Exercise & Health Science | Associate of Science

Build a Foundation for Exercise, Fitness, and Health Careers

Exercise & Health Science Program Overview

Students interested in exercise, fitness, wellness, and health promotion can develop an academic foundation and practical skills through the Associate of Science in Exercise & Health Science at Quincy College. Coursework builds knowledge of human movement, exercise, nutrition, fitness, and health while preparing students for entry-level professional roles and continued education.

Classroom and laboratory experiences focus on fitness assessment, exercise programming, and exercise techniques, with additional coursework in functional anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention, and community wellness. Students examine how the body responds to exercise, explore factors that affect health and physical activity, and develop approaches for supporting fitness and wellness goals among diverse populations.

Hands-on laboratory work and supervised practicum and internship experiences give students opportunities to apply what they learn in exercise and health settings. Students can gain practical experience through Quincy College’s laboratory facilities and through experiential learning opportunities with partner organizations across the South Shore, including fitness centers, hospitals and clinical settings, rehabilitation facilities, and professional sports organizations. Through fitness testing, exercise program design, health coaching, and athletic development, students develop practical skills while applying foundational principles to real-world exercise and health situations.

For students balancing college with work or other responsibilities, the program offers in-person and hybrid options, combining online and in-person coursework. Graduates can pursue entry-level professional roles in exercise, fitness, and wellness or continue into a bachelor’s degree program in exercise science, kinesiology, health science, or a related field. The program also provides preparation for continued study and professional certification pathways aligned with organizations such as ACSM, NSCA, or related professional organizations.

Exercise & Health Science Professional Skills and Learning Outcomes

Students who earn an associate degree in Exercise & Health Science will be able to:

  • Apply foundational principles of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand human movement, exercise response, and physical adaptation.
  • Conduct foundational health and fitness assessments, including cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and body composition testing, consistent with ACSM/CoAES standards.
  • Design safe and effective exercise and health programs that support fitness, wellness, and quality of life for diverse populations.
  • Integrate behavioral, nutritional, and lifestyle strategies to support physical activity and healthy behaviors.
  • Apply foundational principles of professional practice when developing exercise approaches for apparently healthy individuals and individuals with controlled health conditions.
  • Use technology and documentation tools to collect, analyze, and interpret client information and monitor progress.
  • Apply effective communication, ethical conduct, and cultural competence when working with clients, colleagues, and professional teams. Apply evidence-based findings and research to inform safe and current exercise and health practices.
  • Demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and advocacy skills in professional and community settings.

Career Paths for Exercise & Health Science Associate Degree Graduates

The Associate of Science in Exercise & Health Science prepares graduates for entry-level professional roles in exercise, fitness, wellness, health promotion, and related settings. Potential career paths include:

  • Personal Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Health and Wellness Coach
  • Clinical Exercise Specialist
  • Rehabilitation Technician

 

Additional education, certification, training, or employer-specific qualifications may be required for some positions. Professional licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state. This program of study may lead to professional licensure or certification in states outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Licensure and certification in one state do not guarantee automatic licensure in another state. Students who are interested in enrolling into this program of study, and reside outside of Massachusetts, should check their state educational requirements for licensure or certification. For more information, please visit our SARA Professional Licensure Disclosure page.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Experience Quincy College

As a community college, Quincy College offers an affordable alternative to higher-cost private institutions while maintaining a strong focus on career-focused academic and professional education. Whether you’re looking to launch a career, build your professional skill set, receive industry-focused training, or transition to a new field entirely, Quincy College is here to help. Explore our academic programs to find the right path for you.

Exercise & Health Science | Associate of Science Courses
    •  
    • Code
    • Course
    • Credits
    • BIO 111
    • General Biology I w/Lab
    • 4
    An introductory course in Biology with main emphasis on cell structure and function. Lecture topics include: Gene structure and inheritance, study of plants and fungi, evolution, and ecology. Extensive discussion of concerns facing humanity today including quality of nutrition, environmental pollution, genetic engineering, inheritable diseases, and birth defects. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, and no open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
    • BIO 131
    • Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab
    • 4
    This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to the systemic level. Topics include: anatomical terminology, molecules, cells, basic histology, and organs. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems are also studied. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with “C” or better.
    • BUS 101
    • Fundamentals of Business
    • 3
    The role, growth, structure, and functional organization of modern business in the U.S. economy is explored. Comparative economic systems, forms of business, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and the management, marketing, and financing of business organizations are covered. Opportunities in the business field are examined throughout the course. Students will be expected to complete outside research as a course requirement. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly recommended.
    • BUS 202
    • Principles of Customer Service
    • 3
    This course examines the principles of customer service and their significance in a service-driven economy. Topics covered include: The Service Strategy, The Customer: Internal & External; Customers’ Wants & Needs; Communicating Customer Service; Profiles of Successful Companies; Service People-Motivation, Commitment, and Reward. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly recommended.
    • 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 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 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 205
    • Health Promotion and Community Wellness
    • 3
    Students examine, design, and evaluate wellness initiatives across community and organizational settings. The course emphasizes the application of behavioral theory, motivational interviewing, and health communication strategies. Learners assess population health needs, develop outreach programs, and appraise the effectiveness of interventions addressing chronic disease and lifestyle risk factors. Students gain skills in cultural competence, leadership, and evidence-based decision- making aligned with national public health models. Prerequisites: EXS 103 Foundations of Exercise and Health Science (required); EXS 151 Nutrition for Health and Performance (recommended)
    • 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 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 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 228
    • Performance Enhancement and Human Movement Analysis
    • 3
    Students evaluate and apply advanced principles of biomechanics and motor control to improve athletic and functional performance. Topics include movement screening, power development, plyometrics, and sport-specific conditioning. Learners analyze kinetic and kinematic data to optimize performance outcomes and construct individualized training programs. Emphasis is placed on critiquing and refining movement efficiency using evidence-based assessment tools. 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
    • EXS 299
    • Practicum in Exercise and Health Science
    • 4
    This culminating course provides supervised field experience integrating academic knowledge with professional practice. Students apply, demonstrate, and evaluate competencies in assessment, exercise instruction, and client communication in real-world settings. Through reflection and performance evaluation, students synthesize skills across the program to design and implement evidence-based interventions. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and documentation standards expected in fitness, wellness, or clinical environments. Students complete a minimum of 150 supervised practicum hours. Prerequisites: EXS 103; EXS 112; EXS 122; EXS 151; EXS 220; EXS 250
    • ENG 101
    • English Composition I
    • 3
    This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course. Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 090 or placement into ENG 101.
    • ENG 102
    • English Composition II
    • 3
    A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.
    • IDS 167
    • First Year Seminar
    • 3
    First Year Seminar focuses on the student as a whole person. This is a reflective course where students apply skills and strategies to help them succeed, emphasizing goalsetting in their academic, personal, and professional lives. Students explore diversity and identity in the classroom, community, and beyond. Students develop best practices through critical self-analysis, identifying and assessing areas of improvement within multiple dimensions of wellness.
    • HPS 101
    • Principles in Health Promotion and Wellness
    • 3
    This class explores the concepts of wellness, prevention, and health promotion at individual, community, and national levels. In this course, students will become familiar with social, behavioral, structural, and cultural factors that have an impact on health and methods of health education for at-risk populations. Students will identify health promotion needs within a chosen community to develop a health promotion program that aligns with the objectives of Healthy People 2020.
    • HPS 102
    • Community and Public Health
    • 3
    Community and Public Health will provide students with an overview of the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the evolving field of health education and health promotion. This course will provide an overview of the concepts of epidemiology, community organizations, program planning, health of underserved populations, mental and environmental health and more. There are indications that evidence-based health education taught in the community setting can influence health outcomes, helping to support clinical efforts to involve patients in their overall health and well- being.
    • HPS 103
    • Key Issues in Health Promotion and Wellness
    • 3
    This class is an in-depth study of health promotion, disease and disability prevention policies, programs and strategies. This course studies critical issues, such as obesity, substance abuse, and mental health. Students will explore the challenges in practice and research based in the real world of health promotion. Completion of HPS 101 and HPS 102 is recommended.
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