Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Exercise Science Major, B.S.


Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences  

College of Health and Human Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


This major is designed for students interested in the fitness and exercise science professions. Examples of professions in the fitness and exercise science field include: cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical medicine clinics, research, public and private industry wellness programs, worksite health promotion, recreation center wellness, strength and conditioning, and personal training for general and special populations. 

Students who are interested in careers in exercise physiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or as a physician’s assistant will find that the exercise science curriculum provides a solid academic foundation and includes many required prerequisites for those programs. 

Exercise Science students must satisfy the General Studies, Ethnic Studies & Social Justice, Global Diversity, and major requirements described below.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • Students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science (ES) are encouraged to complete a professional certification prior to graduation.  The certification must come from an NCCA Accredited certifying body and be complimentary to the students career goals.  Two suggested certifications are: 1) American College of Sports Medicine - Certified Exercise Physiologist and 2) National Strength and Conditioning Associations - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  The ES curriculum is designed to prepare students for those certifications.
  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
  • A grade of “C” (73%) or better is required for all major courses and any associated prerequisite courses to count toward the Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
  • Students must have at least a major GPA of 2.75 and completed all Exercise Science major courses to be eligible for an internship.
  • A minor is not required for this program, but students may opt to declare one as part of their program.
  • The department recommends that students take ESS 2060 - Emergency Rescue/First Responder & CPR  or be able to verify an equivalent certification.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Senior Experience: 10 credits


Unrestricted Electives: 5-20 credits


The unrestricted electives may come from any department prefix.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Required Courses 59 credits
Major Electives 10 credits
Senior Experience 10 credits
Unrestricted Electives 5-20 credits
Total for the Exercise Science Major, B.S. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.