The Human Body: A Reflection of God’s Design
At Northwest University, we believe the human body is one of God’s most remarkable creations. The Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science helps you explore that design while preparing for a meaningful career promoting health, wellness, and human performance.
This program combines the study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and health promotion with a holistic understanding of people as physical, emotional, and spiritual beings. It’s a degree built for students who see wellness not only as a career but as a calling—to help others live strong, balanced, and faithful lives.
Explore the science of movement, wellness, and service—through the lens of faith.
A Broader Approach to Exercise Science
The BA in Exercise Science offers the same scientific foundation as the BS, but with greater flexibility and an emphasis on the human and relational side of movement. While the BS focuses more on advanced science and laboratory work—preparing students for clinical or research careers—the BA provides a broader, liberal arts perspective. You’ll still study the body in depth, but you’ll also explore communication, coaching, psychology, and leadership.
This approach prepares you for diverse careers in wellness, ministry, education, community health, and holistic fitness—fields where understanding and caring for people is as important as understanding physiology.
What You’ll Learn
As a student in the BA in Exercise Science, you’ll gain a strong foundation in:
- Human Biology – the structure and function of the human body
- Exercise and Health Psychology – how motivation and mindset affect performance and well-being
- Kinetic Anatomy – how movement patterns influence strength, coordination, and efficiency
- Nutrition and Wellness – how to fuel the body for health and vitality
- Health Promotion – applying knowledge to guide others toward lifelong wellness
You’ll also explore faith integration, ethics, and human flourishing—learning to see health and movement as acts of stewardship and service.
Faith and the Study of Movement
The BA in Exercise Science is built on a biblical understanding of wholeness. We believe that to study the body is to appreciate God’s handiwork—and to serve others through health and movement is to participate in His restorative work.
Through your coursework and experiences, you’ll learn to:
- Approach the body as sacred, designed with purpose and precision.
- Integrate Christian ethics and compassion into health and wellness practice.
- Serve communities through fitness, education, or ministry with excellence.
Your studies will prepare you not just to enter a career, but to lead a life of impact—helping others experience the strength and balance God intends for them.
Career Pathways and Graduate Preparation
Graduates of the BA in Exercise Science go on to careers that combine science, communication, and service.
You may find yourself working in:
- Wellness Coaching and Corporate Health
- Community and Public Health Education
- Sports or Recreation Leadership
- Fitness and Personal Training
- Church or Nonprofit Wellness Ministry
- Graduate Study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, health administration, or counseling
Because of its interdisciplinary flexibility, the BA is an excellent foundation for students interested in health-related fields that value both scientific knowledge and people-centered skills.
Why Choose Northwest University
When you study Exercise Science at NU, you join a community that believes learning is both intellectual and spiritual formation. You’ll study alongside professors who are committed Christians and experienced scientists, mentors who help you connect your faith to your profession.
Small classes mean you’ll be known personally. You’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn through internships, service projects, and real-world practice. And because this is a liberal arts degree, you’ll graduate not only with technical knowledge but also with the communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that employers value.
Take the Next Step
If you’re passionate about helping others live healthier, more purposeful lives, the BA in Exercise Science at Northwest University will equip you to do just that.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BS focuses more heavily on science and lab-based research, preparing students for clinical or technical careers. The BA emphasizes a broader liberal arts foundation, with greater flexibility to explore wellness, education, coaching, or ministry. Both degrees study human movement and health—but the BA approaches these topics with a wider, people-centered lens.
Yes. The BA includes core science courses in Chemistry, Human Biology, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology. The difference is that it balances those studies with coursework in communication, leadership, ethics, and wellness. You’ll graduate with both scientific understanding and the interpersonal skills to apply it effectively.
Faith is integrated throughout the program. You’ll study how the body reflects God’s design, how caring for others through movement aligns with Christian service. Our goal is to form graduates who combine technical competence with compassion and purpose.
BA graduates often pursue careers in community health, wellness coordination, corporate fitness, coaching, recreation management, or church-based health ministry. Many also pursue graduate degrees in health administration, counseling, or education.
Yes. The BA prepares students for a variety of graduate programs in exercise science, health promotion, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other health-related fields. Advisors can help you choose electives to meet specific graduate program requirements.
Not at all. This program is for anyone passionate about health, movement, and service. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, future educator, or aspiring healthcare provider, the BA will help you develop a deeper understanding of the body and how to help others thrive.
Through courses and internships, you’ll practice applying what you learn in community and ministry settings. You’ll have opportunities to promote wellness, lead programs, and serve others—living out your faith by helping people care for their bodies as God’s creation.
Yes. Many BA students choose to pair Exercise Science with minors in Psychology, Biblical Studies, or Business to prepare for leadership, education, or counseling roles. The BA’s flexible structure makes it easy to tailor your degree to your goals.
Stories from CAST
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog