Program Coordinator/Contact
Jessica Meendering, PhD, ACSM-EP, FACSM, Coordinator
School of Health and Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 405, Box 2275A
605-688-5949
Program Information
Exercise Science is the study of human movement performed to maintain or improve physical fitness. Exercise Science graduates are well trained to assess, design and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for individuals who are healthy and those with controlled disease. They are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits. Exercise Science professionals work in university, corporate, commercial or community settings in which their clients/patients participate in health promotion and fitness-related activities. Exercise Science students will have the opportunity to become a certified American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) during their senior year in the program. Students will also be prepared to become a certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Exercise Science students have the opportunity to gain hands on experience by completing an on-campus internship and an off-campus field experience. Students have selected sites both domestically and internationally in the fields of strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation, worksite wellness, fitness management, community physical activity promotion and biomechanics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Exercise Science curriculum students will be able to meet the following outcomes:
- Apply knowledge of the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to exercise to common practices in the field of exercise physiology.
- Plan a health education/promotion program among diverse populations and in various health settings.
- Develop an academic and career plan to include coursework, degrees, professional development activities, and goals.
- Demonstrate competence in conducting health and fitness laboratory/field tests in exercise science.
- Create a strength and conditioning program for a healthy client that demonstrates application of the theories and principles of strength and conditioning.
- Analyze graded exercise stress test data pertaining to heart rate, blood pressure, and 12-lead ECG results.
- Perform a qualitative movement analysis of a client/athlete/patient and explain the underlying movement mechanics responsible for their faulty movement patterns.
- Apply the principles of exercise testing and prescription to special populations to create safe and effective exercise plans aimed at treating and preventing chronic illness.
- Create and lead a group fitness class utilizing the principles of an ACSM certified group fitness instructor.
- Conduct a personal fitness evaluation and evaluate the results to create a personalized fitness plan specific to the needs of the client.
- Remember, understand, and apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required of a Certified Exercise Physiologist.
Program Application
Students interested in exercise science should complete coursework to meet system and institutional general education requirements, as well as BIOL 221 , BIOL 221L , BIOL 325 , and BIOL 325L during their freshman and sophomore years. Students who declare Exercise Science will be assigned an adviser who works closely with the Exercise Science Program. Application for admission into the Exercise Science major can begin during or after a student’s sophomore year (approximately 32 credit hours). Students must complete BIOL 221 - Human Anatomy (COM) , BIOL 221L - Human Anatomy Lab (COM) , BIOL 325 - Physiology (COM) , and BIOL 325L - Physiology Lab (COM) by the final semester of the application year.
Students will complete an application to the Exercise Science program. The minimum selection criteria are as follows: student should display an interest and desire to pursue a career in an exercise science related field; successful completion (C or better) of BIOL 221 - Human Anatomy (COM) , BIOL 221L - Human Anatomy Lab (COM) , BIOL 325 - Physiology (COM) , and BIOL 325L - Physiology Lab (COM) and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
Academic Requirements
A minimum final grade of “C” is required in all Major Requirements courses. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher to progress/graduate from the program.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.
All Exercise Science students have the opportunity to sit for the Certified Exercise Physiologist Exam offered through the American College of Sports Medicine during their final year in the program.
Course Delivery Format
Course instruction occurs through face to face and online course instruction that includes lectures, discussions, laboratories, internship and field experiences, and service learning.
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