Build your fitness and performance career at PennWest University

Build practical skills for fitness, wellness, performance and health promotion through PennWest’s 100% online Exercise Science programs. Explore focused bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral pathways designed to help you move your ambitions within reach. Fast-track your degree by converting your professional experience and certifications into course credits—saving you both time and money.

A PennWest Graduate in a gym

Choose your next step:

Why Exercise Science at PennWest

You want more than theory. You want skills you can apply with real people, real goals, and real outcomes. At PennWest University, Exercise Science is built around evidence-based practice, practical program design, and the flexibility to learn online without putting your life on hold.

Whether you’re leveling up as a working professional, switching careers, or building a foundation for what comes next, you’ll find programs designed to move you forward with confidence.

PennWest Exercise Science
Master's in Exercise Science

Master’s (MS) Exercise Science and Health Promotion

PennWest’s online Master’s in Exercise Science and Health Promotion helps you build advanced knowledge in exercise science, health promotion, wellness, assessment and program design. Designed for working professionals, the program connects evidence-based coursework with practical skills you can apply in fitness, performance, wellness, coaching and health promotion careers.

Complete your master's degree fully online in as little as 11 months.

What you’ll gain:

  • Advanced coursework in exercise science, health promotion, wellness, assessment and program design
  • A flexible online format designed for working professionals
  • Practical skills for fitness, performance, wellness, coaching and health promotion careers
  • Career-relevant preparation grounded in evidence-based practice

Doctorate (D.H.Sc.) in Health Science and Exercise Leadership

Lead wellness at a higher level.

PennWest’s Doctorate in Health Science and Exercise Leadership (D.H.Sc.) is a post-professional, 100% online, 48-credit terminal degree built for people who want to lead the shift from treating disease to promoting preventive health and wellness—in organizations, communities, and education.

Built for working professionals

You’ll study advanced topics in health promotion, exercise science, and wellness leadership, with coursework that strengthens your ability to lead, teach, and drive change.
Average time to complete: about 3 years.

What makes this doctorate different

  • Evidence-based research portfolio focused on real challenges in health, exercise, and wellness practice
  • Coursework in adult learning theories, leadership principles, curriculum design, and evidence-based health promotion strategies
  • A leadership-focused curriculum designed for professionals who want to apply research, teaching and wellness strategy at a higher level

Where it can take you

Graduates pursue leadership and advanced professional paths such as wellness program director, corporate health consultant, health services manager, health policy analyst, clinical research scientist, and more.

A strong fit if you want to...

  • Help move healthcare from “sickness-centric” thinking to prevention and wellness
  • Lead fitness/wellness initiatives at the community or corporate level
  • Build stronger research and problem-solving skills to implement evidence-based solutions
  • Expand your impact through education, training, and curriculum design

Start strong with a 100% online bachelor’s

PennWest’s online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science (Human Performance and Wellness) builds a foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, fitness assessment, nutrition, and program design.
Complete your bachelor's degree fully online in as little as two years.

Certification Opportunity

While enrolled, students are eligible to earn certifications including:

  • Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
  • Certified Speed Specialist (NASE)
  • Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM)
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
Bachelor's in Exercise Science
Support at PennWest

Support that stays with you

From enrollment to employment, we’ve got you.

From your first questions to your next career move, you should feel supported and confident in what comes next. Join a connected community built for your success, with dedicated advisors and resources available to online students every step of the way.

“Having earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degree through the online program, I only have positive things to say. I learned and grew a lot. I found the program to be quite intensive. The textbooks utilized, the quality of the program and the professionalism of the professors were excellent.”

– Joanne D.
 

Your next step is within reach.

Tell us what you’re aiming for, and we’ll help you find the right program path.