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Exercise Science

Exercise Science is the study of physical activity and how the body responds.

What is exercise science?

Exercise science is the study of exercise and physical activity and how the body responds. The field 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:

• Wellness program coord.
  
• Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
  
• Group exercise instructor
  
• Biomechanist
  
• Exercise physiologist
  
• Corporate or recreational fitness director
  
• Cert. personal trainer
• Cert. strength & 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 asst.
  
• Nursing
  
• Researcher
  
• Academician
  
• Chiropractor
  

What courses are required?

Students enrolled in the exercise science program will take a total of 120 credits including:

(1) Basic core courses (50 credits) comprised of General Education courses
(2) Science core courses (16 credits)
(3) Exercise science courses (54 credits)
(4) Electives (6 – 12 credits)

Recommended electives:
ESC 200 Lifestyle Management
ESC 339 Seminar (TBA)
BIO 260 Genetics
SOC 275 Sociology of Sport & Leisure (fall only)
BIO Seminar Careers in Health Science

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 Instructor 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 and CPR 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 1000.

Transfer students, both internal and external, are selected for admission based on the following criteria:

(1) Academic proficiency in college or university course work, including a 2.5 GPA.
(2) A grade of “C” or higher in Principles of Biology I.
(3) 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.

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://labschool.ship.edu/.