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Experiential Learning

Exercise Science majors engage in diverse experiential and individualized learning opportunities that enhance both academic and professional development.

Students can pursue:

  • Internships in clinical, fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness settings
  • Faculty-led research alongside expert mentors
  • Independent study projects tailored to specific interests
  • Study abroad programs focused on international health and exercise science

Core courses are integrated with hands-on lab activities that connect theoretical concepts to real-world application. Students gain practical experience using professional-grade equipment in a variety of lab spaces, including:

  • Muscular Fitness Lab
  • Biospecimen Wet Lab
  • Human Performance Lab

VOâ‚‚ Max Testing in Action

Exercise Science Students - VO2 Max Hands-On Learning

Applied Exercise Science students get hands-on experience in the Exercise Physiology Lab, conducting VOâ‚‚ max testing to analyze cardiorespiratory fitness.

Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities

Through faculty-led research, independent studies, internships, and study abroad programs, students gain practical skills, build professional networks, and apply exercise science principles in real-world settings.
  • Faculty-Led Research & Independent Study in AEXS

    Students can support faculty-led research projects through for course credit and/or paid research assistant experiences. This opportunity is uncommon for many undergraduate exercise science majors and is a hallmark of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student experience.

    Examples of research topics studied include:

    • Process evaluation of the WarriorWOD program to reduce PTSD in military veterans through physical activity and nutrition education
    • Analyis of machine learning models in predicting physical activity guideline adherence
    • Normative workload data acrros three consecutive competitive seasons in collegiate men’s soccer team
    • Combined Oral Contraceptives and Inflammatory Markers of Reproductive Health
    • Predicting risk of femur fracture in collegiate female long-distance runners
  • Internships in AEXS

    Internships provide individualized real-world student learning. Students can earn course credit toward their exercise science major for workplace training within the greater ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø area. Internship options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic clinics; personal training and sports performance gyms, youth and triathlete coaching, collegiate-level wellness, strength and conditioning; and sports nutrition departments, cardiac rehabilitation, community wellness centers, as well as pediatric therapy and health aging facilities.

    Interested exercise science majors should contact our Internship Coordinator, Dr. Becky Kyryliuk, for more details about this experiential learning possibility.

  • Study Abroad in AEXS

    Exercise science majors can participate in study abroad through faculty-led and affiliate programs that bring academic concepts to life in global settings. 

    Discovering Health in Lisbon, Portugal is faculty-led program scheduled for June 1-19, 2026 where students can enroll in one or two courses (PBHL 257: Principles of Nutrition, EXSC 320: Special Topics in Sports Science) toward their exercise science major. Study abroad opportunities change yearly basis and interested students should look for more specifics at the Center for International Education.