Exercise Science, B.S.

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Jodi DeMarco, Chair, Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance
Emily Kullman, Program Director

Description

The study of Exercise Science provides an understanding of human movement, physiology, and physical activity and how they can be used to maintain or improve health, physical fitness, and sport performance. Those in exercise science work across various industries like healthcare, education, nonprofit, and athletics. CSU students graduate ready to guide bodies to optimal health, peak performance and endurance that boosts quality of life.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Students who earn a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science have many career opportunities as a health and fitness professional (see list below). Exercise Science also serves as an option for an undergraduate degree for those seeking clinical degree programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O). You may also pursue Masters and PhD programs in Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Human Bioenergetics, or a related field. Through the study of Exercise Science, you may go on to a multitude of health-related careers and certifications, including: Personal Training, Physiologist, Strength and Conditioning, Professor, Sports Performance, Occupational Therapist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cancer Exercise Specialist, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Group Exercise Instructor, Physical Therapist, Biomechanist, Kinesiologist, Community Health, Corporate Wellness, Athletic Training, Researcher, Coaching.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: Ability to assess an individual’s health and fitness status, including musculoskeletal abilities, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition; Testing sport performance parameters such as power, strength, speed, mobility, and agility; Prescribe appropriate exercise programs based on testing results and individual goals; Research skills as demonstrated through laboratory work, papers, and exams; Analytical skills; Communication skills; Time management skills; Problem solving skills; A passion for health and fitness.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 120

College Requirements

See college page for college requirements.

Major Requirements

GPA Requirement/Grade Restriction

All students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.75 for professional core coursework. No grades of D or F will be accepted in the professional core requirements or exercise science requirements. (Courses from sections B and C).

A. Core Curriculum and Prerequisite Requirements

The courses listed in this section are designed to meet some Core requirements and provide coursework prerequisites to the professional and major components of the program.

Note: Not all Core requirements are listed here; students must consult program and department advisers for advice on Core course selection. In some cases, the listed courses exceed the university Core requirements.

Natural Science

Social Science & Wellness

Social Diversity

SOC 250 - Sports in Society or HSC 205 - Social and Cultural Determinants of Health

B. Professional Core Requirements (22 credits)

C. Exercise Science Requirements

Specialty Requirements (24 credits)

Capstone Experience (8 credits)

A passing grade in EXS 470 is required to be completed before enrollment in the respective internship/practicum course.

Physical Skills (3 credits)

Three total credits are requires. PES 105 - Weight Training and PES 140 - Aerobic Fitness are required. A third PES course can be selected from all other available PES courses.

Required Physical Skills

Elective Physical Skills

Select one course below.

Additional Major Requirements by Track

Additional major requirements for each Exercise Science track.

Exercise Science General Track (9 credits)

At least 3 elective courses (9 credits) from the list below are required for the major.

Exercise Science Pre-PT Track (30 credits)

Students may choose between PSY 317 or STA 347 . All other courses are required for a total of 30 credit hours.

University Honors/Scholars Requirements

The Exercise Science Upper-Division Honors/Scholars Programs are designed for the Exercise Science major who is considering graduate-level training and seeks engaged learning opportunities in research or applied competency tracks. Application for admission to one of the programs must be made at least 30 days before the semester in which the applicant wishes to enter, typically the spring or summer semester before their junior or senior year. A minimum overall GPA of 3.5 is required for admission to the Honors Program and a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 is required for admission to the Scholars Program. University Honors/Scholars students and other students majoring in Exercise Science who meet the minimum GPA requirements may enter the Honors or Scholars Program. Credits earned in the Honors or Scholars Programs will apply towards the major.

Research Track (3 courses)

Applied Competency Track (9 credits)

HSC 484 - Advanced Research and Writing in Health Sciences
Enroll in TWO of the following cross-listed courses at the 500-level rather than the 400-level
  - EXS 495 /595 Training and Conditioning for Coaches
   - EXS 470 /570 Exercise Testing and Prescription
- EXS 494 /594 Biomechanics
- EXS 472 /572 Physiology Of Aging
- EXS 471 /571 Exercise Programs for Special Populations