Transfer Options
In partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science on NHCC's campus.
The Exercise Transfer Pathway AS will transfer to any of the following Minnesota State universities:
- Bemidji State University
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
Your Instructors
Exercise Science Instructors
NHCC's Exercise Science instructors bring a range of expertise, education, and experience to the classroom. Students learn from instructors who are passionate about teaching, education, fitness, health, human performance, and more.
Exercise Science Classes at NHCC
NHCC's Exercise Science program is very hands-on. Students learn through a mix of classroom and skills-based lab activities.
Exercise Science Partnerships
NHCC’s Exercise Science program is a proud partner of nationally accredited and world-renowned organizations to bring to campus the best quality education and opportunities to all students.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
NHCC is an approved Exercise is Medicine On Campus program, hosting opportunities for engagement and advocacy for the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being of the campus community
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Nationally accredited organization partner of our curriculum for the certification of Personal Trainers and Wellness Coaches.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Nationally accredited organization partners of our curriculum for the certification of Personal Trainers.
Career Outlook
Exercise Science is a broad career field with many opportunities for specialization. Students who complete the Exercise Science Transfer Pathway can increase their career options with further education.
Potential Job Titles
- Athletic Instructor
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Clinical Exercise Specialist
- Kinesiotherapist
- Sports Physiologist
Where NHCC Grads Work
- 3 CLICK Fitness
- Anytime Fitness
- Robbinsdale School District
- Snap Fitness
- Three Rivers Fitness
- YMCA
Paying For College
NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.
Financial Aid
- Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
- Grants are money you don't have to repay
Free College Tuition
The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible.
Earn a $2,500 Scholarship!
In addition to NHCC scholarships, the college will be awarding $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships that encourage and reward students pursuing high-demand occupations. Exercise Science is a high-demand field and Exercise Science students are eligible to apply for a $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarship.
Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Exercise Science Transfer Pathway Curriculum
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 2111 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | View-BIOL 2111 | n/a | 4 |
| BIOL 2112 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | View-BIOL 2112 | n/a | 4 |
| EXSC 1050 | Weight Training | View-EXSC 1050 | n/a | 1 |
| EXSC 1500 | Foundations of Exercise Science | View-EXSC 1500 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 1900 | Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends | View-EXSC 1900 | n/a | 1 |
| EXSC 2010 | Essentials of Exercise Science | View-EXSC 2010 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 2110 | Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription | View-EXSC 2110 | n/a | 3 |
| EXSC 1060 | Advanced Weight Training | View-EXSC 1060 | n/a | 2 |
| EXSC 2490 | Kinesiology | View-EXSC 2490 | n/a | 4 |
| HLTH 1070 | Nutrition | View-HLTH 1070 | n/a | 3 |
| 1 course from HLTH1250, EXSC1250 | ||||
| EXSC 1250 | Wellness for Life or | View-EXSC 1250 | n/a | 3 |
| HLTH 1250 | Wellness for Life | View-HLTH 1250 | n/a | 3 |
Course Title: Weight Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course will introduce students to strength training for the development of lifelong physical fitness. Students will develop the basic principles of designing and participating in a safe and effective resistance training program.
Course Title: Advanced Weight Training Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: Advanced Weight Training is a course designed to further the students knowledge, techniques, and comprehension of advanced principles of weight training. Application of these techniques and principles to promote and maintain fitness for is the primary goal for this course. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: EXSC 1050 or Instructor Approval
Course Title: Nutrition Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental truths of nutrition principles, health promotion and disease prevention throughout life.   Topics include, in part, the study of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals and their function and role in healthy living.  It will provide introductory nutritional information for career paths in nursing and other similar fields of study.
Course Title: Wellness for Life Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to investigate the implications of exercise, diet, nutrition, stress, and physical activity in the total health, wellness, and fitness of the individual.
Course Title: Wellness for Life Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to investigate the implications of exercise, diet, nutrition, stress, and physical activity in the total health, wellness, and fitness of the individual.
Course Title: Foundations of Exercise Science Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the professional practice and disciplinary dimensions of exercise science. Students will examine concepts including professionalism, ethics, certification and licensure, employment opportunities and scientific foundations of the various sub-disciplines within the exercise science field.
Course Title: Worldwide Fitness and Wellness Trends Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is designed to explore the constantly evolving field of Exercise Science. In the rise and fall of fitness trends, students must be equipped with basic scientific understanding in exercise theories to discern between trends, fads, safe, and harmful methods for physical training. This course seeks to empower students with the knowledge in exercise science and wellness to improve their lives and of those around them.
Course Title: Essentials of Exercise Science Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth look into topics such as the acute and chronic physiological and psychological responses to exercise, exercise anatomy, exercise metabolism, and how the nervous, skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems respond during exercise. (3 hours lecture)Prerequisite: Placement into Engl 1201It is strongly recommended that students in the Personal Training Certificate program take EXSC 2010 and EXSC 2100 at the same time in order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam.
Course Title: Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to expose students to practical application scenarios in which they will conduct risk factor screenings, fitness assessments, and exercise programming (including appropriate progressions, instructions and spotting techniques). The purpose of this course is to facilitate the application of theoretical concepts previously learned; therefore, offering a bridge between theory and practice.Students will also have the opportunity to design, implement, and modify exercise programs for real and/or theoretical clients under direct supervision.
Course Title: Human Anatomy and Physiology I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course is the first course of a two-course sequence. The course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include anatomical terminology, homeostasis, cell structure and function, histology, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems; integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, nervous, special senses and endocrine. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better. Recommendations for student success in this class include: a prior course in medical terminology, college level reading and basic algebra skills
Course Title: Human Anatomy and Physiology II Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course is the second course of a two-course sequence. This course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems: circulatory, non-specific and specific defenses, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and early development. Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 2111 with a grade of C or better.
Course Title: Kinesiology Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: Course Content includes study of human movement and the muscular system. Skeletal and major muscular systems will be studied in detail in order to better understand how human movement is produced. Students will anatomically analyze movements and be introduced to the concepts of biomechanics. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisites: EXSC 2010 - Essentials of Exercise Science (Minimum grade: 1.67 GPA Equivalent)
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Writing I II | ||||
| ENGL 1200 | Gateway College Writing or | View-ENGL 1200 | n/a | 4 |
| ENGL 1201 | College Writing I | View-ENGL 1201 | n/a | 4 |
| ENGL 1202 | College Writing II or | View-ENGL 1202 | n/a | 2 |
| ENGL 1203 | College Writing II with Workshop | View-ENGL 1203 | n/a | 2 |
| Biology I Principles of Biology | ||||
| BIOL 1001 | Biology I or | View-BIOL 1001 | n/a | 4 |
| BIOL 1101 | Principles of Biology I | View-BIOL 1101 | n/a | 4 |
| Intro to Chemistry Principles of Chemistry | ||||
| CHEM 1010 | Introduction to Chemistry or | View-CHEM 1010 | n/a | 4 |
| CHEM 1061 | Principles of Chemistry I | View-CHEM 1061 | n/a | 4 |
| COMM 1110 | Principles of Interpersonal Communication | View-COMM 1110 | n/a | 3 |
| MATH 1130 | Elementary Statistics | View-MATH 1130 | n/a | 3 |
| PSYC 1150 | General Psychology or | View-PSYC 1150 | n/a | 3 |
| PSYC 1160 | Introduction to Psychology | View-PSYC 1160 | n/a | 4 |
| SOC 1110 | Introduction to Sociology | View-SOC 1110 | n/a | 3 |
| History the Social Behavioral Sciences - Complete 3 credits | ||||
Course Title: Biology I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course focuses on the concepts of biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics and heredity reproduction and development. The course is intended for allied health majors and others not requiring a majors-level introductory biology. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab).
Course Title: Introduction to Chemistry Goal Areas: 03,10 Credits: 4
Course Description: An introduction to the basic concepts of Chemistry along with mathematical application, which include the atomic theory, periodic trends, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, heat transfer, and chemical properties as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. Additionally, this course will explore the role that chemistry plays in our personal and professional lives. This course enables students to think critically about current environmental issues in science. The lab portion contains experiments that includes observation, data collection and analysis, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. The course is designed for non-science majors or students who have not completed chemistry in high school in order to prepare them to take Chem 1061 or courses in various health programs.Prerequisite: Math 0900 or Math 0980 with a grade of 'C' or better.
Course Title: Principles of Chemistry I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course is a study of the basic concepts of Chemistry, with an emphasis on atomic theory, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, and chemical bonding as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. The lab portion with experiments includes observation, data collection, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Placement in this class will be determined by student college assessment score and/or successful completion of Math 1150 with a grade of C or better.
Course Title: Principles of Biology I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This is the first course in a two-semester biology sequence. This course introduces students to the concepts of cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, heredity and genetics. This course is intended for students for biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly Suggested Prerequisite: CHEM 1061 or Concurrent Registration with CHEM 1061
Course Title: Principles of Interpersonal Communication Goal Areas: 01,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
Course Title: Introduction to Sociology Goal Areas: 05,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
Course Title: Elementary Statistics Goal Areas: 04 Credits: 3
Course Description: This is an introductory course in descriptive statistics, probability, random variables, and inferential statistics. Topics include exploratory data analysis, measures of central tendency and variation, linear regression, binomial and normal distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one population and two populations. Additional topics may include basic probability, conditional probability, Bayes Theorem, analysis of variance, and chi-squared tests.
Course Title: General Psychology Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an overview of topics in psychology. Topics may include history of psychology, research methods, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program. You must meet perquisites or obtain instructor permission to take this course.
Course Title: Introduction to Psychology Goal Areas: 05,09 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It serves as a foundational component for students pursuing advanced coursework in Psychology and related disciplines. Topics include history of psychology, research methods, neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, memory, social psychology, disorders and therapies. Additional topics may include consciousness, lifespan, thinking and intelligence, language, gender and sexuality, emotions, personality psychology, health psychology, and applied psychology.
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing II Goal Areas: 02,01 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
Course Title: College Writing II with Workshop Goal Areas: 01,02 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
| Total Credits Required | 60 |
2024-2025
This program will examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on people in order to optimize their physical and mental health. Students will focus on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
This degree will prepare students for a plethora of career options, including clinical testing, personal training, sports management, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, athletic training, and cardiac rehabilitation among many others.
In partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science on NHCC’s campus.
The Associate of Science in Exercise Science Transfer Pathway will examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on people in order to optimize their physical and mental health. This program focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biophysics of human movement, and application to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. This degree can prepare students to transfer and choose from a broad range of careers such as clinical testing, personal training and performance enhancement, sports management, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation and many more.
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World.
Apply principles, skills, and methods related to biomechanics, exercise physiology, health promotion, exercise prescription and sport psychology.and sport psychology.
Intellectual and Practical Skills, Including: Apply the clinical and epidemiological evidence linking physical activity and exercise to mental and physical health. Apply the scientific method to solve problems related to physical activity and health. Utilize oral and written communication that meets appropriate professional and scientific standards in the field of Kinesiology/Exercise Science. Evaluate the effectiveness of human movement using mechanical principles. Associate the organic, skeletal, and neuromuscular structures of the human body to psychological factors associated with diverse physical activities. Work effectively in teams by valuing collaboration, providing service to others, and developing relational techniques for lifelong learning and problem solving.
Personal and Social Responsibility and Engagement, Including Apply Exercise Science related skills to real-world problems through empirical research, internships, field experience, and/or service learning. Demonstrate leadership and social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active, healthy lifestyle. Model behavior consistent with that of a Kinesiology professional, including 1) advocacy for a healthy, active lifestyle, 2) adherence to professional ethics, 3) service to others, 4) shared responsibility and successful collaboration with peers, and 5) pursuit of learning beyond NHCC. Safely Develop an individualized exercise prescription based on scientific principles and appropriate evaluation techniques designed to reduce the risk of chronic disease and avoid injuries.
Integrative and Applied Learning, Including
Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general education, liberal studies, specialized studies and activities in the
broader campus community. Assimilate, analyze, synthesize and integrate concepts related to the exercise science field. Students will also be able to sit for professional certifications related to personal training, including but not limited to those
offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and select others.
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
- Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS Program Roadmap Full Time
- Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS Program Roadmap Part Time
Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelor's degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.
A student shall:
- Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
- Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
- Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
- Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
- Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the four year period preceding their graduation.
Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
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