Exercise Science

Majoring in Exercise Science at Hastings College opens doors! You’ll find our Exercise Science graduates serving as athletic trainers, personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches; pursuing advanced degrees such as physical therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Des Moines University; and teaching and coaching at all levels, ages and abilities.

Life-changing work

As an Exercise Science major at Hastings College, you’ll develop a strong understanding of health and fitness — and build the critical thinking and communication skills required to thrive. We will push you to be your best to prepare you for a great career.

With courses in biology, chemistry and physical education, you’ll address many aspects of human performance in new and exciting ways while discovering how to and instill life-changing habits in others.

Hands-on opportunities provide real-world experience so you’ll build confidence in your abilities to design, implement and manage exercise and sports programs of all kinds. You’ll graduate with the skills to create practical human performance experiences, and the best practices to communicate those concepts to others. You’ll change lives!

Nationally Recognized Program

The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved Hastings College for its Education Recognition Program. Hastings College now offers courses that will better prepare you for certification exams and careers in the field. One of these certifications is the certified strength and conditioning specialist which is considered the gold standard in the field and will expand your employment opportunities.

Hastings College is currently the only GPAC school in Nebraska with this recognition and one of only three other Nebraska institutions that have received acceptance into the Education Recognition Program.

Go further with a Hastings education

Thanks to our small class sizes (most have fewer than 20 students!), and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, you’ll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!

Our block-style semester structure means you’ll take just one or two classes at a time — which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because they’re only teaching one or two classes in a block!

Create your future

See for yourself how we tailor your education to your talents and your goals. Schedule a visit and we’ll demonstrate how Hastings will inspire you to reach your potential, or if you’re a high school senior, apply today.

Graduate with experience

With internship opportunities at numerous local and regional organizations — and even right on campus! — you’ll build a network to jumpstart your career. Toss in faculty and alumni connections, including contacts within SHAPE Nebraska (Society of Health and Physical Education) and other professional associations, and you’ll have a post-graduation leg up.

Some take advantage of additional experiences and opportunities that help advance career options. What does all this mean? You’ll graduate from Hastings ready to succeed.

At every step in your path, you’ll appreciate the stepping stones of teaching, counseling, inspiring, supporting and guiding from our engaged faculty. It’s an experience that’s true to Hastings College, and you won’t find it anywhere else.

Your experience matters

Maximize scholarships — Yes, you’ll get an academic scholarship. But you’ll also get a “plus one” scholarship from the group, team or area you’re part of. It’s a great way to help pay for school — but also to find your people.

We’ve thought a lot about the ways students learn and built a four-year plan to help you navigate it all. From finding your place and in Year 1, to showing the world you’re ready for what’s next four years later.

Your transition from college to a career begins your first semester. Every class, internship, research study and activity adds up. We love to celebrate all the ways you shine — your experience matters!

Get involved beyond the exercise science classroom

Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society)
P.E. Club

In addition to Alpha Chi and P.E. Club, there’s always something to do at Hastings. Student clubs, service learning, Greek life, recreation and more make Hastings College a great campus for student life.

Find scholarships for exercise science majors

Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Then there’s “plus one” scholarships — an additional scholarship for participating in anything from athletics to the arts to media.

It all adds up to making Hastings an great choice for you and your family.