Overview

The Exercise Science course from North Central College explains the structural and functional changes that occur on a physiological, biochemical and biomechanical level during human movement. Students in this major are prepared for careers in strength and conditioning, medical fitness, corporate fitness and wellness, personal training and human performance. Many students choose to use exercise science as a stepping stone into a graduate degree program in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, nursing, exercise physiology, chiropractic or others.

At North Central College, your curriculum balances the applied art of fitness programming with the scientific fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. In our stand-out program recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, you’ll work hands-on with faculty to prepare for whichever post-grad plans you pursue.

As an exercise science major, you can:

Pursue the accelerated 3+2 pathway Master of Athletic Training program so you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Athletic Training degree in as few as 5 years.
Benefit from a strength and conditioning curriculum* accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (*secondary admission program)
Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
Use virtual cadaver dissection and anatomy models to study anatomy and kinesiology.
Benefit from networking with area exercise professionals.
Take advantage of support from our pre-health advisor if you wish to pursue graduate studies.
Benefit from a curriculum recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Educational Recognition Program (ERP).
Engage in practical hands-on learning in a new state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory and through our nationally-recognized Cardinal Fit program

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Organization and Administration in Exercise Science
Training Techniques
Physiology of Exercise
Fitness Evaluation
Exercise Program Design
Exercise Medicine
Internship Seminar
Internship
First Aid and Personal Safety

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Sport and Exercise Science View 1078 other Bachelors in Sport and Exercise Science in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Exercise Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

As an exercise science major, you can:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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