Exercise and Wellness (Fitness and Wellness Specialist)

The BS program in exercise and wellness provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for assisting individuals in reaching optimal health.

The program consists of a carefully designed curriculum emphasizing:

• competency in the instruction of basic and advanced techniques related to flexibility, resistance training and cardiovascular exercise
• competencies required to attain advanced-level certifications from professional associations in the field
• foundational knowledge of exercise physiology and applied kinesiology
• methods to understand and help improve individuals with regard to their health behavior choices
• skills in assessing and interviewing clients in preparation for fitness and wellness programming
• skills in designing and manipulating program variables to work with apparently healthy or symptomatic individuals

Students in the exercise and wellness degree program also have the option to enroll in courses that will enhance their abilities to work with high performance athletes, obese individuals or those at risk for suffering from other hypokinetic diseases.

Those who complete the program are prepared for pursuing nationally recognized and credentialed certifications provided by professional organizations in fields of study related to physical activity, strength and conditioning, or exercise physiology. With the addition of the prerequisite courses, they also are well prepared for continuing into graduate programs that are required for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or other medical fields.

Academic requirements

First-year students must have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school.

Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.

Must have three years of high school work (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade work. If you have completed high school then ASU needs to see 10–12 grade work).

Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

• Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).

• Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

International students who attended four years of high school in the U.S. are required to meet the competency requirements.

Employment of fitness and wellness professionals is expected to grow by up to 39% from 2020 to 2030 --- much faster than other occupations --- driven by efforts to reduce health care costs by teaching people about healthy behaviors. The need for exercise and wellness programming and facilities increases the need for workers in these areas.

Those who have earned the exercise and wellness degree have enhanced opportunities in fitness and wellness employment settings because clients and employers prefer to work with people who are more highly prepared and qualified.

Graduates of this concentration often pursue careers in such fields as:

• clinical exercise
• corporate fitness
• fitness management
• personal training
• sports performance
• wellness center management

Graduates may also pursue further graduate study in such fields as:

• athletic training*
• cardiac rehabilitation*
• occupational therapy*
• physical therapy*
• physician assistant*

*Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.