Exercise Science and Sport

Faculty

David A. Hair, M.Ed., M.S., Chair
Ronald W. Deitrick, Ph.D., Program Director of Exercise Science
Virginia M. Corcoran, Ed.D., R.D.
Paul T. Cutrufello, Ph.D. candidate
Debra L. Fetherman, Ph.D.
Stephen L. Klingman, M.S.
Aukje Kluge Lamonica, Ph.D. candidate
Georgios A. Stylianides, Ph.D.
Andrew Stuka, M.S.

Overview

The Department of Exercise Science and Sport consists of three areas: a major in Exercise Science, a minor in Coaching and physical education activity classes. The department also offers a Nutrition Studies Concentration.

Exercise Science is the study of human movement as related to exercise and physical activity from an applied, primarily life science perspective. It is dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research and education on the effects and benefits of exercise, and to the delivery of physical-activity programs that prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health, and enhance human performance. Exercise Science is part of the field of Sports Medicine, which also includes clinical areas of study. The scientific aspects of Sports Medicine include exercise physiology, nutrition and biochemistry of exercise, and biomechanics. Testing of lactic acid metabolism, analysis of muscle fatigue, research on muscle hypertrophy and bone density, measurement of body composition, and benefits of exercise in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and weight control are a few of the many contributions made by exercise scientists to Sports Medicine.

Few academic program majors offer such diverse opportunities after graduation as Exercise Science. The academically rigorous curriculum prepares graduates with knowledge and experience for employment opportunities in a variety of settings. In the applied health area, careers in corporate and community/ hospital-based wellness programs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and research centers investigating the benefits of exercise in chronic disease states are possibilities. Strength and conditioning specialists for sports teams are also career options.

Exercise Science is an excellent option for students interested in applying to graduate health-profession programs such as osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, and clinical exercise physiology. Additional required course work to meet entry requirements can be chosen as electives. In this regard, students should make their career intentions known early in their program of study. Opportunities for graduate study are available in academic units of medicine, biology, physiology, and exercise science. Although not required, completion of the program provides students with the ability to take different certification exams offered by several professional organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Graduating Exercise Science majors must possess a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75.

Prior to taking any EXSC course numbered above EXSC 229, students must have completed all major and cognate courses with a minimum grade of “C.” Students must also possess a minimum grade point average of 2.50 within the major. Subsequently, in order to progress in EXSC courses, (1.) a minimum grade of “C” must be earned in each major and cognate course and (2.) a minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required within the major.

The 15-credit Coaching minor is based on the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) and will help meet the needs of those who wish to coach and work more effectively with young athletes from youth through interscholastic sports.

PHED 160: Coaching Principles (1 cr.) is a suggested prerequisite for the 3-credit courses.

The Physical Education program seeks to improve the physical-fitness levels of each student, introduce new activities, or improve and increase students’ recreational skills through our offerings of over 30 different courses. Emphasis is placed on instruction in a variety of popular sports and recreational activities, especially those with carry-over value for post-college years.

Every regularly enrolled student must satisfy the 3-credit Physical Education requirement unless excused by the department. It is possible to be excused from Physical Education classes by application to the department if (a) a physician certifies that a student, for medical reasons, should not engage in vigorous physical activity; (b) the department deems it advisable; (c) the student is a veteran. Grading is (S) Satisfactory or (U) Unsatisfactory.

There are a variety of formats for the Physical Education classes: one-half semester for .5 credit, three times per week for 1 credit, two times per week for 1 credit, and one time per week for 1 credit. Students may select from among the following: tennis, yoga, skiing, soccer, racquetball, weight training, aerobics, hapkido, volleyball, running, karate, self-defense for women, advanced life-saving, water-safety instructor, jazz dance, golf, tai chi, badminton, wellness, Latin and swing dance, cardio fitness, beginning/intermediate swimming, fitness swimming, first aid/CPR/AED, karate, wellness, white water rafting and judo.

The concentration in Nutrition Studies is designed to encourage critical thinking, engage students in dialogue, and increase self-awareness of what their nutritional status may be. It is designed to increase the knowledge base of the depth and implications of nutritional problems and their effects on chronic illnesses. Students in health-related fields such as Exercise Science, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Community Health, as well as students in elementary and secondary education where basic nutrition is being implemented, will all benefit from this course concentration. Click here for further details.