Exercise Science Major
NSM PEAK
Exercise science uses exercise as the lens to analyze human performance and human health. This program will challenge the student to apply analytical, biological, chemical, and physical principles to health and human performance. Students first take introductory biology, human anatomy and physiology, and health and wellness courses to build fundamental knowledge of the human body before moving into exercise-specific coursework that includes physiology of exercise and principles in biomechanics. Graduates of the Exercise Science program will understand how the structure and function of the human body respond to different exercise stimuli, appreciate the factors important for wellness as a basis for personal choice, be competent in data collection and analysis, and engage in experiential learning opportunities such as collaborative research or substantive internships. The program prepares students for careers in the health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, athletic training, physician's assistant, as well as cardiac rehab, exercise physiology, biomedical research, health promotion and education, coaching, personal fitness, sports psychology, motor development, and teaching.
Major Requirements
37-38 credits
Core Requirements (25 credits)
| BIO-201 | Molecules to Cells | 3 credits |
| BIO-201L | Molecules to Cells Lab | 1 credit |
| BIO-224 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 credits |
| BIO-224L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 credit |
| BIO-225 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 credits |
| BIO-225L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 credit |
| HHP-203 | Human Health and Wellness | 3 credits |
| HHP-314 | Research Methods in Human Performance and Health Sciences | 3 credits |
| HHP-319 | Principles in Biomechanics | 3 credits |
| HHP-343 | Physiology of Exercise I | 3 credits |
| HHP-343L | Physiology of Exercise I Lab | 1 credit |
Students interested in certain health professions, such as physical therapy, medicine, and physician's assistant, among others, should also take BIO-202 and BIO-202L . Please consult with an advisor in Health and Human Performance about which pathway is best for you.
Mathematics (3 credits)
Complete one course.
| MAT-125 | Data Analysis and Statistics | 3 credits |
| MAT-212 | Multiple Regression Analysis | 3 credits |
MAT-212 is more appropriate for students who have a background in statistics already.
The credits for the math requirement (MAT-125 or MAT-212) are counted in the Professional Foundations minor.
Electives (9-10 credits)
Complete at least 9 credits from the following.
| HHP-300 | Applied Sport Psychology | 3 credits |
| HHP-304 | Motor Learning | 3 credits |
| HHP-312 | Health Related Fitness and Exercise Prescription | 3 credits |
| HHP-318 | Applied Nutrition | 3 credits |
| HHP-410 | Exercise Metabolism | 3 credits |
| HHP-410L | Exercise Metabolism Lab | 1 credit |
| HHP-411 | Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 3 credits |
Capstone (3 credits)
In the summer before senior year or the fall of senior year, majors must complete a minimum of 2 credits of HHP-496 or INT-497 . HHP-498 is scheduled for the spring term of senior year.