Exercise Science

Prepare for a career in sports and fitness! Our program can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities—everything from entry-level wellness and personal training to a specialized career in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports medicine.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Exercise Science
Exercise Science: Health, Fitness, and Sports

Personal Training
Personal Training: Advanced

SCC Program Description

At SCC, we believe our students benefit from more hands-on experience with personal training clients, whether they want to work with athletes or become physical therapists. This professional experience will put you ahead of your peers in the competition for graduate school spots & future jobs!

Students can customize their educational experiences at SCC to achieve their professional goals. We offer both Personal Training certificates and degrees in Exercise Science, with some that “stack” into one another.

Your best first step is to schedule an appointment with the Exercise Science directors, who can help you find the best certificate or degree fit for your professional goals!

“Earn While You Learn” with our Fast Track program!

The Exercise Science and Personal Training programs at Scottsdale Community College provide you with a high-quality educational experience, where you can earn while you learn through our Fast Track certificate program.

What do we mean when we say earn while you learn? Our Fast Track Personal Trainer certificate can be completed in 1-2 semesters, opening the door for you to start working hands-on with clients within 6-9 months.

You can then earn income working with clients in the field of your interest while you continue your “learning journey” within the Exercise Science profession. Thus, you are earning while you are learning!

Unique Opportunities for You at SCC

One goal of the SCC Exercise Science & Personal Training program is to provide students with the best opportunities to build professional experience, develop leadership potential, and have a positive impact on others.

These experiences can make a real difference in your professional development and can set you apart from your peers… plus they can bring a lot of personal benefits too!

Check out some of the unique opportunities that SCC’s Exercise Science & Personal Training program has to offer you:

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a world leader in all things Exercise Science, and this organization has developed a program called Exercise is Medicine - On Campus.

The SCC Exercise Science & Personal Training program, along with our students, has consistently worked to achieve Silver Status recognition from the ACSM in our effort to make the SCC campus, its students, and the community healthier through exercise.

Join our effort to make our campus and community a healthier place by taking regular exercise medicine!

The Forever Fit Project is a great example of SCC applying the Exercise is Medicine concept to the community.

Forever Fit is an 8-week fitness, nutrition, & wellness program for Scottsdale Seniors, where SCC Personal Training interns work one-on-one with clients at the SCC Fitness Center over the course of the program. Personal Training interns can also be a part of the group exercise & nutrition components.

Join our effort to make our campus and community a healthier place by taking regular exercise medicine!

The Forever Fit Project is a great example of SCC applying the Exercise is Medicine concept to the community.

The SCC Exercise Science & Personal Training program offers an internship with SCC Athletic Training for students who want hands-on experience working with athletes.

You can get hands-on experience learning athletic training techniques as well as how to help athletes get back on the field with rehabilitation exercises.

Students in the SCC Exercise Science & Personal Training program are eligible to save over $1000 on the NASM national personal training certification. SCC is the only Maricopa Community College where this opportunity is available!

The national personal training certificate opens the door for students to start working in fitness centers, sports performance facilities, and so much more!

Take the fast track into the exercise science profession and start earning while you continue learning!

Clients often turn to their trainers for nutrition advice, whether they are working with athletes or just trying to help someone lose weight.

SCC is the only community college to offer a Nutrition Certificate for Personal Trainers & Coaches. This credential provides you with a scientific understanding of nutrition, which you can apply to create weight-loss/muscle-building programs or to fuel athletic performance.

This knowledge can help you work more effectively with clients to get the results they are looking for.

The award-winning SCC Fitness & Nutrition Club (FNC) is an opportunity for students in SCC’s Exercise Science, Personal Training, & Nutrition program to connect with peers.

You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our campus and to develop your leadership skills. Getting involved with FNC initiatives is a great way to make your resume stand out!

Join us at our Fall Open House

The SCC Exercise Science, Personal Training, & Nutrition program is hosting an open house for all incoming and interested students.

Date: Wednesday, July 29

Time: 4 - 6 pm

Location: SCC Fitness & Wellness Center (FWC)

Room: Fitness & Wellness 527 (FW 527)

You can connect with us via email and get signed up for the open house by completing the Request Information form below.

Request Information

Looking for more information about health and fitness programs? Fill out the interest form below, and we'll be in touch soon.

Exercise Science

Associate Degrees and University Transfer

Certificates