No matter where public health professionals work, their focus is to improve the health and quality of life for those in their communities. The Health Science and Public Health program at CWI provides...
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Overview
The Exercise Science program is designed for students who are interested in careers in biomechanics, exercise physiology, personal training, physical and occupational therapy, and research. The goals of the program are to help students earn an Associate of Science degree and aid in their transfer to a four-year program in exercise science or a related field.
Mission
The mission of the Exercise Science program is to promote the exploration and application of knowledge of the human body and human movement to improve the quality of human health for individuals and society as a whole.
Why This Program
Exercise Science courses will prepare students with fundamental skills in human anatomy, physiology, biology, health, motion analysis and training prescription. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and direct application of knowledge to address real world issues in areas such as injury prevention, human health, and performance training. Upon completing the program students will be prepared to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer certification. Completion of the program is designed to result in an Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science and meet the general education requirements to all Idaho public universities.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Nutrition concepts for weight loss/management
- Training principles
- Concepts in athletic injury
- Medical Terminology
- Nutrition to fuel performance
- Exercise physiology
- Sport history
- Sport psychology
- Exercise prescription
- Testing and Evaluation
Additional Opportunities
Students will complete a 45 hour internship in the field of their choice.
More Recommended Programs
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | N/A | April 10 | Nov. 13, 2023 | |
Open Registration Begins | Feb. 27 | April 17 | Nov. 20, 2023 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | July 29 | Dec. 16, 2023 | |
Admission Deadline2 | May 27 | Aug. 12 | Jan. 6 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Classes Begin3 | June 5 | Aug. 21 | Jan. 16 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWI 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
The College of Western Idaho Exercise Science Program has agreements in place with many of Idaho's universities in order to help students transfer credits and complete four-year degrees.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Personal Trainer
- Athletic Training
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Biomechanics
- Research
- Exercise Testing
- Coaching
- Exercise Prescription for Chronic Disease
A degree in exercise science prepares students for employment as Exercise Science practitioners in: health agencies, hospitals, fitness centers, business and industry, research laboratories, or any other setting which provides physical fitness enhancement programs for clients and patients. A number of students go on to graduate work in in physical and occupational therapy. The courses in this major prepare students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Personal Training certification.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Megan DeRoos is pursuing her dream of academic excellence while still being a mom thanks to a CWI Foundation scholarship.

Jordie Seward, a 2015 alumna, gained experience in a subject she was passionate about at College of Western Idaho.

Over the past two years, Independent Meat Company in Twin Falls has been donating pork hearts to CWI's Life Sciences Department.

Students with CWI’s Entrepreneurs and Exercise and Health Science clubs recently took part in a memorable trip to Salt Lake City, Utah.

CWI will welcome a collection of elite athletes and sports professionals to campus, April 24, for insight into the world of sports and business.
Academic Transfer
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