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Bachelors in

Exercise Science

Explore a dynamic career in health and fitness.
At Montreat College, you’ll gain hands-on experience, personal mentorship, and a Christ-centered education in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With nationally recognized standards and career-focused concentrations, you’ll be prepared for graduate study and impactful health careers.
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Why Exercise Science?

Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Montreat College offers an Exercise Science program that uniquely integrates Christ-centered learning with academic rigor, immersive practical training, and individualized mentorship. Recognized as a Gold-level Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus program through the American College of Sports Medicine, our curriculum equips students through small classes and real-world practicum or internship experiences in local health and fitness settings. Grounded in faith, infused with hands-on learning, and supported by community, this program prepares students to thrive in health, wellness, strength, and therapeutic careers, as well as to excel in advanced graduate study.

Career Opportunities

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Physical Therapist
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Exercise Physiologist

Degree Highlights

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ACSM Gold-Level Recognition

Montreat brings nationally recognized standards to its curriculum.

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Real-World Learning

Practicum and internship opportunities in local clinics and fitness centers provide hands-on experience.

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In-Demand Careers

Graduates emerge well-prepared for diverse roles or graduate-level study.

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Integration of Faith and Science

Approach health, wellness, and physical performance through a Christian worldview.

Concentrations

Start shaping healthier lives and your future.

Montreat’s health and fitness concentration provides students with the skills needed for careers as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and other related professions. Graduates are proficient in fitness assessment procedures, interpreting results according to health and fitness standards, and providing tailored fitness prescriptions for diverse populations.

The flexible coursework allows students to meet specific pre-admission requirements for post-graduate programs within exercise science, with guidance from their advisor to ensure all prerequisites are covered. Students also earn First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications, prepare for the American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer certification exam, and get ready for occupational certification exams for strength and conditioning specialists or other exercise specialist credentials from nationally recognized organizations.

Inspire the next generation through health.

The physical education concentration provides students with the courses needed to become health and physical education teachers in K-12 settings. Graduates are well-prepared to pass state health and PE exams through instruction in educational pedagogies, health behavior theories, motor control and learning, anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, lifelong wellness, and biomechanics.

Recognized as an Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning Program by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the curriculum takes a Christ-centered approach in small, intimate classes. All students gain hands-on experience through a practicum or internship in a local health/fitness facility.

Start your journey to a successful and impactful healthcare career.

The pre-professional concentration provides a comprehensive range of courses to prepare students for careers in physical therapy, medicine, chiropractic, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and other professional or graduate programs.

Recognized as an Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning Program by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the curriculum takes a Christ-centered approach in small, intimate classes. All students gain hands-on experience through a practicum or internship in a local health/fitness facility.

Become a proactive defender against cyber threats.

Montreat College’s penetration testing concentration within the cybersecurity program focuses on developing advanced skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities to strengthen organizational security. This concentration provides hands-on experience with ethical hacking techniques and tools, preparing students to proactively protect systems from cyber threats.

Fast Facts

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Con­cen­tra­tion Tracks
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Median Pay With Degree (Source.)
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of students receive financial aid
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Affordability

Tuition & Aid
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Scholarships

Scholarships
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Admissions Requirements

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Start your success story at Montreat.

Why Montreat?

Whether you’re finishing high school or transferring from another institution, where you go to college is a big decision, and we believe that Montreat College is the perfect place for you to grow, learn, and thrive. Our vibrant campus at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our dedicated faculty, rigorous academic programs, and our talented student body create a unique and inspiring environment where you can develop a clear sense of identity and affirm your sense of purpose to honor God and serve others.

Student and Alumni
Stories

At Montreat College, our students and alumni have a passion for knowledge and a genuine desire to always keep learning and be agents of transformation, renewal, and reconciliation.
Kamryn Wolf

Meet
Kamryn '24

“There’s no better place than Montreat. It's beautiful, and I could blend sports, my studies, and my faith. It’s important to find somewhere you can go that takes your beliefs into consideration. That’s what set Montreat apart for me.”
Program of study:
Exercise Science
Read Kamryn's Story
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Meet
Aron '96

“Montreat reinforced my sense of purpose and taught me that every person has a purpose. I believe we are each called to be stewards of our gifts for the glory of the Lord, and I am deeply grateful for my time at Montreat.”
Program of study:
Education
Read Aron's Story
All Student Stories

Meet Western North Carolina

Thrive Center

The Thrive Center supports you in your academic career by helping you improve your study skills, manage your time, learn strategies to complete class projects. You can meet with peer tutors at the Writing Center or the Math Center.

It also supports you beyond your academic career with resources for finding your calling, researching careers, finding internships, building your resume, applying to graduate school, and finding a job.

Start your success story at Montreat.