| 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 (Pre-Professional) 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 in the areas of English, mathematics, history, and social, physical, and biological sciences.
During the last two years (junior and senior), students will take courses predominately in the area of exercise science (e.g. kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, etc.). During the last two years, students will be involved in many laboratory-related classes (e.g. exercise prescription, instrumentation, and practicum I). Additionally, students will be required to complete a supervised internship (e.g. Internship II & III) at a site external, typically, to Southern Arkansas University (e.g. wellness clinic, sports performance center, exercise testing laboratory, or cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation program).
Career Opportunities
Students with a B.S. in Exercise Science work in a variety of settings/careers such as being a personal trainer with a fitness facility, working with athletes in sports programs, performing physical assessments for employment/disability, and working in cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. A B.S. in Exercise Science is also a good choice for preparation (background) for professional and graduate programs (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, etc.). However, many of these programs may require additional coursework (e.g. advanced physics, anatomy/physiology, chemistry, etc.) not covered within this program. For additional career opportunities/exploration you are encouraged to visit the American College of Sports Medicine’s website.
Educational Opportunities
In addition to coursework, students in all HPSS programs, including exercise science, are encouraged to assist with community activities such as the Special Olympics, fishing derbies, departmental programs, and area school programs. The coeducational environment at SAU allows students to experience a variety of activities and sports that will be helpful in identifying their career goals and philosophy. The Department of HPSS offers its majors opportunities to be involved in exercise and fitness testing, wellness programs, activities, and lifetime sports.
Facilities
The facilities of the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences are among the finest in the region. The W.T. Watson Sports Complex was completed in 1998. This facility houses a fully-equipped wellness and fitness center, classrooms, two gymnasiums, an athletic training room, and an exercise science laboratory; also known as the Kinesiology Laboratory.
Kinesiology Laboratory
The Kinesiology Laboratory is equipped with a 12-lead EKG system, mechanically-braked cycle ergometers, programmable treadmills, and a variety of other equipment used in physical fitness assessments (blood pressure, strength, endurance, flexibility, body composition, etc). The laboratory is also equipped with a variety of analyzers used for measuring blood values (lactic acid, lipid profiles, glucose, etc.). Using this equipment students learn to perform tests such as VO2max, Wingate Anaerobic, repetition maximum testing, body composition assessment, flexibility, and a variety of exercise-related physiological assessments. Students may also choose to be involved in ongoing exercise-related research projects conducted within the exercise science program.
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
(Pre-professional emphasis must include BIOL 1203/BIOL 1201, CHEM 1023/CHEM 1021, MATH 1023 or higher, and PSYC 2003)
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
Pre-Professional Emphasis (18 Hours)
- BIOL 1213 – Principles of Biology II and BIOL 1211 – Principles of Biology II Lab
- BIOL 2063 – Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 2061 – Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
- BIOL 2073 – Anatomy and Physiology II and BIOL 2071 – Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
- ESCI 3032 – Therapy and Rehabilitation
- PHYS 2003 – College Physics I and PHYS 2001 – College Physics I Lab
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.
