Go for the gold with the Exercise Science program! Learn how to help people live healthier lives through exercise, rehabilitation, and nutrition as you study the science behind human movement, exercise, and diets.
Become a nationally recognized fitness professional, start your own business or choose from job opportunities in fitness centers, health clubs, physical therapy clinics, sports teams, or hospitals. Or you can transfer to a four-year college or university to earn an advanced degree.
Paying for your degree may be easier than you think with our financial aid and scholarships. Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year!
Graduates of the Exercise Science and Wellness program will be able to:
A one-hour program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
School Year: 2023–24
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 16 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 62 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,360 | $3,150 | $3,360 | $3,150 | $13,020 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $200 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $500 | $550 | $575 | $400 | $2,025 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $80 | $0 | $0 | $80 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,910 | $3,830 | $3,985 | $3,600 | $15,325 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
The program is two years, and begins in the fall.
Students in the Exercise Science program earn their Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science.
Apply here! Watch your email for important information about program entry requirements and next steps to becoming a Kirkwood Eagle!
Once you've been accepted to Kirkwood, you will need to attend a program conference. You must attend one program conference in order to be eligible to enter the Exercise Science program. At the program conference, you will be given information about the program and career opportunities. You will also be informed of professional expectations and have a chance to ask questions with program faculty.
Visit the Apply page and start the application process under the Returning & Current Students tab. In the program list choose Exercise Science. Watch your Kirkwood email account for important information about program entry requirements.
Graduates from the Exercise Science program are eligible to take the Certified Personal Trainer examination offered by various organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
No. The core courses will take two years to complete.
Yes. Time to complete as a part-time student will depend upon prior courses completed and rate of taking courses part time.
Yes. Many general education courses are offered in the summer, as well as:
Personal trainers work with individuals of all ages, from youth to senior citizens, to set goals and develop programs to accomplish these goals. They work with healthy people and special populations (diabetes, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, etc.). Athletic trainers diagnose and rehabilitate individuals after injuries only.
Personal trainers work at fitness centers, health clubs, physical therapy clinics, sports teams, hospitals or own their own business.
According to the Department of Labor and Statistics, there are 70 projected job openings in Iowa and 6,500 openings nationwide. The average salary in Iowa is $20,000-$33,000.
Graduates with an Exercise Science and Wellness degree can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers
A foundation of upper level math and science courses would be great preparation.
The general education courses can be taken online or at any of Kirkwood's regional centers.
Yes. If there are more than 20 individuals who meet the program entry requirements and are interested in the program, a waiting list will be started.
If you are placed on the wait list, you have priority entry the following year in the order your application was received.
To get into the Exercise Science program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Attain skills in assessment and identification of health risks and fitness programs designed for general and special populations. Gain knowledge and understanding of physical and physiological adaptations to the environment and exercise, then utilize that knowledge to educate others regarding proper exercise form, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition required to meet health goals.
Assess body composition, flexibility cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance in a cutting-edge laboratory using the latest technology including a Bod Pod, metabolic cart, and gas analysis.
Become a nationally recognized fitness professional, start your own business or choose from job opportunities in fitness centers, health clubs, physical therapy clinics, sports teams, or hospitals. Or you can transfer to a four-year college or university to earn an advanced degree.
Graduates from the exercise science program are eligible to take the Certified Personal Trainer examination offered by various organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Kirkwood's Michael J Gould Recreation Center features three full-size basketball courts, a 200-meter walking and jogging track, and more.