Lake Erie College Exercise Science Major Approved by Higher Learning Commission

Lake Erie College is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science major has received official approval from both the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), marking a significant milestone in the College’s continued investment in high-quality, career-focused academic programs.

The HLC is an independent accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC's approval affirms that Lake Erie College’s Exercise Science major meets nationally recognized standards for higher education, as well as rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and student success.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education’s approval confirms that the program meets state-level requirements and aligns with Ohio’s standards for quality and workforce relevance.

“The Commission’s approval of our program reflects the strength of all the academic programs at Lake Erie College, as well as our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Lake Erie College President Jennifer N. Schuller. “The Exercise Science major is a powerful example of how Lake Erie College combines academic rigor with hands-on learning opportunities.”

The Exercise Science program features a strong core curriculum, along with the opportunity for students to select one or more concentrations, including Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Pre-Allied Health. The major is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths and graduate degree programs in areas such as exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, personal fitness training, health education and promotion, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, and more.

“We are excited to be able to offer this major that has been requested by current and prospective students for the past several years,” said Associate Provost and Dean of the School of STREAMS, Dr. John Tedesco. “This program will allow us to meet the academic interest of a broader range of students and further enhance our partnerships locally and across our region.”

The degree program is structured to prepare students to sit for certification exams from gold-standard associations in the fields of exercise and sports science upon graduation. These certifications include those of the Certified Exercise Physiologists® (ACSM-EP®) through the American College of Sports Medicine® (ACSM) and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association® (NSCA). Lake Erie College's Exercise Science degree program is recognized by NSCA's Education Recognition Program (ERP), distinguishing programs with approved and standardized strength and conditioning curricula designed to prepare students for NSCA’s CSCS® certification exam.

LEC's Exercise Science degree program is currently in the process of completing the accreditation application for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES), as well as for the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).

This new approval comes as Lake Erie College has begun offering additional new majors in data science, cybersecurity, and nutrition. For more information, contact the Office of Admission.