June 26,2026
Ferris State University launches its first Exercise Science program in the fall, preparing students for careers in growing wellness field
Ferris State University’s first exercise science program will kickstart in the fall, building skills for students looking for careers in growing fields of health and wellness.
The program focuses on the science of how the human body moves, performs, and thrives. Students will explore the body, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, as well as how to apply these concepts to everyday life.
Career pathways for students earning the degree include health and fitness, sports performance, and corporate wellness.
This degree is also a foundation for graduate programs such as athletic training, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies.
Experts say there is demand for people with Exercise Science degrees, especially for people wishing to become exercise physiologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10 percent growth in demand for exercise physiologists through 2032, a higher-than-average growth rate.
The bureau expects about 1,600 openings in the field per year, with a median annual wage of $58,160.
Lincoln Gibbs, dean of Ferris State’s College of Health Professions, collaborated with department chair Marla Jones to develop a program that would serve students seeking to apply their undergraduate education in real-world settings and pursue advanced degrees.
Careers are found in areas including commercial gyms, sports performance facilities, and medical fitness centers.
Students are expected to gain hands-on skills and build a resume that opens doors in corporate, clinical, community, and sport performance facilities.
The program’s curriculum is designed to meet student needs while also positioning the new Exercise Science program for future accreditation.
“Students feel far more confident when they do hands-on training, practice skills, and put knowledge into play from what they’ve learned.” Jones said. “I hope this program serves Ferris State students well by preparing them to be employed and by preparing them adequately for a graduate program they desire.”
Additional information about the program is available here.