Exercise Science Major General Information

A degree in Exercise Science is designed to give students a life span approach to physical fitness, performance and health and to prepare them for a career in the allied-health field. Courses are designed to expand upon information provided in the basic sciences of anatomy/physiology and chemistry. By design students learn about the effects of physical activity on children, then young adults, followed by geriatric populations. Course work also includes basic pharmacology for the health professional, testing and measurements in fitness, and electrocardiography. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to provide students the laboratory and personal experiences needed to complete certification examinations offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Certifications Available

Certification offered by ACSM is divided into a clinical tract and a health/fitness tract. In the clinical tract, students may get certification as an Exercise Technologist, Exercise Specialist, or a Program Director. In the health/fitness tract, certification includes Exercise Leader, Health/Fitness Instructor, or Health/Fitness Director. In addition, ACSM is providing certification as an Advanced Personal Trainer or for those working in Exercise and the Older Adult.

Certification offered by the NSCA includes Advanced Personal Trainer and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Facilities

The Exercise Science program utilizes the McPherson Center for Human Wellness Facilities for teaching, as well as an additional testing laboratory which consists of an ECG monitor and treadmill, metabolic equipment, cycle ergometers, and heart rate monitors.

Careers

A career in the allied-health field is a relatively new domain. With health-care reform, the need for individuals closely allied with the medical profession appears to be emerging. Careers in the allied-health field include: commercial, corporate and community wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation programs, coaching, and secondary education. Students are encouraged but not required to complete a certification exam upon completion of their program of study.

Graduate Study

The Exercise Science program is designed for students wishing to further their careers by continuing on to graduate study. The curriculum meets many of the graduate level admissions requirements for a Master's degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. Students wishing to go into Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy are encouraged to review the specific requirements of the program/school as the Exercise Science degree may not meet each institutions requirements. Students wishing to pursue a medical degree should seek guidance to ensure fulfillment of pre-med prerequisites.

Academic Courses

Required course work for Exercise Science includes the following. Currently there is no minor in Exercise Science.

Exercise Science Major

Required Courses

ES 230 Intro. to Pharmacology
ES 260 Growth and Physical Activity
ES 333 Physiology of Human

Performance

ES 334 Strength Physiology

Reconditioning

ES 410 Health Appraisal
ES 475W SCE in Exercise Science
ES 499 Internship in Exercise Science
24 hours

Elective Courses (TWO of the following)

ES 340 Corporate Wellness
ES 360 Motor Control/Learning
ES 400 Environment & Human Performance
ES 420 Wellness in Special Populations
ES 485 Independent Research
ES 498 Internship (internal)
PY 230 Motivation
6 hours

Departmental Courses

AT 115 Intro. to Sports Medicine
PE 305 Kinesiology
PE 310 Biomechanics
10 hours

Extra-Departmental Courses

BI 110 Anatomy/Physiology
BI 111 Anatomy/Physiology
CH 110 General Chemistry
CH 111 General Chemistry
PY 102 Intro. to Psychology
MA 123 Elementary Statistics
22 hours
Total = 62 hours