Exercise Science

• Meet academic and professional standards and guidelines of CAAHEP (The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and CoAES (Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences). 
• Prepare graduates as exercise professionals for their distinct roles in medical, allied health, fitness and sports performance fields.
• Prepare students to sit for NCCA approved professional certification examinations which align with their professional goals.
• Prepare students for post-graduation placement into a graduate/professional program, or entry-level employment within six months of degree completion. 

Students in the Exercise Science Program should be able to successfully pass oral, written and/or practical examinations and demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Closely analyze an individual’s medical history to assess any potential risks that exercise may pose
• Appropriately measure and monitor an individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythms, etc.
• Successfully educate an individual about their injuries and health conditions, such as lung disease and diabetes, and provide information about how to stay healthy
• Be able to teach individuals how to perform exercises safely and effectively
• Perform appropriate fitness assessment tests and prescribe exercise for a healthy population
• Administer submaximal exercise tests using various laboratory ergometers
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of electrocardiography and its application in the exercise science arena
• Perform various body composition analysis tests and appropriately interpret test results
• Apply Exercise Physiology knowledge and principles in the health and exercise setting
• Demonstrate a knowledge of effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques in the fitness setting
• Successfully pass an NCCA accredited certification exam (ie: ACSM or NSCA)
• Successfully complete the required 200 hour externship experience

Students interested in pursuing a B.S. degree in Exercise Science must be admitted to the Exercise Science Program.  There are no limits to the number of students admitted to the Program each year.  Admission into the Program can occur in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Admission requirements include:

• A declared major in Exercise Science (usually in the spring of the students sophomore year but no later than earning 57 credit hours)
• A grade of ‘B' or better in 2 of the following courses: BY1134; BY1144; or CM1113 (lab CM1211)
• A 3.0 cumulative GPA
• A grade of ‘C' or better in all Kinesiology Department courses

Students admitted to the Exercise Science Program (admitted by the spring, 2022 or later) are encouraged to take an NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited certification exam (ACSM, NSCA) prior to graduation. Students should schedule the exam during their senior year.

Exercise Science Student Retention (5-year retention)

**=prior to Program Accreditation and admission requirements.  Includes
Freshmen- Seniors. 
# = includes only those students admitted to the Program (Juniors and Seniors)

Exercise Science National Credentialing Exam (ACSM Published Exam Pass Rates
https://www.acsm.org/certification/about)

Exercise Science Culminating Experience (Externship)

** = prior to Program Accreditation