In NEC’s BA in Exercise Science program, you will develop the ability to analyze movement, design and implement exercise programs, and communicate effectively in professional settings. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and ethical professional behavior, preparing graduates for careers in fitness and wellness or for advanced study in fields such as athletic training, rehabilitation, or strength and conditioning.
When you enroll in NEC’s BA in Exercise Science program, you’ll learn from professionals in the field who instruct in the classroom and mentor in real-world work settings. You’ll analyze theory and apply your knowledge, with a focus on developing the skills to be an effective leader and facilitator in various human movement-related settings. Each student participates in a field experience, matching individual student career goals or broadening potential career interests with placements in professional settings on and off campus. Here are some recent examples:
Students in NEC’s BA in Exercise Science program will learn to:
Over the last 15 years, the college has received $4 million in NH-INBRE and NH-LIFT grants to support faculty and student research in the natural and social sciences.
Four faculty and 13 students from New England College (NEC) presented research at the 2025 New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) Annual Meeting and the NH-LIFT Annual Meeting, both held at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in August.
For more than a decade, NEC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) has been quietly helping students embark on their science and healthcare careers. Each summer, students do real research and present their work at the NH-INBRE Conference.
Right: Professor James Newcomb and NEC students at the NH-INBRE Annual Meeting
New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.
NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and two doctoral degree programs, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.
At NEC, the world is your classroom.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by US News & World Report, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best ten colleges in NH, as acknowledged by Research.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in the Northeast, as acknowledged by Research.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
Students interested in earning an MS in Exercise Science can take advantage of New England College’s admission agreement with Colby-Sawyer College.
Graduates of NEC’s BA in Exercise Science who meet admissions criteria will be automatically accepted for admission into the Colby-Sawyer College MS in Exercise Science program. Graduates will receive discounted tuition and can choose from the following concentrations:
Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum
LAS 1000: First-Year Seminar
WR 1010: Composition OR approved LAS Writing course
MT 1100: Quantitative Reasoning
LAS 1 (LAS 1110): The Natural Environment—Understanding Our Place in the Natural World
LAS 2 (LAS 1120): The Civic Environment—Democratic Values
LAS 3 (LAS 2110): Creative Arts
LAS 4 (LAS 2120): Social Sciences
LAS 5 (LAS 2130): Natural and Biological Sciences
LAS 6 (LAS 2140): Humanities
LAS 7 (LAS 3110): Global Perspectives
Exercise Science Core
EX 1110: Introduction to Exercise Science
BI 1011: Human Biology
BI 2030: Anatomy and Physiology 1
BI 2040: Anatomy and Physiology 2
EX 2280: Structural Kinesiology
EX 3180: Biomechanics
EX 3850: Field Experience in Exercise Science
EX 4410: Exercise Physiology
EX 4320: Exercise Testing and Prescription
EX 4000: Exercise Science Capstone
Electives
KI 2010: First Aid/CPR/AED
KI 2130: Psychology of Sport and Movement
KI 2140: Motor Behavior
KI 2150: Wellness Concepts
KI 3190: Adapted Physical Activity
KI 3140: Sports Nutrition
KI 3120: Sport in the Global Society
KI 1170: Positive Coaching of Youth Sports
KI 2020: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer
KI 2110: Care and Prevention of Injuries
KI 2420: Women in Sport: Historical and Contemporary Issues
KI 3150: Fitness Programming and Assessment
KI 4710: Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation
KI 3990: Topics in Kinesiology
KI 4910: Internship in Kinesiology
CH 2110: General Chemistry I
PH 2210: General Physics I
BI 1110: General Biology I
MT 1600: Algebra and Trigonometry
MT 2310: Statistics
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Office: Science Building 213C
Phone: 603.428.2391
Email: hnelson@nec.edu
Recent Publications
Educational Background
PhD in Health and Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology, University of Mississippi
MS in Exercise Science: Human Performance, Liberty University
BS in Exercise Science: Pre-Professional, Liberty University
Research Interests
Dr. Nelson’s research interests span across many areas of exercise physiology and kinesiology, including sports performance, exercise for health and well-being, and fitness assessments. Most recently, Hannah’s research has focused on exercise accessibility including very low volume, high-intensity exercise and the populations that may benefit from it, including esports athletes, rural communities, and laborious occupations. Hannah has research experience and interest in nutrition, hydration, fitness assessment, sport science, strength and conditioning, youth athletes, older adults, tactical populations, sports psychology, and clinical populations.
Bio
Dr. Hannah Nelson came to New England College in 2023 after finishing her PhD and teaching at the University of Mississippi. At NEC, Hannah teaches exercise physiology, nutrition, wellness, and other kinesiology classes. Outside of teaching, she has worked in a wide variety of kinesiology areas including corporate wellness, coaching, group fitness, personal training, health coaching, and consulting. Hannah is a reviewer for several scholarly journals within kinesiology, has six peer-reviewed publications, and is the co-author on over 35 presentations at research conferences. Hannah’s most recent research has been primarily investigating the impact of very low duration, high-intensity exercise on esports performance and health outcomes. In 2024, Hannah’s lab was funded by the National Institutes of Health NH INBRE program, which provides paid research opportunities for students. Hannah also has students completing research funded by the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Outside of academia, Hannah teaches group fitness classes at the local YMCA and spends her free time hiking, reading, lifting weights, and listening to music.
The study of Exercise Science can lead to many exciting career options dedicated to improving physical health and performance. NEC’s Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science program can help you discover your path in this wide-ranging field. Learn how we can help you begin your professional journey.