Exercise Science (B.S.)
The Exercise Science Major is designed for students who are interested in studying the body as it pertains to human movement and the physiological changes that occur in the body in response to exercise and physical activity. It is intended for students who would like to pursue a career in exercise science, sports medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning, and cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise Science is a multidisciplinary evidence-based program, 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 where students must choose an option that best accomplishes their career objectives.
The Allied Health Option is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in health professions, cardiac rehabilitation, sports medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training.
The Pre-Athletic Training Specialization is specific for the 5-year (3+2) Keene State College to Plymouth State University pathway and provides undergraduate students a path to an accelerated master’s degree in Athletic Training.
The Human Performance Option is intended for students who wish to pursue exercise science, personal training and fitness, and strength and conditioning.
Declaration of Major and Retention Criteria
Students are accepted to the College as an Exercise Science major.
Based on career goals, students will select the appropriate Option. Faculty in the Human Performance and Movement Science Department assist with program planning throughout the program of study.
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:
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average in the Exercise Science major of 2.5
- Completion of the Allied Requirement courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (68 credits) | ||
| Allied Requirements: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Applied College Algebra (Human Performance Option) | ||
| Introductory Statistics (Allied Health Option) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Chemistry (Human Performance Option) | ||
| General Chemistry (Allied Health Option) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Physical Activity and Disease (Human Perromance Option) | ||
| Health in Society (Allied Health Option) | ||
And | ||
| BIO-230 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO-332 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 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 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 4 |
| HP-300 | Applied Kinesiology | 4 |
| HP-301 | Physiology of Exercise | 4 |
| HPEX-332 | Exercise Testing & Programming 1 | 4 |
| HPEX-335 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning 1 | 4 |
| HP-344 | Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| HPEX-372 | Practicum: Exercise Leadership 1, 2 | 4 |
| HPEX-492 | Exercise Science Seminar 2 | 4 |
| Select one of the following options: | 16 | |
| Allied Health Option | ||
| Exercise Psychology | ||
| Epidemiology of PA | ||
| Pathology, Pharmacology & Excercise Illness | ||
| Research Methods in Human Movt | ||
| **Allied Health Option Students interested in health professions will be advised to take open elective courses that fulfill graduate school prerequisites. | ||
| Human Performance Option | ||
| Principles of Coaching | ||
| Str & Conditioning Practicum | ||
| Sports & Rec. Administration | ||
| Psycho-Social Aspects of Sport | ||
| Total Credits | 68 | |
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Students are required to be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED.
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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.
- Maintain a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5.
- Current certification in Adult CPR & First Aid.
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.
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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.
Electives
Students must select courses to reach a minimum total of 120 credits for the degree.
Students interested in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training will be advised to take open elective courses that fulfill graduate school prerequisites.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at upper-level
Upon completion of the Exercise Science major students will be able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between proper nutrition, physical activity, prevention of common diseases, and overall wellness.
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Identify vital components of the bones and muscles involved in human movement.
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Describe and apply physiological and anatomical principles to exercise and sport.
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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).
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Apply critical thinking and use evidence-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.
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Discuss, understand and present evidence based information on current exercise physiology principles as they relate to athletes, the general population, and disease.
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Describe a variety of factors (i.e. social, economic, and psychological factors) that effect overall health.
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Demonstrate and apply common strength and conditioning exercises to all populations.
ALLIED HEALTH OPTION
- Students will evaluate current evidence, develop an original research question and design a study to answer their question.