| Department: | Human Performance and Sport Sciences / College of Education and Human Performance |
| Hours Required: | 120 |
| Categories: | Major, Minor, Undergraduate |
| Delivery: | On-Campus |
The aim of the Exercise Science program of study is to prepare well-rounded graduates who demonstrate expertise in exercise physiology and exercise testing and prescription for future careers in academia, sports, healthcare, and rehabilitation. This degree path prepares students for careers in the diverse field of strength & conditioning including but not limited to personal training, becoming a certified strength coach, operating a fitness or skill development business, strength coaching with athletic organizations, and many more.
During the last two years (junior and senior), students take courses predominately in the area of exercise science (e.g. kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, etc.) and are involved in many laboratory-related classes (e.g. exercise prescription, instrumentation, and practicum I). Additionally, during a student’s last semester, the student is required to complete a supervised internship (e.g. ESCI Internship I & II) at an approved site that is directly related to their major and career path.
Learning Goals
- Our graduates can communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
- Our graduates demonstrate an understanding of professionalism and ethical practice Exercise Science.
- Our graduates can think critically, solve problems and make informed decisions.
- Our graduates utilize information technology to enhance learning, professional development and improve client health status.
- Our graduates understand Exercise Science content and are able to demonstrate the necessary skills to enter the workforce as a personal trainer or health professional.
- AT 3013 Therapeutic Exercise
- AT 3023 Strength and Conditioning
- ESCI 3003 Psychology of Motor Learning and Development
- ESCI 3043 Nutrition and Human Performance
- ESCI 4333 Instrumentation and Physiological Assessment
- ESCI 4363 Exercise Prescription and Fitness Program
- ESCI 4652 Exercise Science Practicum I
Major in Exercise Science (BS)
120 hours
The Exercise Science degree program combines coursework with experiential learning to ensure our students excel in a variety of professional and fitness settings. In this major, students develop theoretical knowledge that allows graduates to be prepared for postbaccalaureate programs and/or professional schools in physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, athletic training, occupational therapy, and occupational therapy assistant among others. Additionally, students may choose to follow a career in fitness and strength and conditioning. Two emphasis tracks are available to allow the student to obtain a more career-focused content. The program is based upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
To obtain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Exercise Science, the student must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50, earn a minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the major, and earn a C or better in all core courses in the major and complete the pattern of courses listed.
University Requirement (2 Hours)
- GSTD 1002 – Freshman Seminar
General Education (35 Hours)
Click here to see the General Education Curriculum
Major Requirements (65 Hours)
- AT 3013 – Therapeutic Exercise
- AT 3023 – Strength and Conditioning
- ESCI 3003 – Motor Learning and Development
- ESCI 3043 – Nutrition and Human Performance
- ESCI 4023 – Applied Statistics
- ESCI 4333 – Instrumentation and Physiological Assessment
- ESCI 4363 – Exercise Prescription and Fitness Program
- ESCI 4652 – Exercise Science Practicum I
- ESCI 4676 – Exercise Science Internship I
- ESCI 4686 – Exercise Science Internship II
- HPSS 3653 – Leadership in HPSS
- HPSS 4323 – Organization and Administration of HPSS
- HS 1403 – Personal and Community Health
- HS 2413 – First Aid & Safety/CPR
- HS 3243 – Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- HS 4013 – Adapted Kinesiology
- HS 4023 – Pharmacology in Sports
- HS 4243 – Exercise Physiology
- REC 3663 – Leisure and Aging
3 hours selected from the following:
- CSCI 1102 – Introduction to Computing and CSCI 1101 – Introduction to Computing Lab
- EDUC 2023 – K-12 Education Technology
- IS 1003 – Introduction to Computers
Strength and Conditioning Emphasis (18 Hours)
- ESCI 4033 – Trends in Strength and Conditioning
- HS 2043 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
- SM 3323 – Instructional Techniques in Coaching
- SM 3623 – Psychology of Sports
- SM 4013 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
3 hours of major electives selected from the following:
- BIOL 2003 – Nutrition and Diet
- FIN 2003 – Personal Finance
- HS 2443 – Techniques in the Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
- PSYC 3223 – Developmental Psychology
- SM 3633 – Sport Promotion and Financial Management
Total Hours – 120
Minor Requirements:
Minor in Exercise Science – 17 hours
ESCI 3003 Motor Learning and Development
ESCI 4333 Instrumentation and Physiological Assessment
ESCI 4652 Exercise Science Practicum I
HS 2043 Human Anatomy and Physiology
HS 3243 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
HS 4023 Pharmacology in Sports
Since this is a highly specialized area, it is strongly suggested that the following courses be taken as foundational course work electives: BIOL 2003, HS 1403, HS 2413, HS
4243, and HS 4023.
