Exercise and Sport Science

The discipline of Exercise Science has its roots in physical education, yet has emerged over the last 30+ years as an entirely separate field of study. While physical education programs are fundamentally designed to train educators, exercise science programs (often called kinesiology) are based on the scientific foundations and applications to exercise and sports, and do not produce physical education teachers.

This important distinction has led to significant changes in higher education over the last few decades, with programs like the Fitchburg State College Exercise & Sport Science department (EXSS) placing an increased focus on science-based academics. EXSS students take core courses in anatomy & physiology, biology, psychology & chemistry early on in the curriculum. This science background is necessary to understand the concepts inherent in EXSS courses like exercise physiology, functional anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, biomechanics and many others. Students who continue on to graduate school in exercise science, physical therapy or similar advanced degree programs may find additional coursework like organic chemistry, physics and calculus are commonly required.

Such a scientific approach has led to numerous advancements in areas as wide ranging as: safe and effective training techniques for athletes; causes and prevention of accidental falls in the elderly; and physical rehabilitation for cardiac patients. Fitchburg State College EXSS majors have several possible avenues following graduation based on these various applications to the discipline. Try the "careers" link below to see some recent career paths.

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For more information about the Exercise and Sport Science Department at Fitchburg State College, please contact EXSS secretary Cheryl Sarasin at 978-665-3304, or csarasi1@fsc.edu.

You may also contact the Admissions Office for open house and visit options.