Exercise Physiology (B.S.)
Zacharias Papadakas, Ph.D., Program Director
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology (EXP) is a 120 semester-hour program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs which prepares students for a wide variety of health-related careers which include, but are not limited to the following:
- Fitness and wellness programs: careers include health specialist, strength and conditioning specialist, group exercise instructor.
- Clinical programs such as cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation: careers include clinical exercise specialist, clinical -exercise.
- Exercise physiology research: a B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology prepares students for graduate degree work in an exercise physiology laboratory.
- Other careers: a B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology is a stepping stone for other health-related careers such as nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant.
The program requires 39 credit hours (beyond the SES core of 22 hours) which are specific to the Exercise Physiology major and which prepare students to attempt professional certification examinations. A student majoring in Exercise Physiology must take the ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist or the NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification examination prior to graduation. The minimum grade of C is required in all major, SES core, and co-requisite courses.
Academic Good Standing for B.S. in Exercise Physiology
By the end of the first semester of study, Exercise Physiology (EXP) student majors must have earned at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Students not meeting or maintaining the program cumulative GPA requirement will be notified and given one additional semester to meet or exceed the minimum cumulative GPA. If at the end of the second semester of study the student still has not earned the required program cumulative GPA, they will be dismissed from the major.
Program Objectives
The Exercise Physiology Program strives to have its graduating students:
- Master the skills, knowledge, and abilities that meet the professional standards set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association;
- Utilize through competent practice the theories and evidence-based procedures when developing and implementing fitness and performance tests, individualized exercise prescriptions and training programs, and group exercises;
- Utilize through competent practice the theories and evidence-based procedures, including education and counseling, that aid in the promotion of fitness and wellness of individuals and various populations;
- Participation in university and community-wide programs that promote healthy lifestyles;
- Continue pursuing professional development and involvement in professional networking that includes participation in state, regional, and national conferences and symposia; and
- Support an environment of diversity and inclusion for all individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle or pursuing individual fitness goals.
Field Experiences in Exercise Physiology
Students must pass SES-361 Exercise Physiology and SES-361L Lab, and SES-370 Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription and SES-370L Lab, with a C or better and show proof of current CPR/AED certification prior to being admitted to SES-486 Practicum. Practicum in Exercise Physiology requires at least six hours per week of guided field experience in laboratory testing and research, exercise leadership, exercise prescription and programming, and fitness assessment. (See other SES-486 requirements in the course descriptions section.)
SES-499 (Internship in Exercise Physiology) is a field experience in a hospital-based wellness or cardiac rehabilitation program, a corporate or community fitness center, or sports training facility. Completion of SES-486 is required in order to receive approval from the Internship Coordinator and Program Director to enroll in SES-499. (See other requirements under course descriptions.) SES 499: Internship meets the integrative experience requirement for graduation.
Bachelor of Science (120 credits)
Distribution Requirements and Co-requisites (60 credits)
The student majoring in Exercise Physiology must exceed the University’s distribution requirement of 45 hours. The Science and Mathematics area includes 15 additional hours of required coursework, bringing the total distribution credit hours required for Exercise Physiology majors to 60. Courses listed as specifically required are shown below each subject area and must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Theology and Philosophy (9 credits)
| THE-201 | THEOLOGY: FAITH, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS | 3 |
| PHI-220 | INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
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THE-
| From University approved distribution list | 3 |
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| Or | |
PHI-
| From University approved distribution list | 3 |
Note: THE-353 or PHI-353 is strongly recommended
Written and Oral Communication (9 credits)
| ENG-111 | FIRST-YEAR COMPOSITION & RHETORIC | 3 |
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| ENG-112 | TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH | 3 |
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| Or | |
| ENG-210 | WRITING ABOUT LITERATURE | 3 |
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| SPE-101 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH | 3 |
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| Or | |
| COM-104 | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
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| Or | |
| TH-155 | ACTING I: FUNDAMENTALS I | 3 |
Science and Mathematics (24 credits)
| BIO-220 | Foundations of Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO-220L | FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN ANATOMY/LAB | 1 |
| BIO-240 | FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4,1) | 4 |
| BIO-240L | Foundation of Human Physiology Lab | 1 |
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| CHE-152 | CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | 3 |
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| And | |
| CHE-152L | CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES LAB | 1 |
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| Or | |
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| CHE-111 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS I | 3 |
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| And | |
| CHE-111L | GEN CHEMISTRY & QUAL ANLYS I LAB | 1 |
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| MAT-107 | GENERAL EDUCATION MATHEMATICS | 3 |
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| Or | |
| MAT-109 | PRECALCULUS MATHEMATICS I | 3 |
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| PHY-151 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS | 3 |
| PHY-151L | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS LAB | 1 |
| SES-361 | EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| SES-361L | EXCERCISE PHYSIOLOGY LAB | 1 |
CHE-152: Student must test-out of CHE 095 Prep for College Chemistry or pass CHE 095 prior to attempting CHE 152.
SES-361 and SES-361L: also required in SES core but counted in Distribution
Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)
| PSY-281 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
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| From University approved distribution list | 6 |
Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
From University approved distribution list
SES Core Requirements (22 credits)
(See listing. SES-337 (SES-361/SES-361L required but counted in Distribution)
Exercise Physiology Major Requirements (39 credits)
Electives (3 credits minimum)
Some Recommended Courses: