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+2 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
After the completion of two semesters within the program, the ability to register for upper-level Exercise Science courses will depend on the successful completion of:
- Successful completion of the Allied Requirement courses.
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5.
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average in the Exercise Science major of 2.5.
- A minimum grade of C in HPEX 250.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (68 credits) | ||
| Allied Requirements: | ||
| MATH-141 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
| INCHEM-111 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| ISHLSC-285 | Health in Society | 4 |
And | ||
| BIO-230 | Human Anat & Phys I | 4 |
| BIO-332 | Human Anat & Phys II | 4 |
| 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. | ||
| Exercise Science Core Requirements | ||
| HPEX-250 | Intro to Exercise Science | 4 |
| HP-300 | Applied Kinesiology | 4 |
| HP-301 | Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| HPEX-332 | Exer Test & Program 1 | 4 |
| HPEX-335 | Adv Strength & Conditioning 1 | 4 |
| HP-344 | Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| HPEX-372 | Prac: Exercise Leadership 1, 2 | 4 |
| HPEX-492 | Exercise Science Seminar 2 | 4 |
| Allied Health Option Requirements | ||
| IIHP-352 | Exercise Psychology | 4 |
| HP-340 | Epidemiology of PA | 4 |
| HP-341 | Pathology, Pharm & Excercise | 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. | ||
| Total Credits | 68 | |
- 1
Students are required to be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED.
- 2
Enrollment in upper-level practicum coursework: HPEX-372, HP-472, and HPEX-492 requires the following:
- Earned grade of C or better in required Exercise Science courses.
Allied Health Option Pre-Athletic Training Specialization Requirements
In addition to completing the Integrative Studies Program Requirements, students enrolled in the 3+1+1 with Plymouth State University must complete the Exercise Science Allied Health Option as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Course Requirements (INCHEM-111, MATH-141, BIO-230, BIO-332, ISHLSC-285) | 20 | |
| The first five courses in the Core requirements (HPEX-250, HP-300, HP-301, HPEX-332, HPEX-335) | 20 | |
| Exercise Science-Allied Health Option w/ Pre-Athletic Training Specialization (HP-341, HP-344, IIHP-352, HP-460, HPEX-372, HPEX-492) | 24 | |
| HP-340 | Epidemiology of PA | 4 |
| INPHYS-141 | College Physics I | 4 |
| ISPSYC-101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
Pre-Athletic Training Specialization
Retention in Exercise Science Major Allied Health Option – Pre-Athletic Training Specialization
- Cumulative GPA of 3.2
- 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: ISPSYC-101 General Psychology, INPHYS-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 Integrative Studies1
- 90 credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree at Keene State College1
- Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.2
- 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.
Electives
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.
Electives
Students must select courses to reach a minimum total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at upper-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.
- Plan and apply a progressive fitness or sport activity/program adapted based on client’s age, health, fitness level, or sport experience.