What You Will Learn
Unlock Your Potential with the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Exercise Science at CCM!
Imagine a future where you are at the forefront of promoting health and well-being, armed with knowledge and skills that empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
Built upon the solid foundation of the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) recommended core competencies, this program equips you with the expertise you need to excel in the dynamic field of health and fitness.
- Delve into the intricate world of scientific principles.
- Foster wellness to a variety of career pathways.
- Become prepared to contribute to the fitness, nutrition, training and rehabilitation industry – aiding individuals, teams, community and industry groups and more!
This gateway to understanding the intricate balance between science and practicality enables you to master the theory behind health and fitness and the hands-on techniques that yield real results.
With your CCM education, you can be equipped to:
- evaluate risk factors,
- conduct comprehensive fitness assessments,
- motivate and inspire individuals to embrace healthier choices, and craft personalized exercise prescriptions that cater to individual needs.
Personal Trainer Certificate of Achievement
At CCM, you can gain first-hand experience in every aspect of personal training. The program goes beyond theory, immersing you in a hands-on journey ensure you are well-versed in the following components:
- Health risk appraisal
- Biometric fitness testing
- Exercise programming, monitoring and instruction
- Business planning, sales and marketing
Picture yourself as not just a trainer, but a mentor guiding individuals toward their best selves. At CCM you can become well prepared to ace the nationally certified personal training exam through organizations such as ACSM, the America Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Upon graduation be confident that you are armed with knowledge that can truly change lives. Enroll at CCM to journey towards a healthier future!
Curriculum
You can gain a wide range of knowledge in hands-on subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, first aid and emergency care and personal and family health, wellness and nutrition in the 28-credit core, along with a 32-credit general education foundation.
Exercise Science at CCM is often used as a steppingstone degree to prepare you to further your education and be ready to enter a multitude of allied health careers.
The personal training certificate features a 16-credit curriculum focusing on personal fitness, nutrition, weight training, first aid, CPR and emergency plus an internship to gain real-world experience.
Careers in the Field
The world has a high demand for you! An Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science provides a solid foundation to launch an entry-level career in the fitness industry.
Employment of personal trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39% by 2030, much faster than the average growth of employment in the U.S.
About 69,100 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected annually over the next decade, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
The CCM program is designed for transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree providing additional opportunities in careers such as:
- Athletic Coaching
- Corporate Fitness
- Exercise Physiology *
- Fitness Training
- Physical Education
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching.
CCM Transfer Services is here to help you with this seamless process.
*The average salary for an exercise physiologist was $55,336 in 2022, according to salary.com.
Why Study Exercise Science at CCM?
Student success is our mission and the faculty at CCM are qualified and passionate educators.
- Faculty share their current and past career experiences, allowing students to connect learning to the real-world.
- Our professors have either masters or doctorate degrees in their respective areas of study.
- The Exercise Science Laboratory provides hands-on experience using computerized state-of-the-art metabolic equipment, bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment, hydro densitometry equipment, cycle ergometers, medical treadmills, ECG equipment, spirometers, skinfold calipers and more.
- Step onto a campus that is vibrant and buzzing with life! CCM is a spirited community teeming with student clubs, including the Health Exercise Club, and exciting athletics, as well as community service and internship opportunities. It’s not just a campus – it’s a hub of energy and connection with endless networking possibilities.
Be prepared to transfer to a plethora of four-year institutions to pursue your bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, adult fitness, personal training, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, kinesiology, athletic training, physical education and similar curricula.
CCM has articulation agreements for Exercise Science with the following universities:
- Bloomsburg University
- East Stroudsburg University
- The College of New Jersey
- William Paterson University
Graduates of such baccalaureate programs may choose employment pathways in health and wellness management, health center and fitness center program management, corporate health and wellness programs, health and physical education teaching, exercise physiology teaching and research, medical exercise rehabilitation programs, adult fitness programs and related fields.
If you are considering a career in Health/Physical Education teaching, please visit Teacher / Health & Physical Education.
Paying for Your Exercise Science Education
Earning a degree in exercise science is a powerful investment that is a springboard to both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your CCM education.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Exercise Science
This course is recommended in the first semester to acquaint you with the development and structure of the field of exercise science. The current scientific development of the field is stressed, with emphasis on basic exercise physiology, health and fitness.
Personal and Family Nutrition
Study the relationships of nutrition and eating patterns to one’s health, nutritive value and composition of foods, metabolism, functions and requirements of nutrients throughout life, and essentials of an adequate diet. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of nutrition concepts in everyday life.
Exercise Physiology
This lecture/lab course includes the study of human responses and adaptations to exercise of varying levels of stress and intensity. Major topics: bioenergetics, the physiology of the circulatory, respiratory, muscular and nervous systems as they apply to exercise, and the underlying physiological basis of fitness. Labs illustrate practical application of theoretical content with hands-on experiences to measure and apply what is learned in the lecture component of the course.
Resources
Your Exercise Science Faculty Advisor
Kelly Miniter Chairperson & Assistant Professor
Email: kminiter@ccm.edu
Office: Health and Physical Education Buildig Room 225A
Office hours: T 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; TH 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 973-328-5327
Department: Health and Exercise Science
