BS in Exercise Physiology: Pre-Health Concentration
Is physical health and fitness a top concern for you and others you care about? Can you see yourself motivating others to become or remain physically active? Do you enjoy exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle? Do you want to develop a deeper understanding of the scientific principles surrounding physical activity and its impact on health and performance at all stages of development? Are you interested in pursuing graduate education in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or a PhD and looking for a major that meets all the requirements while also providing a solid foundation in physical activity, health, physiology, and performance? If so, the Exercise Physiology degree at East Carolina University is perfect for you!
Exercise physiology is the study of how the body responds to and adapts to physical activity. The coursework in science and exercise physiology provides students with unique insights into using exercise as a treatment for enhancing health, lifestyle, and performance, truly embodying the concept of exercise as medicine. Our diverse learning experiences, including lectures, labs, and practical applications, distinguish the Exercise Physiology degree from other programs. The uniqueness of the EP degree is the many “hands on” opportunities available to students. Students also take courses in structural kinesiology, personal fitness training, physical activity and aging, ECG interpretation, biomechanics, and more, ensuring they gain a strong foundation of skills to work with all populations. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work in various research settings, ranging from bench science to applied research.
The concentration in Pre-Health prepares students for success in allied health and patient care programs, including medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, nursing, dentistry, optometry, and podiatry. Many graduates also pursue post-baccalaureate training at the master’s and doctoral levels in exercise physiology, biomechanics, physiology, biochemistry, and other research-related fields.
Cost of attendance and other financial information.
Possible Career Opportunities
*Please note that some of these may require additional education beyond a bachelors degree
| Clinical Exercise Physiologist | Stress Testing | Cardiac rehab/Wellness | Health Coaching |
| Research Assistant | Personal Trainer | Strength and Conditioning Coach | Cooperate Wellness |
| Medical Sales | Health Educator | Fitness Specialist | Fitness Coordinators |
| Sport and Recreation Leaders | Athletic Performance Coaches | Program Coordinators | Graduate training in Exercise Physiology |
Admission Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for students in the applied exercise physiology concentration and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for students in the prehealth professions concentration.
Students are required to have 32 s.h. of general education courses for admission to the degree program. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in BIOL 1150, BIOL 1151 or BIOL 1100, BIOL 1101; CHEM 1120 or CHEM 1150, CHEM 1151; ENGL 1100, ENGL 2201; and MATH 1065. Majors must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in BIOL 2140, BIOL 2141; BIOL 2150, BIOL 2151 or BIOL 2130; CHEM 1130 or CHEM 1160, CHEM 1161.
Program Requirements
Students will take classes in the core sciences in addition to courses in exercise physiology, physical activity across the lifespan, exercise prescription for health and clinical populations, EKG interpretation and stress testing, resistance training, exercise adherence, biomechanics and more!
4 years (120 credits)
Student Opportunities and Experiences
Students participate in a number of student orgs, clubs, including, KINE Majors Club, Pre-PT, sports, etc. Students also have opportunities to engage in experiential learning working on research projects with our renowned faculty!
Delivery Methods
Face to Face
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.