Exercise Science | SUNY Potsdam

B.S. in Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major focuses on the scientific and applied study of the human body, including prevention of injury and performance. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will learn the research behind and the application of sound exercise and physiology principles.

Students in the exercise science program study in one of two tracks.

The Clinical track prepares students wishing to work in clinical exercise science occupations and can be used to springboard students to further study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and exercise physiology.
The Strength and Conditioning track prepares students to work as human performance professionals with an eye toward athletic-specific training and prepares students to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach certification.

If you have any questions, please email PotsdamExSci@Potsdam.edu.

Department Page Faculty Internships

Partnerships & Early Assurance Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy (4 + 3) - SUNY Upstate Medical University
Earn your undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from SUNY Potsdam and secure enrollment in SUNY Upstate Medical’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. For more information on the 4 + 3 Early Assurance Program, contact PotsdamExSci@Potsdam.edu and visit the Upstate Medical University website.
Doctor of Chiropractic (3 + 3 and 4 + 3) - North East College of Health Sciences
Through this partnership, students can choose between two seamless pathways to a secured place in North East College of Health Science’s Doctor of Chiropractic program. Contact PotsdamExSci@Potsdam.edu and visit the North East College of Health Sciences website for additional information.

Outcomes

Students will be able to:

apply basic principles of biomechanics to exercise selection, execution and sport performance by choosing a human performance activity and conducting a needs analysis.
apply basic knowledge of nutritional factors affecting health and performance by choosing human performance activity and creating a comprehensive fueling plan.
coach and evaluate resistance training techniques for muscle group and joint action through demonstration and cueing.
design exercise programs for a client including progression that maximize goal attainment and minimize risk of injury based on client’s health status, training age, capabilities and training goals.

Career Outlook

Inquire today:

Caleigh Trzcinski ‘23 discusses the hands-on approach of SUNY Potsdam's exercise science program, and how it's preparing her for a career as a chiropractor.

“No doubt, the experiences I gained from my coursework at Potsdam have shaped who I am as a clinician today, and has opened doors allowing me to work all along the rehab-performance continuum.”

Dr. Luke Vitale ’20 Physical Therapist

‘Potsdam Shaped Who I Am’

Just four years after completing his degree at SUNY Potsdam in exercise science, Luke Vitale ’20 has already received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Duke University, completed three clinical rotations around the country, and has now been hired as a travel physical therapist for a sports / orthopedic clinic on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

Realizing His Dreams

When Wilber Parada ’20 arrived at SUNY Potsdam his freshman year, he already had a vision for his future. His plans to one day become a Doctor of Physical Therapy would involve years of hard work, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees, and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. Seven years later he has made his dream a reality. Parada is now working at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, one of the top-rated hospitals in the country, where he’s conducting research on exoskeletons and robotics, and helping to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic illnesses.

When Opportunity Calls

As athletes from around the world converged at Maxcy Hall for the 2023 FISU World University Games, Melanie Heidman ’25 stepped up to the plate as an integral part of the statistics team for the international event. An exercise science major from Rochester, Heidman is parlaying the experience into an internship to examine how people from around the world unite and transcend language barriers through sports.

Foundations for Success

Not far from their childhood homes, Emily Vierno ’22 and Kristen Parker ’22 realized that SUNY Potsdam was the perfect fit to launch their careers in health care. The North Country natives are now in the final semester at the College, wrapping up their degrees in exercise science as they prepare for graduate school. Both students were recently accepted into the graduate programs of their choice as they pursue their passions for physical therapy and sports nutrition.