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Exercise Science

Exercise Science is a cross-disciplinary subject area involving the scientific study of human performance and the acute and chronic changes within the body resulting from physical activity, and exercise. Students will apply this scientific foundation to practical application of health/fitness assessment, programming and leadership through a variety of hands-on labs and service-learning opportunities.

Program Mission

The mission of the Exercise Science program is to prepare students to become leaders within the health/fitness industry by providing them with fundamental knowledge, skills and ability in the areas of health/fitness assessment, exercise analysis, programming and leadership so that they may safely and effectively develop and implement exercise programs for various populations throughout the community and private industry settings.

Program Goals/Objectives

Students who graduate from the Exercise Science program will:

  • Possess the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to safely and effectively assess, analyze, prescribe and lead exercise for various populations and successfully complete industry leading (ACSM, ACE, NSCA) certification exams.
  • Possess an appreciation for and knowledge of the human body systems as well as understanding of the acute and chronic effects within the body resulting from physical activity and exercise.
  • Demonstrate strengths in interpersonal skills, professional integrity and responsibilty, independent thinking and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and involvement in local business, community and industry organizations.

Admission Requirements

Due to the physical aspects of this program students must possess health insurance and submit report of a current physical exam.

Employment Opportunities

Students are prepared for an entry-level position in a field that has a broad choice of career options. Graduates seek employment in health/ fitness facilities, corporate fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, community/older adult health programs and as personal fitness trainers/consultants. Completion of the degree prepares students for transfer into exercise physiology, physical therapy, kinesiology and athletic training programs.

Transfer Policy

There is no time limit on courses eligible for transfer into the Exercise Science program.

Technical Standards

Students must complete American Heart Association HeartSaver CPR/ AED or American Red Cross equivalent and obtain professional liability insurance (available at the college) prior to participation in internships. Students are responsible for any travel to and from internship sites, community service sites and site visits for EXER111.

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Exercise Science Degree Program

FIRST YEAR

Fall SemesterTHLABCR
EXER111 Introduction to Exercise Science Industry 1 3 2
BIOL110 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 3 3 4
BIOL150 Nutrition 3 0 3
ENGL110 College Composition 4 0 4
CIS110 Microsoft Computer Applications 2 2 3
INT101 College Success Seminar 1 0 1
  Total 14 8 17
Spring SemesterTHLABCR
EXER113 Physiology of Exercise I 3 2 4
EXER213 Resistance Training Essentials 2 3 3
BIOL120 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 4
MATH131 College Algebra 3 0 3
  Social Science Elective 3 0 3
  Total 14 8 17

SECOND YEAR

Fall SemesterTHLABCR
EXER116 Health Fitness Assessment & Programming 2 4 4
EXER200 Advanced Physiology of Exercise 3 2 4
EXER230 Kinesiology 3 2 4
  Business, Math, Allied Health or Science Elective 33 0 3
  English Elective 3 0 3
  Total 14 8 18
Spring SemesterTHLABCR
EXER110 Group Exercise Leadership 1 3 2
EXER212 Phyiscal Activity and Aging 3 0 3
EXER221 Exercise Science Internship 0 9 3
EXER240 Injury Prevention & Post-Rehabilitative Exercise 3 2 4
  Foreign Language/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3 0 3
  Total 10 14 15

Total Credits - 67

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Personal Training Certificate

 THLABCR
EXER113 Physiology of Exercise I 3 2 4
EXER116 Health Fitness Assessment & Programming 2 4 4
EXER213 Resistance Training Essentials 2 3 3
  Exercise Science Elective - Choose one:
(EXER200, EXER212, EXER230)
3 0 3
BIOL110 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 3 3 4
BIOL120 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 4
BIOL150 Nutrition 3 0 3

Total Credits - 25

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