Health and Exercise Science

An Associate of Science degree in Health & Exercise Science prepares students to use their knowledge to educate individuals, clients, and their communities on fitness, healthy behaviors, wellness, and appropriate food choices.
Degree & Certificate Options

Health and Exercise Science

AS
Associate of Science Degree | 60 credits
Transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver

Personal Trainer

CERT
Certificate | 9 credits
Direct to Work, Stackable
fascinating and dynamic
Easily Transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Fitness, Nutrition and Exercise Science are fascinating and dynamic, with a powerful role to play in promoting and sustaining health, fitness, and wellness.

An Associate of Science degree in Health & Exercise Science prepares students to use their knowledge to educate individuals, clients, and their communities on fitness, healthy behaviors, wellness, and appropriate food choices. 

CCD and MSU Denver have developed a transfer pathway from an Associate of Science in Health & Exercise Science (AS) to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  The AS degree can be completed in 2-years at CCD with the remaining 2-years to complete the BS degree in Exercise Science at MSU Denver.

Required Exercise Science Courses EXS 1020 (Resistance Training Techniques), ESS 3110 (Medical Topics and Injury/Illness Pathophysiology for Exercise Science), along with EXS 1640 (Physical Fitness Techniques & Programs) will be taken at MSU Denver while still being a CCD student through an inter-institutional agreement. 

CCD Health and Exercise Science student helping a patient with exercises
(NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT)
Do you also want to earn your personal trainer certificate?

CCD is a proud partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. During the first year of this program, students will also complete the courses required for the personal trainer and the food, nutrition, and wellness certificates.

Students who complete the embedded personal trainer certificate program are eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.

Program highlights:

  • Embedded certificate in food, nutrition, and wellness
  • Embedded personal trainer certificate
  • Stackable pathways (certificate, AS, BS, MS)
  • Much faster than average occupational growth in the field of fitness trainers (15%) and (11%) growth in the field of exercise physiology. 
CCD Personal Training student working with a client
Are you already a certified personal trainer?

If so, CCD can use your work experience, industry certificate, and/or applicable continuing education courses toward earning college credits.  If approved, those PLA credits can be applied towards the AAS in health and exercise science degree.

Earn college credit for what you already know by learning more about prior learning assessment (PLA). Rules and restrictions apply.

More Information About the Program

Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.

Through our partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Students who complete the embedded personal trainer certificate program are eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.

CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 50 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.

Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.

Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu

Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.

The following courses have additional fees: 

HWE 1068

View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees

The health and exercise science A.S. is eligible for federal financial aid. However, the personal trainer certificate is not eligible for federal student aid.

Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.

In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!

 There are even special scholarships available for short certificates, like our certificate in food, wellness & nutrition. Learn more about our short certificate scholarship program.

This program has an established articulation agreement with MSU Denver.

Through an articulation agreement, CCD and MSU Denver have developed a transfer pathway from an Associate of Applied Science in Health & Exercise Science (AAS) to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. The AS degree can be completed in 2-years at CCD with the remaining 2-years to complete the BS degree in Exercise Science at MSU Denver.

Work-based and internship learning opportunities are available for students thanks to our partnership with the Denver YMCA and other local employers. 

The certificates in food, nutrition and wellness, and personal training seamlessly transfer to the Associate of Science in Health and Exercise Science. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.

Faculty & Staff
Michelle L. Hoffer, RDH, MPHN
Department Chair & Professor, Health & Wellness
Kyle Bowen
Health Sciences Admissions and Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
Faisal Ahmed
Academic Advisor
Emily Good
Senior Academic Advisor
Tu Mai
Academic Support Coordinator
Cassandra Otero
Academic Advisor
Woman with chin length dark hair wearing glasses