College: College of Education & Behavioral Science
Department: Health, Physical Education and Sport SciencesDescription
The Arkansas State University Exercise Science program is designed to prepare students for a variety of jobs in commercial fitness, corporate fitness, and the clinical settings through the combination of course work and practical experiences provided in a supervised environment. Graduates of the program will be prepared to take certification exams offered through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Obtaining this degree along with nationally recognized certifications will prepare individuals to work in commercial, corporate, and clinical settings.
Curriculum
The Exercise Science degree focuses on physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and biochemistry and its application to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. This degree is designed to prepare students to work in several different potential settings including personal training, cardiac rehabilitation in hospitals/clinics, and worksite wellness facilities. Students will learn the principals of developing and implementing exercise plans for groups and individuals. Courses are taught using standards and guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to facilitate students passing of certification exams making them more marketable.
A significant portion of coursework leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science requires that courses be completed in a specific order of sequence. The required course sequencing sheet along with a degree check-sheet can be obtained from the Exercise Science Program Director or the departmental academic advisor. Course rotations begin in the Fall semester. All students entering the Exercise Science program are obligated to follow the required course-sequencing sheet, meaning they will have a minimum of two years of course work to complete the program. This includes students that change their major and those that are transferring in from another institution.
Visit the bulletins page >>
Career and Post-Graduate Opportunities
- Graduate programs (Physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, etc.)
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Director of a wellness facility
- Strength and conditioning staff
- Research staff
- Personal trainer
