Skip to Main Content

Exercise and Nutrition Science (EXNS)

Our program is one of few in the country that combines exercise and nutrition sciences in a single degree. We offer unique opportunities to fine-tune your career pathway through specialization in Allied Heath, Health Promotion, Nutrition and Wellness (Dietetics), or Strength and Conditioning. Because the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster than average job growth rate for exercise, health, and nutrition fields through the year 2024, we feel confident that our majors are prepared for rewarding careers and advanced educational and training opportunities.

Concentrations

Allied Health

With a heavy focus on science courses along with study in areas like exercise physiology and testing, biomechanics, and pharmacology, the Allied Heath concentration prepares students with a variety of graduate school and career opportunities. With the job market for physical and occupational therapists remaining strong for the foreseeable future, this concentration is a good fit for those interested in the science of exercise and human movement. Students will complete an internship in settings that allow them to apply their learning in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine facilities.

Health Promotion

At its heart, exercise and nutrition science is all about advocating for health and wellness. That’s why we offer a focused concentration in Health Promotion. A wide variety of courses – from Personal Health to Sports Nutrition and Health-Fitness Management—prepare students for careers in community health and recreation facilities, senior wellness programs, fitness programming, public health, and rehabilitation.  This concentration includes an applied internship opportunity in the student’s field of interest

Nutrition and Wellness/Dietetics

Recognizing that biomechanics and exercise science are directly affected by how we fuel our bodies, our Nutrition & Wellness concentration provides the opportunity to study the components of a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Students who earn exceptional grades are eligible for admission to our accredited program in Dietetics; the best route toward becoming a Registered Dietitian in the state of Alabama.

Strength and Conditioning

The strength and fitness industry is ripe with opportunities for those who have developed the experience, knowledge and skills to lead individuals and organizations to discover and maximize their physical potential. It is a practical concentration that prepares our students to meet industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.  An applied internship opportunity is tailored to meet the student’s future career goals.

The University of Montevallo Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning Program has earned accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE, pronounced kass-key), a recognized authority in quality strength and conditioning education.

Montevallo’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Strength and Conditioning program is designed to meet the program accreditation standards set forth by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of performance-based locations including universities, high schools, private performance enhancement facilities, and professional teams. Additionally, only graduates of CASCE-accredited programs will qualify to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

CASCE accreditation is part of an initiative by the NSCA to elevate and advance the strength and conditioning profession. As the accrediting agency, CASCE is responsible for developing and maintaining a quality assurance process that ensures all future professionals are capable and well-prepared to enter the strength and conditioning profession. This accreditation process establishes a qualified workforce that has the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet industry standards, keep athletes safe, and attain success.

CASCE_Logo

Minor

A non-teaching minor with a minimum of 18 hours in Exercise and Nutrition Science is available. Students should consult the Bulletin for more information.

EXNS Human Performance Lab