Exercise Science
Exercise science is the study of physical activity and how the body responds.
What is exercise science?
The field of exercise science is comprised of various sub-disciplines including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, and the psychology of physical activity. Students interested in the exercise science major should have a strong background in the sciences including biology, mathematics, chemistry and physics.
Exercise scientists rely on scientific principles in these areas to advance their understanding of how the body responds to exercise and to advocate physical activity to prevent and treat diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
What are my career options?
Traditionally, exercise scientists have focused on enhancing athletic performance. Currently, exercise scientists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness and quality of life of the general population.
An entry-level career within the field of exercise science may have a starting pay range of $25,000-35,000.
Exercise scientist employment opportunities include but are not limited to:
Certified personal trainer
Certified strength and conditioning coach
Wellness program coordinator
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
Group exercise instructor
Biomechanist
Exercise physiologist
Corporate or recreational fitness director
Certified personal trainer
Certified strength and conditioning coach
Exercise test technologist
Sales or marketing of medical/fitness equipment
Pharmaceuticals sales
Geriatric recreational therapist
The following career paths are additional options for exercise science students. These positions may require further training and/or education.
Athletic trainer
Dietitian or sports nutritionist
Occupational or physical therapist
Medical doctor or physician’s assistant
Nursing
Researcher
Academician
Chiropractor
What courses are required?
Students enrolled in the exercise science program will take a total of 120 credits including:
Basic core courses (50 credits) comprised of General Education courses
Science core courses (12 credits)
Exercise science core courses (39 credits)
Exercise science internship (6, 9 or 12 credits)
Electives (6 – 12 credits)
Recommended electives:
Will I become certified?
All students will be required to take one certification exam at the student’s expense. These include:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health/Fitness Specialist exam
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) exam
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exam
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) exam
All students are required to be certified by attending an American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA) workshop (at the students’ expense) in:
First aid certification
CPR/AED certification
What are the internship opportunities?
Students are required to complete a 6, 9, or 12-credit internship. Internship sites will include hospitals, wellness centers, health care facilities, corporate fitness facilities, spas, resorts and fitness centers. Internships will also be available with government agencies, nursing homes and community agencies.
What are the program admissions requirements?
Freshmen are selected for initial entry into the exercise science program through the Admissions Office. Standards for admission include the top 20% of their high school class and a SAT of greater than 950, or 40% and 1050.
Transfer students, both internal and external, are selected for admission based on the following criteria:
Academic proficiency in college or university course work, including a 2.5 GPA.
A grade of “C” or higher in Principles of Biology I or Principles of Biology II.
Must have completed 15 credits.
A change of major/minor form provided from the Dean of their current major.
Selection is competitive and students will be selected from those who fulfill all of the above requirements.
Is there a minor in Exercise Science?
Yes. The Exercise Science minor is designed to provide students with content from a breadth of disciplines in the exercise science field. It’s ideal for students interested in broadening their experience and knowledge base in the study and analysis of principles related to human movement. Students will acquire new information on key domains of the field including exercise physiology, psychological approach to physical activity, acquisition of motor skills, nutrition principles and injury prevention and treatment strategies.
The Exercise Science minor is a total of 18 semester hours in addition to the two prerequisite courses. Admission requirements are:
The minor consists of four required courses and two elective courses. In order to complete the Exercise Science minor students will need a minimum grade of a “C” in each of the six Exercise Science courses. The core courses are:
ESC 243 Physiological Basis of Sport (3 crs.)
ESC 244 Mechanical Analysis of Sport Skills (3 crs.)
ESC 250 Introduction to Kinesiology (3 crs.)
ESC 352 Psychology of Physical Activity (3 crs.)
Choose two of the following three courses:
ESC 340 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 crs.)
ESC 336 Motor Behavior (3 crs.)
ESC 350 Nutrition for Sport & Fitness (3 crs.)
Why should I study Exercise Science at Shippensburg University?
Exercise science classes at Shippensburg University are small, typically 20 students or less.
Lectures and labs are taught by seasoned professors; not by graduate students.
Faculty-directed student research is highly encouraged at Shippensburg University.
Faculty members are accessible in and out of class.
Shippensburg University has the only on-site elementary school in the state and one of only a handful in the country. The Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School provides opportunities for exercise science students to conduct pediatric exercise testing and programming. Information about the Luhrs School can be found on the web at http://www.ship.edu/labschool/.
Where can I get more information about Exercise Science at Shippensburg University?
For specific program information, contact:
Department of Exercise Science
Henderson Gym 109
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1721
Fax: 717-477-4083
E-mail: exsci@ship.edu
Website: http://www.ship.edu/exercisescience/