Health and Wellness Promotion - Exercise Science Option

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$12,554*

Promote holistic wellness through physical activity and exercise

Apply science to fitness

Study the health impacts of exercise on the human body. Help people understand the why and how of improving their health and fitness levels.

Your course work prepares you to effectively communicate the exercise program you develop. Along with physical fitness, you gain skills in rehabilitation and first aid.

What can you do with an A.A.S. focusing on Exercise Science?

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in exercise science prepares you to begin work as a:

  • fitness program manager/coordinator
  • group fitness instructor
  • personal fitness trainer
  • rehabilitation aide/technician
  • strength and conditioning specialist

You can also continue your studies in exercise science-related fields.

Professional alignment

Successful completion of our programs prepares you to earn advanced credentials through the:

American College of Sports Medicine logo
National Strength and Conditioning Association logo

Highlights

  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    HWP 257

    HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.
         		1
    KIN 221

    KIN 221 Introduction to Physical Education

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 221) This course is an introduction to the professional field of physical education. An understanding of the role of physical education in the total education program. A study of the objectives of physical education with emphasis on physical fitness and social development.
         		3
    KIN 243

    KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
         		2
    HWP 240

    HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
         		3
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 257
      Course Title

      HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 221
      Course Title

      KIN 221 Introduction to Physical Education

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 221) This course is an introduction to the professional field of physical education. An understanding of the role of physical education in the total education program. A study of the objectives of physical education with emphasis on physical fitness and social development.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 243
      Course Title

      KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 240
      Course Title

      HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of KIN 221. Student can also choose ENG 120 instead of ENG 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    KIN 270

    KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
         		3
    KIN 271

    KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
         		3
    HWP 260

    HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.
         		3
    KIN 132

    KIN 132 Strength Training I

    Class Description

    This activity course introduces students to the science and practice of health-based resistance training. Emphasis is placed on basic exercise protocols and accompanying equipment utilization. Students may experience many benefits including enhanced muscle strength, endurance, and range of motion.
         		1
    KIN 242

    KIN 242 Philosophy of Coaching

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 242) This course is a study of the essential elements of coaching men and women and boys and girls. It emphasizes the development and analysis of various coaching styles and philosophies, development of individual and team objectives, methods of coaching organization, and various motivational techniques. As such, the course will serve to prepare the student for all aspects of coaching aside from the technical aspects of the particular sport.
         		3
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Course Code KIN 270
      Course Title

      KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 271
      Course Title

      KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 260
      Course Title

      HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 132
      Course Title

      KIN 132 Strength Training I

      Class Description

      This activity course introduces students to the science and practice of health-based resistance training. Emphasis is placed on basic exercise protocols and accompanying equipment utilization. Students may experience many benefits including enhanced muscle strength, endurance, and range of motion.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 242
      Course Title

      KIN 242 Philosophy of Coaching

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 242) This course is a study of the essential elements of coaching men and women and boys and girls. It emphasizes the development and analysis of various coaching styles and philosophies, development of individual and team objectives, methods of coaching organization, and various motivational techniques. As such, the course will serve to prepare the student for all aspects of coaching aside from the technical aspects of the particular sport.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of KIN 242. Students can also choose CMM 123 or CMM 111 instead of CMM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    KIN 272

    KIN 272 Exercise Testing and Prescription

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 272) This course will prepare students to screen, stratify risk, and assess health-related physical fitness. Principles of effective and meaningful exercise program design will also be explored.
         		3
    HWP 295

    HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners

    Class Description

    The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.
         		3
    HWP 292

    HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals

    Class Description

    This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.
         		1
    KIN 250

    KIN 250 Introduction to the Rehabilitation Aide

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities required to work as a physical or occupational therapy aide. Topics include terminology, patient care and communication, evidence-based modalities, therapeutic exercise, and facility operations.
         		3
    KIN 228

    KIN 228 First Aid/CPR

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.
         		2
    HWP 258

    HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.
         		1
    KIN 130

    KIN 130 Total Fitness

    Class Description

    This course is designed to assist students in increasing their personal fitness by developing and implementing personalized fitness plans with the support of highly trained and nationally certified fitness instructors. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided. Students will earn transferrable college credit while working out on their own and/or at approved workout facilities.
         		1
    • Course Code KIN 272
      Course Title

      KIN 272 Exercise Testing and Prescription

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 272) This course will prepare students to screen, stratify risk, and assess health-related physical fitness. Principles of effective and meaningful exercise program design will also be explored.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 295
      Course Title

      HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners

      Class Description

      The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 292
      Course Title

      HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals

      Class Description

      This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 250
      Course Title

      KIN 250 Introduction to the Rehabilitation Aide

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities required to work as a physical or occupational therapy aide. Topics include terminology, patient care and communication, evidence-based modalities, therapeutic exercise, and facility operations.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 228
      Course Title

      KIN 228 First Aid/CPR

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 258
      Course Title

      HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 130
      Course Title

      KIN 130 Total Fitness

      Class Description

      This course is designed to assist students in increasing their personal fitness by developing and implementing personalized fitness plans with the support of highly trained and nationally certified fitness instructors. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided. Students will earn transferrable college credit while working out on their own and/or at approved workout facilities.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of KIN 130.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HWP 290

    HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching

    Class Description

    This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.
         		3
    HWP 280

    HWP 280 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Care

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and applied evidence-bases for complementary and integrative health and medical practices. Students will explore the etiology, scope-of-practice, and efficacy of natural products, mind and body practices, and other complementary health approaches. This course is well-suited for aspiring and current health care professionals as well as transfer students interested in their personal health and well-being.
         		3
    BIO 111

    BIO 111 Human Form and Function

    Class Description

    This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
         		4
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    KIN 121

    KIN 121 Individual Activities

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 121) This course provides instruction and participation in one of numerous athletic, fitness, and wellness activities. Choices may include Total Fitness, Strength Training, Aikido, Hapkido, Tai Chi, and various group exercise classes. Consult the class schedule for sports offered during a particular semester. NOTE: No more than four credit hours earned in KIN 121 and/or KIN 127 counts toward an associate degree. Enrollment attempts beyond this limit will result in an error message indicating non-enrollment. See Center for Personal Enrichment for non-credit classes.
         		1
    HWP 160

    HWP 160 Yoga I

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 160) This activity course introduces students to the art and science of yoga. Emphasis is placed on basic yoga postures (asanas) and accompanying breathing techniques commonly found in Hatha Yoga and other styles. Students will experience many benefits including enhanced muscle tone, flexibility, and relaxation for the body and mind.HWP 160 and KIN 160 are cross-listed.
         		1
    • Course Code HWP 290
      Course Title

      HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching

      Class Description

      This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 280
      Course Title

      HWP 280 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Care

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and applied evidence-bases for complementary and integrative health and medical practices. Students will explore the etiology, scope-of-practice, and efficacy of natural products, mind and body practices, and other complementary health approaches. This course is well-suited for aspiring and current health care professionals as well as transfer students interested in their personal health and well-being.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 111
      Course Title

      BIO 111 Human Form and Function

      Class Description

      This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 121
      Course Title

      KIN 121 Individual Activities

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 121) This course provides instruction and participation in one of numerous athletic, fitness, and wellness activities. Choices may include Total Fitness, Strength Training, Aikido, Hapkido, Tai Chi, and various group exercise classes. Consult the class schedule for sports offered during a particular semester. NOTE: No more than four credit hours earned in KIN 121 and/or KIN 127 counts toward an associate degree. Enrollment attempts beyond this limit will result in an error message indicating non-enrollment. See Center for Personal Enrichment for non-credit classes.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HWP 160
      Course Title

      HWP 160 Yoga I

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 160) This activity course introduces students to the art and science of yoga. Emphasis is placed on basic yoga postures (asanas) and accompanying breathing techniques commonly found in Hatha Yoga and other styles. Students will experience many benefits including enhanced muscle tone, flexibility, and relaxation for the body and mind.HWP 160 and KIN 160 are cross-listed.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

    Course information: KIN 160 is cross-listed as HWP 160. Students are encouraged to consult their Academic Success Advisor (ASA) for course planning.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 245

    BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    • Course Code BIO 245
      Course Title

      BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course information: BIO 245 can be taken only if BIO 244 was completed instead of BIO 111 in a previous term.

Total Credit Hours

66

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

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