Are you fascinated by the human body, injury recovery and how nutrition, psychology and exercise come together holistically for health? Do you dream of making a significant impact on people’s lives through your work? If so, the Exercise and Sports Science program at JWU Providence is your perfect fit. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of careers, from recreational therapist to exercise physiologist, medical program coordinator, athletic trainer and beyond.
The Exercise and Sports Science program stands out with its emphasis on holistic education and practical application. You’ll learn about the role of movement and exercise in maintaining a healthy life, performing various health, fitness and performance assessments that are crucial for your future career.
Courses can help prepare you for additional certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP), giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
The exercise and sports science program prepares students for a variety of graduate degree programs. Through electives, students can complete prerequisites for medical school and physician assistant degree programs. Students are also encouraged to continue their education at JWU through the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Hands-on, experiential education is at the heart of our Exercise and Sports Science program. Students gain practical skills in our two new labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing for firsthand clinical practice and groundbreaking research. You’ll assist faculty with evaluating our varsity athletics teams, helping student-athletes reach peak performance, with the same technology used by Olympic athletes.
Admissions is contingent upon you meeting the technical standards (PDF) for this program.
The Exercise & Sports Science Hub offers two lab spaces with state-of-the-art equipment to study body performance and conduct clinical research.
The Exercise Science Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the BOD POD® for body composition analysis, advanced ECG machines for heart health monitoring and cutting-edge metabolic carts for measuring oxygen and energy use.
Located inside the Exercise Science Lab, this space helps athletes develop strength, speed, flexibility, balance and power. It features Olympic-sized platforms, a MEGA power rack, dumbbells, FMS devices for injury risk assessment and a Biodex isokinetic tester for predicting rotator cuff or hamstring injuries.
"I think it's great to have access to this new sports science lab, both as a student and as an athlete, because we get a chance to use some of the industry's leading equipment and get trained on what we'll be using in the field," shares Will Hughes ’23.
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
“We have state-of-the-art equipment in classrooms, as well as expert professors and mentors leading the program. Most importantly, being able to learn and try things together as a class boosts interest in wanting to learn. This program has allowed me to find my preference of industry and I am eager to continue this amazing path!”
- Gabriel Cruz Ramirez ’25
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Assistant Professor
Ray A. Spradlin, Ph.D., attended the University of Florida where he studied the effect endurance exercise has on mitochondrial bioenergetics of prostate tumors and the role insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays in muscle disuse atrophy, function, metabolism, and exercise adaptations.
Director of the Physical Therapy Program
Ullucci’s research interests focus on the evaluation and treatment of concussion, whiplash injuries, chronic headache, TMJ, spine, manual therapy, injury prevention and reducing workers’ compensation costs for businesses.
Associate Professor
Jonathan Noel, Ph.D., M.P.H. has extensive experience conducting alcohol and alcohol policy research. His research interests vary widely and have included tobacco, illicit drugs, environmental health, cancer and more.
Explore where you’ll live, learn, and enjoy all campus has to offer.
Schedule an In-Person Tour