapy is truly what I want to do. The people and patients were so welcoming and nice. I will miss the people that I met and the connections that I had with the physical therapists there. My advice for freshmen is to never give up and always do your best. Classes will be hard and will push you to the limits but I promise you it is all worth it.

Launch Centennial Field House

Launch Experience

The MSJ School of Health Sciences has a legacy of training leaders in health and exercise science professions and continues to prepare students for impactful careers in today's fast-paced society. Here, you gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive and deliver compassionate care. With expert faculty, small class sizes, and strong partnerships, students graduate ready to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.