Degrees & Certificates
Education Pathways at Western
At Western, we offer two distinct educational pathways to cater to the diverse goals of our students. Whether you're looking to begin your career in fitness or planning to transfer to a four-year institution for advanced studies in Exercise Science, we have a pathway designed to meet your needs.
1. Certificate of Fitness Leadership
The Certificate of Fitness Leadership is designed for students aiming to pursue a career as a Personal Trainer and/or Group Fitness Instructor. This program can be completed in just one year, providing students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in the fitness industry. Graduates of this program are fully prepared to sit for the nationally recognized ACE Personal Trainer and/or ACE Group Fitness certifications, enhancing their employability and career readiness.
2. Associate of Exercise Science
The Associate of Exercise Science is ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education in Exercise Science or a related field. This program is specifically tailored for those pursuing advanced degrees and careers in areas such as Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Chiropractic, Physical Education/Coaching, and Exercise Physiology.
Upon completing the Associate of Exercise Science, students transfer academically ahead of their peers, equipped with a solid foundation in the field. Many also gain valuable hands-on experience by serving as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for Exercise Physiology courses or by being hired as personal trainers or group fitness instructors at the Campus Student Recreation facilities, further enhancing their skills and credentials.
This program will provide the foundation to transfer to various four-year programs and be successful in exercise science and related fields. For students who already have a four-year degree, this two-year program provides an area of concentration in exercise science that enhances your marketability in various fitness and wellness occupations and prepares you to take national fitness certification exams. All KIN and HLED courses required for this program must be passed with a grade of C or better.
In this program students will learn the necessary skills to become a certified fitness leader and to take the national certification exams, such as those offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE exam is available through Western's Testing centers as well as their own online Testing software allowing you to complete the exam anywhere. This is an applied and participatory program where students will be applying the knowledge they learn in the classroom through classes, community projects and workplace fitness testing.