Exercise Science & Personal Training Certificate

Certificate Program

Overview

Over the past decade, the percentage of American youth, adults, and seniors who are under fit and overweight has increased significantly, with associated escalation in degenerative diseases and health care costs. One solution to these problems is competent, certified exercise science/personal training professionals who can educate, motivate, and instruct inactive individuals to attain desirable levels of physical fitness with emphasis on muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, joint flexibility, and body composition.

This certificate program is designed for students who want to work as exercise instructors and/or personal trainers in YMCAs, fitness centers, or other exercise facilities. Completion of this program prepares students to pass a national personal trainer certification exam, such as that offered by the American Council on Exercise. This course of study provides relevant, research-based classroom instruction as well as practical exercise experience with diverse populations.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:

Develop a philosophy of wellness/fitness that enhances quality of life for themselves and their clients.
Design safe and effective exercise/fitness programs for youth, adults, and seniors.
Educate and motivate clients to properly perform exercises that enhance muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, joint flexibility, and body composition.
Take a nationally recognized personal trainer certification examination.

Exercise Science & Personal Training Certificate Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- EXS 103
- Foundations of Exercise and Health Science
- 3
This course introduces students to foundational principles, terminology, and professional competencies within exercise and health science. Students identify and explain the physiological, biomechanical, and behavioral factors influencing movement and health. Topics include industry structure, ethics, client screening, and documentation. Laboratory sessions allow students to demonstrate and interpret basic health and fitness assessments such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body composition. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, safety, and evidence-based reasoning consistent with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) standards. Prerequisites: None
- EXS 112
- Exercise Testing and Prescription
- 3
- EXS 117
- Functional Anatomy and Movement
- 3
Students describe, analyze, and apply anatomical and kinesiological concepts to human movement and exercise technique. The course explores skeletal, muscular, and neural systems with emphasis on levers, planes of motion, and muscle function. Through laboratory-based learning, students evaluate joint actions, muscle recruitment, and movement patterns, then apply this knowledge to exercise instruction and correction. Students learn to differentiate and justify proper movement strategies across diverse populations. Prerequisites: Pre- or Co- requisite: BIO 131 Anatomy and Physiology
- EXS 151
- Nutrition for Health and Performance
- 3
This course introduces evidence-based nutritional principles supporting both general health and exercise performance. Students examine macronutrient and micronutrient function, energy balance, metabolism, and dietary assessment methods. Emphasis is placed on interpreting current guidelines and applying nutritional strategies to wellness, training, and health promotion. Prerequisites: EXS 103 Foundations of Exercise and Health Science Performance (recommended)
- EXS 122
- Resistance & Cardiovascular Training
- 3
This course advances student ability to design, implement, and assess resistance and aerobic training programs. Students apply and integrate physiological and biomechanical principles to optimize performance, safety, and progression. Through guided laboratory experiences, learners demonstrate proper exercise techniques and analyze training adaptations. Emphasis is placed on comparing and justifying program design variables, equipment selection, and instructional strategies consistent with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines. Prerequisites: EXS 112 Exercise Testing and Prescription
- EXS 220
- Mobility and Injury Prevention
- 3
This course teaches students to analyze and apply strategies for enhancing mobility, flexibility, and joint stability while preventing injury. Students assess movement limitations, design corrective exercise plans, and implement safe progressions for return to activity following minor musculoskeletal issues. Content emphasizes biomechanics, functional assessments, and evidence- based recovery techniques aligned with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) standards. Prerequisites: EXS 112 Exercise Testing and Prescription (recommended); EXS 122 Strength and Cardiovascular Training (recommended)
- EXS 209
- Wellness Program Management and Leadership
- 3
Students examine, design, and manage fitness and wellness programs within organizational and community contexts. Topics include budgeting, staffing, quality assurance, and outcome evaluation. Learners apply leadership and strategic planning principles to develop and assess program operations aligned with industry standards. Emphasis is placed on evaluating effectiveness, improving efficiency, and demonstrating accountability through data and reporting. Prerequisites: EXS 103 Foundations of Exercise and Health Science.
- EXS 207
- Technology and Data in Exercise Science
- 3
This course explores emerging technologies and digital tools in exercise testing, program design, and client monitoring. Students collect, interpret, and evaluate performance and health data using wearables, applications, and software analytics. Learners analyze trends, synthesize information, and formulate data- driven recommendations for exercise prescription and health coaching. Prerequisites: EXS 103 Foundations of Exercise and Health Science.
- EXS 250
- Special Populations and Clinical Exercise
- 3
Students analyze and adapt exercise prescriptions for individuals with chronic conditions, disabilities, or special considerations. The course covers cardiovascular, metabolic, orthopedic, and neurological conditions with emphasis on clinical safety and risk management. Students design and justify evidence-based programs that address functional limitations and promote independence. Laboratory experiences focus on interpreting medical clearances and demonstrating appropriate modifications consistent with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiology standards. Prerequisites: EXS 112 Exercise Testing and Prescription; EXS 122 Strength and Cardiovascular Training