Health and Exercise Science

Health and Exercise Science

Curriculum
Transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver
Offered in the Classroom & 50% Online

Personal Trainer

Curriculum
Direct to Work, Stackable
Offered in the Classroom & 75% Online

Food, Nutrition and Wellness

Curriculum
Direct to Work, Stackable
Offered in the Classroom & 100% Online
Programs of Study

About the Program

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 Applied 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 Applied Science in Health & Exercise Science (AAS) to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  The AAS 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), HPS 2060 (Emer. Rescue, 1st Responder), along with HPS 1640 Physical Fitness Techniques & Program will be taken at MSU Denver while still being a CCD student through an inter-institutional agreement. 

Do you also want to earn your personal trainer certificate?  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, AAS, BS, MS)
  • Much faster than average occupational growth in the field of fitness trainers (15%) and (11%) growth in the field of exercise physiology. 

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.  

Academic Support

Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone.

Accreditation

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.

Available Online

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

Course & Program Fees

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.

Course Fees

The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees: 

COURSE DESCRIPTION FEE
HWE 255 Cers Pers Trainer Prep course fee 
(includes NASM curriculum and credentialing examination)
$422.00

Financial Aid Eligibility

The health and exercise science A.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. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships. There are even special scholarships available for short certificates, like our certificate in food, wellness & nutrition. Learn more about our short certificate scholarship program.

Four-Year Transfer Agreements

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 AAS 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.

Internships & Service Learning Opportunities

Work-based learning opportunities are available for students thanks to our partnership with the Denver YMCA. 

Stackable

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