You’re drawn to helping people move better, recover stronger, and live healthier lives. You’re also beginning to think seriously about turning that passion into a career. Whether you see yourself becoming a physical therapist, strength coach, exercise physiologist, or athletic trainer, the path starts with understanding how the human body works.
Columbia International University’s new Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Kinesiology gives students a strong scientific foundation, hands-on learning experiences, and a Christ-centered perspective on health and human performance. Designed for future healthcare leaders and wellness professionals, this bachelor’s degree prepares you to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
What Can You Do with an Exercise Science & Kinesiology Degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Kinesiology is designed for students who want to make a difference through health, movement, and wellness.
If you’re passionate about helping people recover from injury, improve their health, maximize athletic performance, or pursue lifelong wellness, this degree can take you there. Graduates may pursue careers in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, sports performance, and other growing health and fitness professions. Many also continue into graduate programs that prepare them for advanced clinical roles.
CIU’s program offers two specialization options so you can tailor your education to your goals.
The Pre-Clinical Health Specialization is designed for students preparing for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and related health professions.
The Human Performance Specialization prepares students for careers in strength and conditioning, fitness coaching, and sports performance while keeping future graduate study options open.
No matter which path you choose, you’ll graduate with a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and evidence-based approaches to improving human health.
Why Choose CIU’s Exercise Science & Kinesiology Program?
At CIU, your education goes beyond learning facts and formulas. You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to serve people well in a growing healthcare landscape.
From your first year, you’ll engage in hands-on laboratory experiences that help bring classroom concepts to life. Courses such as Biomechanics of Human Movement allow students to analyze movement, collect data, and apply scientific principles using professional equipment and techniques. Students don’t simply study human performance. They learn how to evaluate and improve it.
Faculty members bring both academic expertise and personal investment to the classroom. Students benefit from mentorship from professors who care deeply about their success and are committed to integrating faith with scientific excellence.
Dr. David DeWitt, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is especially excited about the addition of this program. “After receiving therapy myself for a frozen shoulder, I saw first-hand the impact exercise science professionals can have for Christ.” Dr. DeWitt regained full range of motion for his arm after receiving treatment when he could barely move it.
“When God uses our graduates to bring physical healing, they earn the right to be heard about the spiritual healing people need through the Gospel,” added Dr. DeWitt
That perspective shapes the entire program. Students learn to approach every athlete, patient, and client not simply as a case to solve, but as a person created in the image of God with dignity and purpose.
How Will the New Health & Science Center Benefit Students?
The launch of the Exercise Science & Kinesiology degree comes at an exciting time for CIU.
The university is investing in the future of healthcare and science education through the construction of a new Health & Science Center. Designed to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare, nursing, biology, and exercise science, the facility will provide modern learning environments built around hands-on training and professional preparation.
Inside the new Health & Science Center, students will have opportunities to move beyond textbook learning and into real-world application. Future exercise science majors will work in a dedicated human performance lab. It will be equipped with modern exercise testing technology, metabolic analysis systems, and ECG equipment used throughout the health and fitness industry. Advanced science laboratories will provide space for hands-on learning, research, and data collection, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for graduate school and professional practice. The facility is designed to create more opportunities for meaningful research, practical training, and career preparation from day one.
These resources will help students gain valuable experience with the tools and technologies they are likely to encounter in graduate school and professional settings.
More importantly, the facility reflects CIU’s vision to prepare graduates who combine technical excellence with Christ-centered compassion.
As healthcare needs continue to grow across South Carolina and beyond, CIU is investing in programs that prepare students to serve where they are needed most.
Is This Degree a Good Path to Graduate School?
For many students, graduate school is part of the plan from the beginning.
The Exercise Science & Kinesiology program was intentionally designed to support students pursuing advanced degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, exercise physiology, and related healthcare fields. The curriculum provides the scientific depth and prerequisite coursework commonly required by competitive graduate programs.
For example, CIU has also established a partnership with Liberty University that gives graduates a direct advantage in one of those pathways. Liberty University’s Master’s in Athletic Training program reserves three seats each year for CIU graduates who meet their admissions criteria, giving qualified students a meaningful head start in securing a spot in a competitive program.
Students interested in direct workforce entry can also graduate prepared for careers in fitness, wellness, coaching, and performance training.
Whether your next step is graduate school or professional practice, you’ll leave CIU with a strong foundation for continued growth.
Can I Earn This Degree in a Supportive Learning Environment?
One of the advantages students consistently mention about CIU is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors.
Small class sizes create an environment where faculty know your name, understand your goals, and invest personally in your success. Students are encouraged academically, professionally, and spiritually throughout their college experience.
You’ll study alongside classmates who share a desire to grow in knowledge, faith, and service. All this while preparing for meaningful careers that improve the lives of others.
That combination of academic rigor and personal mentorship helps students develop both competence and confidence as they prepare for what’s next.
Start Building a Career That Makes a Difference
The healthcare field needs professionals who understand both science and people. If you’re ready to turn your passion for health, movement, and human performance into a meaningful career, CIU’s new Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Kinesiology was built with your future in mind.
Explore the program, talk with an admissions counselor, and discover how CIU can help you prepare for graduate school, professional success, and a life of purpose. Every campus undergraduate receives financial aid, and your campus or virtual visit can earn you a $500 Visit Scholarship.
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