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About the BS in Exercise Science

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares students interested in careers related to the field of Exercise Science. These include: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Corporate Fitness, Medical and Community Based Fitness and Wellness Centers along with other Exercise Science related fields. Students develop the knowledge, skills, experiences, and dispositions to successfully promote improvements in health, fitness, performance, and reduction in the risk for injuries and chronic diseases for a variety of populations. Graduates will be prepared to earn national certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Society of Sports Nutrition, and many others.

The Exercise Science major is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association's "Education Recognition Program." This program recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification

The Exercise Science major just received an additional accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The primary role of this accreditation is to establish standards and guidelines for academic programs that facilitate the preparation of students seeking employment in the health, fitness, and exercise industry. See link to review competencies required for accreditation. CoAES Standards and Competencies  

Courses completed in this program fulfill many of the prerequisites for students pursuing graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programs, cardiac rehabilitation, accelerated nursing programs, and other allied health professions. In addition, the Exercise Science curriculum will provide a thorough knowledge base for these graduate programs.

Internships, research and professional development experiences are an integral component of the academic program, building skills and a professional network for students. Throughout the program, students will accumulate 40 professional development hours and participate in a 250-hour internship that provides hands on experience focused on their career interest. Individual mentoring of students by our faculty, who are leaders in professional organizations, will open new opportunities for students to secure graduate assistantships, leadership, and research opportunities.

The Exercise Science Handbook provides the policies, procedures, and a guide for students to understand the structure of the Exercise Science program. 

The Internship Guidelines describe the purpose, procedures, and guidelines for the 250-hour internship requirement for the Exercise Science program. 

 

Accreditation

The Exercise Science Program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2000 educational programs in twenty-eight (28) health science occupations.

CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAAHEP is also member of the Association of Specialized & Professional Accreditors (ASPA).

The curriculum provides the necessary knowledge base and course work to satisfy entrance into the certification process for tests given by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Graduate Student Outcomes

Year of Graduation Culminating Experience Pass Rate Student Satisfaction
(Based upon Graduate Exit Survey Data)
2024 95% 99%
2023 99% 86%
Two-year average 97% 92.5%

2024 Emmployer Satisfaction: 100%