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-201Molecules to Cells

3 credits

BIO-201LMolecules to Cells Lab

1 credit

BIO-224Human Anatomy and Physiology I

3 credits

BIO-224LHuman Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

1 credit

BIO-225Human Anatomy and Physiology II

3 credits

BIO-225LHuman Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

1 credit

HHP-203Human Health and Wellness

3 credits

HHP-314Research Methods in Human Performance and Health Sciences

3 credits

HHP-319Principles in Biomechanics

3 credits

HHP-343Physiology of Exercise I

3 credits

HHP-343LPhysiology 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-125Data Analysis and Statistics

3 credits

MAT-212Multiple 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-300Applied Sport Psychology

3 credits

HHP-304Motor Learning

3 credits

HHP-312Health Related Fitness and Exercise Prescription

3 credits

HHP-318Applied Nutrition

3 credits

HHP-410Exercise Metabolism

3 credits

HHP-410LExercise Metabolism Lab

1 credit

HHP-411Cardiopulmonary 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-497HHP-498 is scheduled for the spring term of senior year. 
HHP-496Collaborative Research

1-3 credits

-
or

INT-497Internship

1-6 credits

-
 

HHP-498Capstone II

1 credit

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

1)  Justify the scientific merit for key factors important in a wellness-oriented lifestyle as a basis for personal choice;

2)  Analyze how the structure and functions of the human body relate to human movements important for performance and prevention of injuries;

3)  Predict how the disruption of homeostasis due to exercise and nutrition leads to adaptations at the level of the cell, organ, and whole organism;

4)  Create evidence-based recommendations from performing or evaluating exercise science research; and

5)  Employ metacognitive learning strategies to knowledge within the exercise science domain.