Program Overview

College of Education and Human Development

The College of Education and Human Development offers a broad-based, scientific course of study in human movement through its Exercise Science major. Students in this major will choose one of two specializations: Exercise Programming or Sports Medicine.

Exercise Science Major

The Exercise Science major is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in exercise testing and prescription, as well as entry into professional programs including athletic training, allied health, and medical fields. The curriculum allows students to take similar coursework during the first three years of enrollment, providing flexibility to switch between specializations.

Specializations

• Exercise Programming Specialization: This specialization prepares students for careers in private or corporate fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, allied medical and cardiac rehabilitation settings, recreation centers, and athletic or Olympic training facilities and programs. The culminating experience is a 600-hour internship.
• Sports Medicine Specialization: Designed to prepare students for entry into professional programs, this specialization incorporates course requirements for entry into athletic training, allied health, and medical fields, resulting in no extra coursework for undergraduates.

Matriculation Requirements

To matriculate into either specialization, students must:

• Achieve an overall GPA of 2.75
• Complete a minimum of 45 credit hours
• Earn a minimum of a 'C' or better in specific courses:
  • For Exercise Programming Specialization:
    • BIOL 2050
    • BIOL 3320
    • EXSC 2100
    • EXSC 2270
    • EXSC 2300
    • EXSC 3600
  • For Sports Medicine Specialization:
    • BIOL 2050
    • BIOL 3310
    • BIOL 3320
    • EXSC 2100
    • EXSC 2270
    • EXSC 2300
    • EXSC 3600

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Exercise Science program are expected to:

• Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of and primary concepts in exercise science
• Observe, analyze, and critique movement and physical activities and their outcomes
• Apply the scientific bases of the care and prevention of injuries, safety, and emergency procedures
• Demonstrate proficiency in using technology and in written and oral communication
• Explain the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle
• Demonstrate clear, logical thinking in professional decision making

Specialization Learning Outcomes

• Exercise Programming Specialization: Students will apply appropriate knowledge and skills to individually assess, evaluate, and intervene with muscular strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory training, and/or physical fitness and exercise programs. They will also transfer concepts from the scientific bases of exercise science to practices in exercise programming and relate administrative content to practices.
• Sports Medicine Specialization: Students will demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills to perform examinations, assessments, and diagnoses of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries and transfer concepts from the scientific bases of sports medicine to therapeutic interventions and clinical decision-making.