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Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions Degree (Bachelor of Science)

Does the study of the human body and the effects of health and exercise science on human performance fascinate you? If so, consider Creighton’s exercise science degree. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in exercise science and pre-health professions prepares you for a career in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, dentistry and other allied health careers.

The curriculum also prepares graduates to become nationally certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association for employment as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and certified exercise physiologists.

Program Details

Creighton University’s degree in exercise science will:

Teach all of the ways exercise affects the human body
Ensure students know how to apply the most current research
Provide the foundation of knowledge students need to prepare for success in an advanced health professional degree program

Exercise science majors will be eligible to enroll at graduate and professional schools. Approximately 80% of Creighton’s exercise science graduates do so, with past enrolling schools including:

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Creighton University School of Dentistry
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Virginia Tech Sports Management
George Washington University Master’s in Public Health
Cal State Long Beach Master’s in Nutrition
University of Iowa School of Dentistry
Duke University
Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences

View Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions Curriculum

Admissions Requirements

Creighton admissions are based upon:

High school GPA
ACT or SAT scores*
Extracurricular activities
Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in your transcripts
Recommendation from high school counselor
Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application

*For students who are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.

Students who wish to become exercise science majors must have an overall grade point average of 2.75 in 30 or more hours of coursework at Creighton University and have grades of “C” or better in General Chemistry (CHM 203/204 or 205/206) and General Biology (BIO 201/205 or 202/206).

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Dates & Deadlines

Applications for the fall semester open on Aug. 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your undergraduate application, the better. For up-to-date deadlines, visit our admissions page.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.

Financial Aid

Creighton University’s Financial Aid Office administers over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional and private sources.

To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available.

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“As an EXS major, I have experienced some great professors here at Creighton. EXS has opened my eyes to other possible healthcare professions that I might’ve overlooked and strengthened my hope and desire to move forward in the healthcare field!”

— Annabelle Manjooran, Exercise Science major

“The curriculum allowed me to transform my interests in health and fitness into a career in medicine. The coursework emphasizing the human body, research and professional development provide tremendous opportunities for pursuing a career in healthcare.”

— Michael Bodenhausen, Exercise Science alumnus

“Our field has become one of the most sought out and declared majors for Pre-Health students. Our emphasis on an applied, humanistic, physiological approach to movement and health is a valuable major for anyone going into healthcare.”

— Jennifer Yee, MA, Instructor in the Department of Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions

Related Degrees

Department Links

Internships and Involvement

Exercise Science - Excellence in Leadership (EXSEL)

If you’re in exercise science, you’ll want to get involved with EXSEL. You’ll enjoy educational speakers and philanthropic events such as the American Heart Walk, plus social and networking events to get to know your peers and faculty better, like an annual barbecue for students and faculty.

Exercise Science Internship Opportunities

You’ll have plenty of internships to choose from in physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, medicine, fitness, athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning and more.
Recent Creighton students’ internships include:

Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility
Stanford University School of Medicine Center for Disabilities
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha Physical Therapy Institute
Prairie Life Fitness
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center
Alegent Creighton (CHI Health) Clinics
Mayo Clinic Health System
Victory Therapy Center
Methodist Hospital
Going Vertical
Physiotherapy Associates
Creighton University Department of Athletics athletic training

Research Opportunities

Students within the Department of Exercise Science have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research and may design, conduct, analyze and present research. Current student research areas include nutrition, body composition, gastrointestinal function and hydration.