September Kirby, Coordinator
Department of Health & Nutritional Sciences
Intramural Building 116
605-688-5387
e-mail: september.kirby@sdstate.edu
The Exercise Science (ES) graduate possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance awareness, change behavior, and create environments that support good health practices, including, but not limited to exercise and physical activity. The ES professional assists people to develop self-responsibility for their own health and wellness, and implement health assessments and wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Exercise Science professionals work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to improve health and quality of life of the general population as well as to enhance performance of athletes. Application for admission to the Exercise Science major occurs during a student’s sophomore year. Applications are due January 1st and are only taken one time during an academic year. The number of students accepted each year is based on availability of facilties and staff; there may be more students applying that can be accepted, so the process may be more competitive.
Minimum admission requirements include: sophomore standing with a 2.75 GPA or higher, completion of PE 180 and WEL 100 and a “C” or better in the following courses: BIOL 221 Anatomy and BIOL 325 Physiology must be completed with a C or better PRIOR to starting the major. Students admitted to the major will complete a 4 semester sequence of courses. Students are encouraged to choose classes from a minor area of study to complete course work.
The Exercise Science program at South Dakota State University is currently endorsed and recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine for meeting the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist.
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