Exercise Science (B.S.) - Allied Health Option
The Exercise Science Major is designed for students who are interested in the physiological and psychological changes that occur in response to physical activity. It is intended for students who would like to pursue a career in fitness leadership, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning, and cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise Science is a multidisciplinary evidence-based field, which is fast-growing and ever changing. Exercise scientists use their knowledge of the human body and exercise leadership skills to help people improve physical performance, fitness, health, and overall quality of life. The Exercise Science major has some flexibility. Students choose an option that best accomplishes their career objectives.
The Allied Health Option is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in healthcare professions, such as physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and athletic training.
The Pre-Athletic Training Specialization is only for students planning to attend Keene State College for 3 years, then begin a master’s degree at Plymouth State University. The 5-year (3+1+1) pathway to a master’s degree in Athletic Training.
DECLARATION OF MAJOR AND RETENTION CRITERIA
Students are accepted to the College as an Exercise Science major or may declare it after starting at KSC.
Based on career goals, students will select the appropriate Option. Faculty in the Human Performance and Movement Science Department will assist students with program planning.
Due to the accelerated nature of the 3+1+1 MS in Athletic Training with PSU, declaration in the BS in Exercise Science, Allied Health Option, Pre-Athletic Training Specialization is encouraged upon entry to the College, but must be made no later than the end of the second year at Keene State College.
PROGRESSION CRITERIA
Enrollment in upper-level practicum coursework: HPEX-372 Prac: Exercise Leadership and HPEX-492 Exercise Science Seminar requires the following prerequisites. (These also apply to HP-472 Externship, which is not required) :
- Completion of a grade of C or higher in Exercise Science courses
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average in the Exercise Science major of 2.5
- Current certification in Adult CPR & First Aid.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (68 credits) | ||
| Competency Requirement for Exercise Science | ||
| All students majoring in Exercise Science are required to be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED for courses marked with a ¹. | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| HP-300 | Applied Kinesiology | 4 |
| HP-301 | Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| HP-344 | Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| HPEX-250 | Intro to Exercise Science | 4 |
| HPEX-332 | Exer Test & Program | 4 |
| HPEX-335 | Adv Strength & Conditioning | 4 |
| HPEX-372 | Prac: Exercise Leadership 1, 2 | 4 |
| HPEX-492 | Exercise Science Seminar 2 | 4 |
| Allied Courses | ||
| BIO-230 | Human Anat & Phys I | 4 |
| BIO-332 | Human Anat & Phys II | 4 |
| CHEM-111 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| HLSC-285 | Health in Society | 4 |
| MATH-141 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
| Allied Health Option Requirements | ||
| HP-340 | Epidemiology of PA | 4 |
| HP-341 | Pathology, Pharm & Excercise | 4 |
| HP-352 | Exercise Psychology | 4 |
| HP-460 | Research Methods in Human Movt | 4 |
| **Allied Health Option Students interested in health professions will be advised to take open elective courses that fulfill graduate school prerequisites. | ||
| Externship | ||
| HP-472 Externship: Pre-requisite course includes successfully completing a Practicum course within the discipline. Because of the on campus and off campus experiences/placements, students must request through their advisor a desire to enroll in Externship to ensure HPMS faculty secure an externship opportunity. Students enrolling in HP-472 Externship must work with the Externship instructor prior to the semester to find a placement that matches the strengths of the student with the placement site. Students interested in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation or Athletic Training will be advised to take open elective courses that fulfill graduate school prerequisites. | ||
| Total Credits | 68 | |
Allied Health Option Pre-Athletic Training Specialization Requirements
In addition to completing the General Education Explorations program requirements, students enrolled in the 3+1+1 with Plymouth State University must complete the Pre-Athletic Training Specialization as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| HP-300 | Applied Kinesiology | 4 |
| HP-301 | Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| HPEX-250 | Intro to Exercise Science | 4 |
| HPEX-332 | Exer Test & Program | 4 |
| HPEX-335 | Adv Strength & Conditioning | 4 |
| Allied Courses | ||
| BIO-230 | Human Anat & Phys I | 4 |
| BIO-332 | Human Anat & Phys II | 4 |
| CHEM-111 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| HLSC-285 | Health in Society | 4 |
| MATH-141 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
| Pre-Athletic Training Courses | ||
| HP-340 | Epidemiology of PA | 4 |
| HP-341 | Pathology, Pharm & Excercise | 4 |
| HP-344 | Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| HP-352 | Exercise Psychology | 4 |
| HP-460 | Research Methods in Human Movt | 4 |
| HPEX-372 | Prac: Exercise Leadership 1 | 4 |
| HPEX-492 | Exercise Science Seminar | 4 |
| PHYS-141 | College Physics I 3 | 4 |
| PSYC-101 | General Psychology 3 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
- 1
Students are required to be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED.
- 2
Enrollment in upper-level practicum coursework: HPEX-372 Prac: Exercise Leadership and HPEX-492 Exercise Science Seminar requires the following prerequisites. (These also apply to HP-472 Externship, which is not required) :
- Completion of a grade of C or higher in Exercise Science courses
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average in the Exercise Science major of 2.5
- Current certification in Adult CPR & First Aid.
- 3
Must earn a BC or better.
Retention in Exercise Science Major, Allied Health Option – Pre-Athletic Training Specialization
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Earn a B or better in Exercise Science Allied, Major Core and Major Option coursework.
- Earn a BC or better in the following elective courses that serve as pre-requisites: PSYC-101 General Psychology, PHYS-141 College Physics I, other courses may be added per accreditation updates for professional programs. Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure degree progression.
Students will need to complete a graduate school application to PSU during their third year. Qualified students will be given special consideration for early admission into the Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training for their 4th and 5th year of study at PSU at the end of the 3rd year of study if the student has earned:
- 40 credits of General Education1
- 90 credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree at Keene State College1
- Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5
- Prerequisite courses with required grade minimums1
- Students will earn a BS degree in Exercise Science Allied Health Option from KSC after successful completion of the fourth year at Plymouth State University and are eligible to walk at commencement at KSC.
- 1
Coursework and requirements will overlap and does not equate to an increased academic load in three years.
Institutional Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Explorations Requirements | 40 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Requirements | 120 | |
| Electives must be taken to reach at least 120 credits, (including GEE, major or minor credits), to satisfy degree completion requirements for the college. | ||
| 40 credits must be at the 300 or 400-Level. | ||
Upon completion of the Exercise Science B.S. degree, Allied Health Option, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between proper nutrition, physical activity, prevention of common diseases, and overall wellness.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess a patient/client fitness level using the widely accepted five components of health-related fitness. (Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Body Composition).
- Apply critical thinking and research-based decision making in developing an exercise program for athletes, healthy adults and diseased populations as outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Identify components of human movement to demonstrate and apply common strength and conditioning exercises.
- Discuss and understand evidence-based information on current exercise physiology principles as they relate to athletes, the general population, or disease.
- Evaluate current literature to determine safe and effective exercise programs to achieve desired client health fitness outcomes/goals.