Next semester starts 01/21/2025
The BS in Human Performance and Fitness program teaches human movement, exercise physiology and fitness through coursework, labs and internships. Learn about anatomy, biomechanics and exercise prescription using evidence-based practice and client-centered care.
Our program prioritizes hands-on learning in human performance and fitness. With a supportive community, you'll gain essential skills for success in the health and fitness industry, ready to make a meaningful impact.
Classes offer labs or practical knowledge, providing diverse experiential learning opportunities.
Program includes internship, client-based design class and optional health coaching.
This program aims to prepare students to work in the fitness industry or continue on to Occupational Therapy school.
Our updated Wellness and Recreation Center on campus houses a variety of sporting events and equipment for any fitness needs.
This program teaches you to perform fitness and health assessments and the fundamentals of proper nutrition. Learn the training and programming techniques needed for working with a variety of clients, including addressing difficult health topics.
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 240 | WI Nutrition Concepts | 3 credits |
| KIN 258 | Principles & Methods Personal Training | 3 credits |
| KIN 350 | Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning | 3 credits |
| KIN 366 | Applied Exercise Physiology | 4 credits |
| KIN 406 | Practical Application in Program Design | 3 credits |
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, including scholarships, housing, meal plans and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You'll need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
SAU offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students, including traditional dormitories to apartment-style living. The cost of your housing varies based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
Our faculty have first-hand experience working in personal training, strength and conditioning, collegiate athletics, and clinical settings. Students receive one-on-one experiences, from learning in a lab setting to preparing to work with real clients.
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
SAU believes education should be accessible to all. We offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to make college more affordable for our students so they can succeed academically and financially.
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
Students may participate in health coaching on campus through the Exercise is Medicine program. In this program, students are partnered with faculty or staff members for a semester to work on health and fitness goals. Students can also join the Kinesiology Club.
“The things that stand out the most to me were becoming a resident advisor, traveling with students and staff from the kinesiology department to Colorado to learn to ski and my involvement in the Campus Activities Board. Although none were necessarily crucial to my academic success, they were crucial to my development as a person. I learned so many life skills that transferred into how I live my life professionally, from dealing with conflict to the importance of team bonding.”
-Faith Boyd ’20, BA in Spanish and BS in Exercise Science
Here are the admissions requirements for our Human Performance and Fitness program.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
Your degree can help you reach your professional goals. SAU can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits and settings graduates of our Human Performance and Fitness program could achieve.
For more information on Human Performance and Fitness employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Fitness Trainers and Instructors and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides.
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Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
