Exercise Science Major

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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.

Major Requirements

Exercise Science majors may choose either a BA or a BS degree. Both degrees require the same Foundations, Elective, Seminar, and Capstone course work. The Supporting Courses requirement is different for the two degrees. Please refer to the Supporting Courses section below for specific detail.

Foundation Courses:

Biology

Exercise Science

Internship/Research

Choose one internship or research experience:

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

Supporting Courses (dependent on chosen degree):

Supporting course requirements are dependent on a student’s chosen degree path.

ALL students: One course in statistics is required.
BS degree students: Two courses in both chemistry and physics are required.
BA degree students: One course each in chemistry and physics is required.

Statistics

Chemistry

Physics

Elective Courses:

Four elective courses are required from the list below or other courses (including ACTC) with approval of the Exercise Science program director.

BIOL 3050 - Principles of Genetics (with Lab)
BIOL 3060 - Principles of Cell Biology (with Lab)
EXSC 3980 - Special Topics (Motor Control and Learning)
EXSC 5510 - Advanced Exercise Physiology: Clinical Applications
MATH 1170 - Calculus I
INDI 2220 - Medical Terminology (ACTC course through St. Kates)

Exercise Science Seminar:

Capstone:

EXSC 5950 - Senior Capstone

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 hours 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.