Exercise Science, associate degree
Our Exercise Science program provides coursework, education, and hands-on experience to prepare you for a career as a fitness and wellness professional. You will learn:
- Anatomy and physiology basics
- Applied kinesiology
- Exercise physiology
- Fitness assessment and programming
- Fitness promotion
- Interpersonal skills
- Fitness nutrition
- And many other fitness and wellness-related topics
Students can earn all four pathway certificates, along with an AAS Degree in Exercise Science, within two years if attending PCC full-time. Those who complete the PCC AAS Exercise Science degree can also transfer to Portland State University as a junior in the Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health & Fitness program.
Award information
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree: Exercise Science | 2 years | Limited entry, see how to apply to Exercise Science |
Learn more about Exercise Science and all 5 awards available »
Locations
SylvaniaCourses
Course listing for the 2025-2026 catalog year.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FT 100 | Emergency Response for Fitness Professionals | 1 |
| FT 101 | Exploring Exercise Science Careers | 3 |
| FT 103 | Nutrition for Exercise | 3 |
| FT 104 | Fitness Assessment | 3 |
| FT 105 | Exercise Prescription | 3 |
| FT 106 | Analysis of Movement | 3 |
| FT 107 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| FT 110 | Injury Prevention & Management | 2 |
| FT 131 | Structure & Function of the Human Body | 4 |
| FT 180 | Exercise Science Internship Preparation | 1 |
| FT 201 | Advanced Fitness Assessment and Prescription | 3 |
| FT 202 | Fitness and Aging | 3 |
| FT 203 | Wellness Marketing and Promotion | 3 |
| FT 204 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| FT 280 | Exercise Science Internship I | 4 |
| or FT 280C | Exercise Science Professional Project II | |
| FT 280B | Exercise Science Internship II | 4 |
| or FT 280C | Exercise Science Professional Project II | |
| FT 280L | Exercise Science Leadership Experience | 1 |
| or FT 280P | Exercise Science Professional Project I | |
| FT 280T | Physical Activity Teaching Experience | 1 |
| or FT 280P | Exercise Science Professional Project I | |
| HE 295 & PE 295 | Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab | 3 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| or HUS 106 | Mental Health First Aid: Youth | |
| or HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | |
| PE 181A | Weight Training I | 1 |
| or PE 181B | Weight Training II | |
| or PE 181C | Weight Training III | |
| PE 281 | Professional Activities: Resistance Training | 2 |
| Choose 3 of the following Professional Activities courses | 6 | |
PE 250 | Professional Activities: Outdoor Leadership | |
PE 282A | Professional Activities: Group Fitness | |
PE 282B | Professional Activities: Older Adult Fitness | |
PE 283 | Professional Activities: Mind-Body Disciplines | |
PE 287 | Professional Activities: Aquatics | |
PE 288 | Professional Activities: Team Sports Training | |
| Exercise Science Electives | 17 | |
| General Education: 4 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
Next steps
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