Exercise Science

About the Department

The mission of the Department of Exercise Science is to deliver a program that applies the scientific foundations of human movement to help graduates understand the complex relationships among work, physical activity, health, and realizing human potential. This is accomplished through thoughtful and guided consideration of information and values integrated and synthesized from a number of disciplines. Students develop critical thinking skills to analyze the rapidly increasing body of knowledge on how physical activity and movement affect the quality and quantity of the human experience. Students are trained to effectively communicate this information and to help lead people to achieve healthier and fuller lives.

Departmental Goals

Students in Exercise Science develop a firm foundation of knowledge within the field that enables them to apply the scientific method of inquiry toward the improvement of the human condition. Additionally, students

1. develop their abilities to communicate effectively through discussion, written work, and oral presentation;
2. develop their abilities to assess, analyze, evaluate, and predict from observation and sound data collection;
3. learn to integrate ethical standards and differing values related to their future personal and professional lives;
4. develop reasoned independence showing curiosity and leadership in the field of exercise science;
5. become prepared for further study within and outside of the field of exercise science.

The Exercise Science Department provides a Bachelor of Science degree program with a theoretical as well as a practical background in human movement and its applications to health. A foundation of scientific courses is integrated with courses that include consideration and application of the ethical, philosophical, psychological, and social aspects of movement to understand how activity enhances the human experience. Through a sequence of courses, the department develops the students' analytical approach to problem solving, careful observation and data reporting techniques, data analysis, and writing and presentation skills for communicating findings.

The Exercise Science program is designed for those students preparing for graduate study in exercise science, medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy or other allied health fields, and public health, or for those seeking employment in corporate, or private health and fitness programs. The curriculum concentrates on the scientific background of human movement studies. A senior thesis allows students the opportunity to conduct research projects using sophisticated equipment such as computer-assisted motion analysis, multi-dimensional force plate, oxygen and carbon dioxide analysis for resting metabolism and maximal aerobic capacity, hydrostatic weighing for body composition, ECG's for cardiovascular responses, and isokinetic testing of muscle strength and endurance. Graduates of this program will qualify for further training and certification programs in cardiac rehabilitation, primary prevention and exercise test technology, and exercise and fitness prescription.