Exercise Science

Part of the Education Division

Exercise Science is one major offering within the Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Recreation program.  This Major in Exercise Science is designed for students considering a career in Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or similar.  Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy require additional graduate degrees and successful completion of national exams in their respective fields.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved:

  1. Understand and apply fundamental concepts of Exercise Science
         Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying anatomical, physiological and biomechanical concepts and principles relating to Exercise Science for both the enhancement of long-term health and wellbeing and for enhancing athletic performance.
         Demonstrate basic concepts and principles relating to motor behavior enabling them to know how humans best learn motor skills and how to teach motor skills to others
         Demonstrate and communicate the role of exercise science in society
         Assess, design and implement a safe and effective exercise prescription to improve health and performance
         Apply knowledge in a real world setting, integrating ethical standards and an appreciation of diversity in their professional lives.
  2. Effectively communicate through oral and written means, in both one-on-one and group settings
         Develop communication skills (oral and written), interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, technological skills, and reflective skills necessary to enhance scholarly pursuits and become lifelong learners within the disciplines of exercise science
         Demonstrate proficiency in communication in written laboratory and topical reports
         Demonstrate proficiency in communication through presentations in a classroom environment
         Demonstrate proficiency in their Senior Study, which will reflect their area of interest and remain consistent with the student’s long-term vocation goals
  3. Respect persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds
         Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds
         Demonstrate the ability to modify and adapt exercise programming for   inclusion of all peoples in the promotion of lifetime health and wellness.
  4. Commitment to open-minded inquiry and lifelong learning to maintain best practice in the profession
         Demonstrate an adequate level of personal physical fitness
         Participate in professional organizations and meetings
         Demonstrate the ability to evaluate scientific literature in the discipline, understand and synthesize relevant information, and be able to convey this information both orally and in writing
         Pursue Graduate degrees in related fields, such as Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Allied Health.

The Major in Exercise Science consists of 67 credit hours and includes the following courses:

    PHR 101: Human Health and Development (3 hrs.)
    PHR 177: Community First Aid and CPR (1 hr.)
    PHR 219: Principles of Human Nutrition (3 hrs.)
    PHR 231: Motor Development and Motor Learning (2 hrs.)
    PHR 311: Athletic Training (3 hrs.)
    PHR 321: Physical Education and Recreation for Special Populations (3 hrs.)
    PHR 332: Kinesiology (3 hrs.)
    PHR 341: Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (3 hrs.)
    PHR 343: Practicum (3 hrs.)
    PHR 345: Physiology of Exercise (3 hrs.)
    PHR 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
    BIO 115: Cell Biology (4 hrs.)
    BIO 217: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 hrs.)
    BIO 218: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 hrs.)
    Either of the following courses:
       BIO 221: Genetics (4 hrs.)
       or
       BIO 412: Animal Physiology (4 hrs.)
    CHM 121: Principles of Chemistry I (4 hrs.)
    CHM 122: Principles of Chemistry II (4 hrs.)
    PHY 101: College Physics I (4 hrs.)
    PHY 102: College Physics II (4 hrs.)
    PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.) 

American Red Cross certifications in Standard First Aid and Community CPR are required as part of the major.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.