November 3, 2022

"As soon as I heard that exercise science was becoming a major at Drexel, I knew I wanted to join," shares Zach Jordan, BS exercise science '26. During his high school years, Jordan was an avid basketball player, but a series of ankle injuries led him to seek physical therapy treatment. During this difficult recovery experience, Jordan became interested in studying exercise science so he could help other players treat and prevent injury. “Everything we are learning in this bachelors’ program feels applicable to my exercise regimens, athletics and real life,” says Jordan.

For students like Jordan, CNHP's new exercise science program in the Health Sciences Department sets itself apart with a curriculum that is innovative and adapted to current trends in exercise science and sports medicine. The program includes inclusive physical activity courses to prepare students for working with people who live with cognitive or physical impairments, an aging in exercise course that focuses on special issues with this growing and key demographic and a technology and advances in exercise science course that covers many of the new and innovative ways we interface technology and physical activity. Our program also features an Exercise is Medicine course that highlights how to integrate principles of exercise in basic health and wellness care following the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine initiative on campus.

Jordan says he is excited to be one of the first members of this degree program and he looks forward to carving a new path for himself and others at CNHP. The practical co-op opportunities, specialized research and simulation labs and the senior research capstone course allow students like Jordan to gain real-world immersive experiences. The exercise science program is housed in the new Health Sciences Building, which features interdisciplinary labs and state-of-the-art equipment used for teaching and research. “The new building is really cool,” Jordan attests. “I am excited to use the same equipment and procedures that industry professionals use and gain that knowledge and experience while still in school.”

Throughout their program, exercise science students will receive a well-rounded experience in the many applications of physical activity and exercise lifestyle programs for the betterment of health and wellness. In collaboration with our academic advisors and exercise science faculty, who are active researchers in their field, students can tailor their exercise science degree to meet the needs of a variety of graduate programs or professional careers, as well as become certified with professional organizations and licensing agencies.

“After I graduate, I plan to pursue a career in athletic training,” Jordan shares. “I want to work for a big team, like the Phillies or Eagles. I am really happy with this exercise acience program so far because I know I am being prepared to be a leader in my field.”

Written by Izzy López