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The exercise and sport science program, within the college's Division of Math, Science, and Technology, provides students with a foundation in the movement sciences, which promotes improvements in health, fitness, and/or performance for the physically active. The primary goal of this program is to prepare students for graduate study and research in the various sub-disciplines of exercise and sport sciences, such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor behavior.
Students graduating from the exercise and sport science major will be able to seek employment as an exercise specialist, fitness and wellness coordinator, sport performance researcher, and strength and conditioning specialist, as well as enter professional graduate programs in exercise sciences and other fields with a foundation in the areas of movement sciences.
Program Goals
The exercise and sport science program will:
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Meet standards and guidelines from governing organizations such as the National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD);
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Prepare graduates for post-graduation placement in graduate school, a professional school, or entry-level employment within six months of completing the degree program;
- Development competent scholars, researchers, physical activity, and sport specialists to meet the workforce needs of a global society;
- Prepare graduates to enhance delivery of physical activity, sport, and rehabilitative services for all segments of society, including special populations such as children and the elderly; persons with disability, injury, and disease; and athletes.
Career Opportunities
Exercise Physiology Research
A Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science will prepare you for graduate degree programs that emphasize research and preparation for a masters or doctorate degree in exercise physiology. This degree can prepare you for research-related careers that include: laboratory technician, research assistant, or research scientist.
Sports Training Programs
If your main interest is sports training, the undergraduate exercise science program can prepare you to: be a conditioning coach, improve sport performance enhancement, and conduct sport performance research.
Clinical Programs
You can focus on a number of different clinical settings, including cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as diabetes and obesity clinics. Careers options include: exercise specialist, exercise test technologist, or clinical researcher.
Fitness and Wellness Programs
With this degree, you could work in fitness and wellness programs with clients of all ages and fitness levels, including athletes, children, adults, and the elderly. Career options include: health and fitness instructor or director, strength and conditioning specialist, or exercise leader.
Become an ACSM (www.acsm.org) Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist®
You can become a clinical professional with ACSM Exercise Specialist® Certification, pursuing a career helping clients with, or at high risk for, cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. An ACSM Exercise Specialist® is a health care professional with a Bachelor’s Degree who typically works in cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation programs, physicians’ offices, or medical fitness centers. The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist® may also provide exercise-related consulting for research, public health, and other clinical and non-clinical services and programs.
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist® Scope of Practice
The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist®is proficient in:
- Working with individuals with controlled cardiovascular pulmonary and/ or metabolic disease
- Performing clinical exercise testing and data interpretation
- Conducting and interpreting ECGs at rest and during exercise
Minimum Requirements for becoming an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist® (To become an ACSM Exercise Specialist®you must meet all of the following minimum requirements):
Bachelor’s Degree in an allied health field* from a regionally accredited college or university (you are eligible to sit for the certification exam if you are in the last term or semester of your degree program) *Examples: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Physical Education, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Kinesiotherapy, Physiology, Biology, Exercise Physiology, and Human Performance.
Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program (e.g. cardiac/ pulmonary rehabilitation programs, exercise testing, exercise prescription, electrocardiography, patient education and counseling, disease management of cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases, and emergency management)
Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provideror CPR for the Professional Rescuer (available through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross).
