Area of Study: Sport and Exercise Studies 

Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Science degree in Sport and Exercise Studies 

  
If you are not already an active Tri-C student, you must first apply to the college. If you are interested in more than one health careers program, you must submit a separate health careers application for each program.

Learn more about the Sport and Exercise Studies program at Tri-C

About Sport and Exercise Studies at Tri-C:

Students completing the program will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Sport and Exercise Studies to become fitness specialists. Graduates of the program may transfer to four-year institutions to continue their education in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports management, or other fitness related fields.

Students complete courses in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise testing, measurement and evaluation, exercise prescription and program design, CPR/AED, first aid, sport injury care, exercise training techniques, fitness and wellness coaching, sport management, nutrition, health, English, mathematics, speech, and psychology. Students will also complete a practicum experience in their desired profession.

Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Sport and Exercise Studies can choose to study on a full- or part-time basis. Courses are available on campus, in Blended Learning format or online at the following Tri-C campuses: Eastern, Metropolitan, Western.  

The program is designed to prepare students for the following entry-level roles:

• Health Fitness Specialist
• Personal Trainer
• Fitness Coordinator
• Group Exercise Coordinator
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Specialty Instructor
• Sport Coach

The degree will open the doors for students to gain career opportunities in private and public fitness centers as well as entry level management positions in health, fitness, or rehabilitation centers, recreations facilities, and retail sales.

The Sports Excercise Program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following:

• Accurately interpret health status and risk stratification data and perform industry-standard fitness assessments and exercise tests for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
• Effectively demonstrate a variety of exercises and teach safe and correct use of exercise equipment and other exercise apparatus to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
• Effectively design, implement supervise, and evaluate exercise prescriptions and exercise programs in accordance with individual needs, goals, and assessment date results.
• Effectively educate, motivate, and/or communicate with individuals to influence healthy lifestyle behavior modifications.
• Perform safe, ethical, and legal practices in a variety of health and fitness-related settings within the scope of practice.
• Demonstrate organizational and administrative leadership by establishing program directions, risk management, budgetary and financial plans.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to take accredited certifications in personal training and/or group fitness instructor from organizations such as: 

• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Resistance Training Specialist (RTS),