| 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 that demonstrate expertise in exercise physiology and exercise testing and prescription for future careers in academia, sports, healthcare, and rehabilitation.
During the first two years (freshman and sophomore), students take courses from the areas of English, mathematics, history and social, physical, and biological sciences.
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.). During the last two years students are involved in many laboratory-related classes (e.g. exercise prescription, instrumentation, and practicum I). Additionally, during a student’s last semester, he/she is required to complete a supervised internship (e.g. practicum II & III) at a site external, typically, to Southern Arkansas University (e.g. wellness clinic, sports program, exercise testing laboratory, or cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation program).
Finally, upon graduation, we recommend that students pursue exercise science certification/registration from the American College of Sports Medicine. The recommended exams from the American College of Sports Medicine are the Health and Fitness Specialist exam or the Clinical Exercise Specialist exam.
Learning Goals
- Our graduates can communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. 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
Exercise Science is a dynamic educational program that incorporates health related fitness programming and clinical experiences. A student in Exercise Science has a wide variety of professional opportunities, including personal training, exercise leadership, program direction, and clinical careers in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Students meet the eligibility requirements to take the American College of Sports Medicine’s certification exams (health and fitness specialists and/or clinical exercise specialist) during their last semester of coursework. The program requirements also allow students to continue educational pursuits at the graduate level, if desired. To obtain a bachelor of science degree with a major in Exercise Science, the student must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the major, student must have a C or better in all major requirements including major electives and complete the pattern of courses listed on the following page. Complete one of the following exams and report the results to PSCI 4676/4686 Practicum II/III instructor of record is a requirement for graduation. American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer (CPT); Certified Health Fitness Specialist (HFS); National Strength and Condition Association or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
University Requirement – 2 hours
GSTD 1002 Freshman Seminar
General Education – 35 hours (pre-professional emphasis must include BIOL 1203/1201, CHEM 1013/1011 or CHEM 1023/1021, MATH 1023 or higher, and PSYC2003)
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
HKR 3653 Leadership in HKR
HKR 4323 Organization and Administration in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation
HS 1403 Personal and Community Health
HS 2413 First Aid and 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 1102/1101 Introduction to Computing/Lab
EDUC 2023 K-12 Education Technology
IS 1003 Introduction to Computers
Exercise Science majors select one of the two major emphasis areas below:
Pre-Professional Emphasis – 18 hours
BIOL 1213/1211 Principles of Biology II/Lab
BIOL 2063/2061 Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
BIOL 2073/2071 Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
ESCI 3032 Therapy and Rehabilitation
PHYS 2003/2001 College Physics I/Lab
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
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.
