Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science
- Hands-on experience, including a yearlong internship
- Preparation for a variety of health-related careers
- Foundation for graduate study
- Top-notch facilities, including a human physiology lab
Our exercise science program is designed for students who are interested in health and fitness and wish to pursue a career in these fields. Exercise science is the study of the way physical activity changes your body.
Hands-On Experience
Students in our exercise science program benefit from hands-on experiences both in and outside of class, including a yearlong internship.
Prepare for Graduate Study
An exercise science degree provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a variety of related fields:
- Exercise physiology
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
More About This Degree
Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, NASM-PES, CES, FMSC
Department Chair, Clinical Education Coordinator for Athletic Training Program
Students in our exercise science program have access to the equipment and facilities necessary to study athletes in even the most extreme environments:
- Human physiology lab
- Fitness center
- Dance and aerobic studios
- Biochemistry lab
Our exercise science program will prepare you to take certification exams offered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
A degree in exercise science can lead to a variety of careers:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Clinical or Corporate Wellness
- Physical or Occupational Therapy
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Program
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores
- Completed application
- Essay
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
Find Your Counselor
B.S. Exercise Science
The Exercise Science program provides students with expertise in acute and chronic changes to the body with exercise, requiring coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, exercise physiology, nutrition, research methods, disease prevention, and exercise testing and prescription. The degree culminates in two semesters of practicum experience, providing students with hands-on experience in their future careers.
Exercise Science majors must attain a minimum QPA of 2.50 in the major program to graduate. Students who do not meet these requirements will not be admitted into the program nor allowed to take upper level (300+) major courses
Exercise Science Major courses (82-83 credits):
Skills:
| ATES 111R | Weight Lifting | 1 |
| ATES 115 | Basic Aquatics | 1 |
| ATES 201 | Team Sports | 2 |
| ATES 202 | Recreational Sports | 2 |
| ATES 204 | Teaching Group Exercise | 2 |
Sciences:
| BIOL 114,114L | Microbiology for Health | 4 |
| BIOL 121, 121L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122, 122L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 121, 121L | Principles of Chemistry and Lab | 4 |
| MATH 155 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| OR | ||
| MATH 220 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Exercise Science Theory:
| ATES 210 | Anatomical Concepts | 1 |
| ATES 215 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 2 |
| ATES 221 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| ATES 225, 225L | Principles of Exercise Physiology and Lab | 4 |
| ATES 236 | Tests and Measurements | 3 |
| HPE 241 | Methods in Elementary Physical Education | 3 |
| HPE 242 | Methods in Elementary Physical Education Lab I | .5 |
| HPE 243 | Methods in Elementary Physical Education Lab II | .5 |
| PSYC 439 | Sports Psychology | 3 |
| HPE 344 | Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
| ATES 324 | Motor Learning | 2 |
| ATES 360, 360L | Exercise Testings & Prescription and Lab | 4 |
| ATES 380 | Exercise and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| ATES 424 | Organization and Administration | 3 |
| ATES 440 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| ATES 457 | Sports and Recreation Management | 3 |
| ATES 475 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| ATES 480A | Exercise Science Practicum | 3 |
| ATES 480B | Exercise Science Practicum | 3 |
| ATES 495 | Senior Seminar | .5 |
Nutrition:
| N D 112 | Nutrition I | 3 |
| N D 213 | Nutrition II | 3 |
| N D 330/331 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
Fitness Professional Track (21 hours from the following):
| PSYC 439 | Sports Psychology | 3 |
| ATES 380 | Exercise and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| ATES 450 | Sports and Recreation Management | 3 |
| ATES 475 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| ATES 499 | Independent Study | 3 |
| *Electives | 6 | |
| BUS 111 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 123 | Management and Career Options | 3 |
| BUS 131 | Accounting I | 3 |
| BUS 425 | Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | 3 |
*Graduate level courses SNES 509 or SNES 510 may be selected by those academically prepared under University policy and with the permission of the Chairperson.
Pre-Allied Health Track:
Students will complete 21 credit hours of coursework required for graduate study. The coursework for the Pre-Allied Health Track is primarily designed by the needs of the student for graduate study. Many students will apply for graduate study (physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, etc.) with each program requiring different courses. The flexibility of this degree track allows students to complete those hours in preparation. Suggested courses include CHEM 131, 131L, 132, and 132L; PHYS 213, 213L, 214, and 214L; ATES 499; PSYC 251, 431; MATH 201, 220, 246.