3
Bachelor’s Degrees
18
Credit Minor

Degree

  • Undergraduate Accelerated Degree https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kristal-Cuevas-BA04-doing-yoga.jpg
  • Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kristal-Cuevas-BA04-doing-yoga.jpg
  • Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kristal-Cuevas-BA04-doing-yoga.jpg
  • Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kristal-Cuevas-BA04-doing-yoga.jpg
  • Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kristal-Cuevas-BA04-doing-yoga.jpg

School

Department

Department Chair

Exercise and Sport Science at St. Mary’s

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at St. Mary’s University offers degrees tailored to prepare students for careers in human movement-related fields and advanced professional or graduate study. Students acquire the academic knowledge and practical experience necessary to thrive in diverse movement settings such as strength and conditioning, fitness, physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Exercise and Sport Science studies the holistic connection of mind, body and spirit in each human being. Students study and practice how the body works in both stillness and movement, with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of all the systems within the body. 

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Program of Study

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree (requires 30 credit hours within the major) with a teaching certification (requires 27 credit hours), a Bachelor of Science degree (requires 46-49 credit hours within the major) in the Generalist or Pre-Physical Therapy Track, or a Minor in Exercise and Sport Science.

The curriculum allows students to access the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), providing a cutting-edge environment for teaching, research and applied learning. Students and faculty collaborate on projects exploring exercise and brain health, prosthetics and orthotics innovation and rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Students examine the parts of a model skeleton.
+11.02%
Expected growth in employment demand for Exercise Physiologists
$94,640
Median annual earnings for Physical Therapists
EC-12
Teacher Certification Option in Physical Education

Human Performance Laboratory

Located in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) allows students to gain hands-on experience in fitness testing, health screening and performance assessment using professional-grade instruments.

The lab serves as a hub for student learning, community engagement and interdisciplinary research.

HPL Key Features

  • VO₂ and lactate threshold testing with integrated treadmills
  • Cycle ergometers and force analysis systems
  • BIOPAC physiological measurement systems
  • EEG and cognitive testing setups
  • Body composition, flexibility and strength analysis stations
Cardiorespiratory fitness testing using the ParvoMedics system.
Blood lactate measurement using a Monark cycle ergometer.
Pulmonary function assessment using the BIOPAC system.
Cardiorespiratory fitness testing using the ParvoMedics system.
A faculty member examines one of the machines.
Faculty shows a student the different parts of the skeleton.
Human Performance Laboratory.
Faculty shows a student the different parts of the skeleton.

What can I do with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science?

A degree in Exercise and Sport Science paves the way for graduate study and careers in esteemed areas like physical therapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, athletic training and sports administration.

  • Internship Opportunities

    Explore different internship opportunities such as:

    • After-school Coach
    • Corporate Fitness Facilities 
    • Hospital Scribe
    • Kinetic Kids
    • Nonprofit Organizations
    • Occupational Therapy Clinic Shadow
    • Physical Therapy Clinic Shadow 
    • Private Fitness Facilities 
    • Recreational Coach 
    • Rehabilitation Facilities 
    • San Antonio Sports Foundation 
    • San Antonio Spurs 
    • Soccer Central San Antonio Interns

  • Career Opportunities

    Graduates pursue careers as:

    • Athletic Director
    • Athletic Trainer
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
    • Chiropractor
    • Exercise Physiologist
    • Health/Fitness Instructor
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Personal Trainer
    • Physical Education Teacher
    • Physical Therapist
    • Research or Clinical Assistant
    • Sports Event Coordinator
    • Sport Nutritionist
    • Sports Psychologist
    • Strength and Conditioning Coach
    • Wellness Coordinator

Outside the Classroom

Recreation Facilities

All students have access to an auxiliary gym, a natatorium, a fitness center, a movement studio, a rock-climbing wall, the Human Performance Lab and more. Outdoor sports opportunities are available as well. Students can use the outdoor sports complex with facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and tennis. Explore St. Mary’s recreation facilities or find out more about student opportunities.

recreation facilities
Campus Life
Students workout in the AA&CC fitness gym

Faculty

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We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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