Eastern University | Academics | Departments and Majors | Biokinetics

ACSM Certified Heath Fitness Specialist Scholarship Recipients pictured with Exercise Science Faculty Members:
Back Row (left to right): Dr. Trish Reger, Alexander Schweitzer, Rebekah Roland, Erik Eshleman
Front Row (left to right): Kristine Zeiset, Dr. Tracey Greenwood, Allison Inch, Alexandra Fultz and Dr. Wendy Mercier
Read more about the ACSM Certified Heath Fitness Specialist Scholarship

The Major for the B.S. in Exercise Science

The goal of the Exercise Science program is to prepare students for entry-level exercise science careers involving people on a broad continuum of health and physical fitness, and in a wide variety of settings. The Exercise Science program is formed on the biological and physiological sciences and focused on human work, which encompasses recreation, athletic competition, occupation, and medical therapy.

The rigorous curriculum builds upon the foundational study of health, fitness concepts, and nutrition to lead students through the more advanced study of exercise biochemistry, physiology, and prescription in populations that range from elite athlete to end-stage heart failure. The technical standards set forth by the program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The program is enriched by major requirements that intentionally attend to verbal and written discourse in the discipline, and research literacy. Finally, our mission is one of Christian service to our community, local and global, through faith, reason, and justice. Application for accreditation was submitted in May 2009 to the ACSM through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Candidates for retention in the Exercise Science Program must demonstrate:

The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of clients.
The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with clients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish a rapport with clients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the exercise science program as outlined and sequenced.
Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality care.

Upon the declaration of major, students will be required to verify understanding of these technical standards in writing. In the event that a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with reasonable accommodation, the student will not be retained in the program.

BIO 233, 234 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II    8 Student taking blood pressure
    (Pre-requisite: BIO 152)
EXSC 140 Concepts of Fitness    2
EXSC 200 Health Promotion    3
EXSC 201 First Aid    3
EXSC 220 Basic Nutrition Science    3
EXSC 250W Research Methods in Biokinetics    3
EXSC 351 Kinesiology    3
EXSC 352 Physiology of Exercise    3
EXSC 353 Exercise Testing and Prescription    3
EXSC 365 Exercise for Special Health Populations    3
EXSC 395 Field Experience in Biokinetics    3
EXSC 398 Fitness Leadership    2
EXSC 411 Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology    3
EXSC 416 Metabolic Interactions    3
EXSC 451 Administration in Exercise Science        3
PSY 100 General Psychology    3

Total Credit Hours: 51

Choose ONE from the following exercise science electives:
ATR 360 Biomechanics
EXSC 240 Medical Terminology
EXSC 360 Sports Psychology
EXSC 445 Exercise Science Research

Subtotal Credit Hours: 3

Choose ONE of the following pre-professional courses:
EXSC 495 Internship 3
BIO 312 Genetics 3
CHE (CHE 111/113 or CHE 121/123) 4
PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics 4

Subtotal Credit Hours: 3-4
Total Credit Hours: 63-64

Students pursuing the undergraduate course requirements for physical therapy or occupational therapy graduate programs can do so in the exercise science major. Most of these programs admit students to an 18-24 month graduate program. Admission to these programs is competitive, requiring a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. Students should consult the schools to which they are applying for exact required courses. Most graduate progra Professor Horton ms require these additional courses:

English Composition
Calculus
Physics (one year)
Additional Biology (1 more general, cell, genetics)
Chemistry (one year)
Sociology
Internship or work experience in the field

Students pursuing an undergraduate preparation for physician assistant programs can do so in the exercise science major. Most of these programs admit students to an 18-24 month graduate program. Admission to these programs is competitive, requiring a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. Students should consult the schools to which they are applying for exact required courses. Most graduate programs require these additional courses:

Medical Terminology
Statistics
Additional Biology (1 more general, micro-, genetics)
Chemistry (one year)
Sociology
Internship or work experience in the field

The Major for the B.S. in Exercise Science

Biokinetics

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