Exercise Science Undergraduate Major

Exercise Science Planning Sheet 

Shippensburg University starting offering a new undergraduate major in Exercise Science beginning in the fall of 2004. The program requirements for the major in Exercise Science include 120 credits. The program has been approved by the Shippensburg University College of Education Council, the Graduate Council, the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the Forum, the President, and the State System of Higher Education.

The courses in the major include general education requirements,plus 13 hours of basic science core courses and 54 hours of exercise science courses. The basic science core courses include: Principles of Biology II, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and one of the following: Genetics, Ecology, or Microbiology. The Exercise Science requirements include the following courses: Mechanical Analysis of Sport Skills, Intro to Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology I & II, Nutrition for Sport & Fitness, Biomechanics, Psychology of Physical Activity, Research Design and Statistics for Exercise Science, Motor Behavior, Cardiac Rehabilitation & Special Populations, Exercise Testing & Prescription, and an Internship. Students will have six to twelve credits of electives. (Recommended Electives: Genetics, Sociology of Sport and Leisure and Bio Seminar - Careers in Health Sciences)

Traditionally, Exercise Scientists have focused on enhancing athletic performance. Today, however, Exercise Scientists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life of the general population.

Employment opportunities include work in government agencies as wellness coordinators and program managers, in medical settings as program coordinators and health/fitness specialists, in corporate fitness centers as health promotion program directors, and in fitness centers as exercise programming directors. Students may also find employment in hospitals and health centers doing cardiac rehabilitation exercise testing and programming.

Policy statement: Any student may enroll and complete any course in the Department of Exercise Science. Prerequisites for any course must be completed prior to enrollment. Students may complete no more than 3 Exercise Science major courses within the Department of Exercise Science without admission into the Exercise Science major.