Exercise Science Major

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Exercise Science (also known as Exercise Physiology) is a popular field within the natural sciences with broad and diverse research questions, academic paths, and career options. For example, understanding the effects of inactivity on the health and wellness in people of all ages is becoming increasingly important, given the impact of inactivity, poor nutrition, and overweight/obesity on chronic disease risk and mortality. In addition, ways to improve athletic performance, optimize training adaptations and recovery from exercise, and reduce injury risk are important areas of human performance research. Exercise Scientists study these questions and apply what they learn to improve health, wellness, athletic performance, injury prevention, and injury recovery. They do so by becoming physical therapists, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, biomechanists, professors, researchers, rehabilitation specialists, wellness specialists, and other specialties within the field.

The Exercise Science major is designed to prepare students for pursuing professional studies in Physical Therapy, graduate studies in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics, entry into Athletic Training, Cardiac Rehabilitation or related specialized Masters-level programs, or for successful careers in the health and wellness area. The program is in the Biology Department and is solidly based in the natural sciences, thus meeting the prerequisites for most graduate or professional programs. Students interested in pursuing professional programs or graduate school should see the notes section after the course requirements below.

Contact: Lisa Ferguson-Stegall, PhD

Major Requirements

Biology - Two 4-credit courses:

Anatomy and Physiology - Two 4-credit courses:

Exercise Physiology - One 4 credit course:

EXSC 3510 - Exercise Physiology

Chemistry - One to two 4-credit courses:

Physics - Two 4-credit courses:

Statistics - One 4-credit course:

Internship/Research - One course (credits vary):

EXSC 3990: Internship or
EXSC 4010: Collaborative Research or
EXSC 5010: Departmental Honors

Senior Seminar - One 4-credit course:

EXSC 5950 - Senior Seminar (taken during senior year)

Electives - Four 4-credit courses:

Choose four courses from the following:

EXSC 3630 - Prevention and Management of Athletic Injuries
EXSC 3980 - Special Topics: Nutrition for Health, Wellness, and Performance
EXSC 3980 - Special Topics: Motor Control and Learning
ESXC 3980 - Special Topics: Applied Biomechanics and Kinesiology
EXSC 5630 - Advanced Techniques in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
EXSC 5510 - Advanced Exercise Physiology: Clinical Applications
INDI 2220: Scientific/Medical Terminology (online through St. Kates)
MATH 1170 - Calculus I

Notes

For students interested in Pre-Physical Therapy & other professional programs such as Cardiac Rehab, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, etc.:

The course requirements for the major are designed to meet the basic requirements for admission to PT and other professional programs. However, it is crucial that you consult specific programs of interest to verify their specific requirements. Additional requirements can be fulfilled through non-major elective courses. Pre-PT students are strongly encouraged to take Calculus I and Medical Terminology, as these are required for many programs. Pre- PT majors are strongly encouraged to take General Psychology (PSY 1330), Abnormal Psychology (PSY 1480), and Lifespan Development (PSY 1440). Most programs require some combination of these courses. Check your specific program for details.

Pre-PT Internship requirements: Most programs require a minimum of 100 hrs of observation and experience in a variety of physical therapy settings. Therefore, an internship experience is essential.

For students interested in pursuing graduate school (Masters or PhD):

It is a good idea to check your programs of interest to be sure that you are satisfying all their requirements for admission. The course requirements for the major are designed to meet the basic requirements for admission, but each program often has a prerequisite that may be different from the others. Also, research experience is usually a requirement.