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.
What is a Human Performance and Fitness degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BS in Human Performance and Fitness?
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.
Hands-on learning
Classes offer labs or practical knowledge, providing diverse experiential learning opportunities.
Real-world experience
Program includes internship, client-based design class and optional health coaching.
Path to graduate school
This program aims to prepare students to work in the fitness industry or continue on to Occupational Therapy school.
Excellent fitness facilities
Our updated Wellness and Recreation Center on campus houses a variety of sporting events and equipment for any fitness needs.
What you’ll learn in your Human Performance and Fitness program
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.
- Optimize performance and health through program and design
- Assess health and fitness, prescribe appropriate exercise and performance
- Identify physiological changes and adaptation relating to exercise
- Study the relationship between food and the human body
Explore Human Performance and Fitness courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 55-59 credits in Human Performance and Fitness, 22-26 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| 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 |
How much does a degree in BS in Human Performance and Fitness cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 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.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Human Performance and Fitness students?
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.
Human performance and fitness faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
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.
Are there scholarships available for BS in Human Performance and Fitness?
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.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
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.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
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.
Transfer credits
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.
Focus on your career. Not debt.
"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
What’s on campus for Human Performance and Fitness students?
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.
Campus engagement shapes professional life
“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
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Human Performance and Fitness?
Here are the admissions requirements for our Human Performance and Fitness program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED.
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5.
- You must provide an official high school transcript.
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Human Performance and Fitness degree?
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.
Potential job titles
- Performance Enhancement Specialist
- Fitness Program Manager
- Health and Wellness Coordinator
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Corporate Wellness Consultant
- Lifestyle Coach
Potential employment settings
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Corporate wellness programs
- Healthcare facilities
- Sports teams and organizations
- Educational institutions
- Rehabilitation centers
Traits of a Human Performance and Fitness graduate
- Dynamic
- Practical
- Versatile
- Wellness-centered
- Motivated
- Strong communication
Industry Facts
- Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14 percent by 2032.
- Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 19 percent by 2032.
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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