Exercise Science – Major/Minor

For information, contact Dr. Dianne Babbitt, dianne.babbitt@cedarcrest.edu, 610-606-4666, ext. 3609.

Program Description – Exercise Science Major (B.S.)

The Exercise Science program combines coursework in both the basic sciences and exercise sciences.  It provides preparation for graduate and professional training in a wide range of fitness and medical fields.  The program is structured to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills and abilities that are critical in the growing fields of health, fitness, medicine and rehabilitation.  The Exercise Science major prepares students to enter a variety of professional settings such as sport and wellness programs, community recreational agencies, hospitals and clinics, and both private and corporate agencies.   This major also prepares students who wish to pursue advanced education in athletic training, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, wellness coaching, athletic coaching or athletic management. 

The four Health Sciences majors (Public Health, Health Science, Health Promotion and Wellness, and Exercise Science) share a common core of classes that includes Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Biostatistics or Probability and Statistics, Principles of Nutrition, Introduction to Health Care Systems, and Health Sciences Capstone. 

Program Mission Statement – Exercise Science Major

The Exercise Science major aligns with the Broad Principles guiding the mission of Cedar Crest College; specifically related to leadership development, civic engagement, and health and wellness initiatives.  The interdisciplinary approach inherent in the major supports the academic mission of the college as a liberal arts institution.  The goal of this major, with its broad knowledge base, is to prepare students to go directly into jobs in the fitness or health and wellness sector, or to pursue further training in the areas of athletic training, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, wellness coaching, athletic coaching, or athletic management.

Program Requirements for the Exercise Science Major

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 are required for the major in Exercise Science major. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the departmental requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. 

Total number of credits required by program: 66 - 69 credits

Course Requirements for the Exercise Science major

Health Sciences Core (required of all Health Sciences majors, with the exception of Genetics and Counseling Psychology):

BUA 211 Introduction to Health Care Systems 3 credits
HLT 101 Introduction to the Health Professions 1 credit
HLT 201 Health Professions II 1 credit
HLT 301 Health Professions III 1 credit
HLT 302 Health Sciences Capstone 3 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
OR BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
NTR 210 Principles of Nutrition 3 credits
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
PSY 210 Lifespan Development 3 credits
21 total Health Sciences core credits

Additional Exercise Science Required Courses
BIO 117 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 118 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
EXS 100 Introduction to Exercise Science 3 credits
EXS 200 Exercise Physiology I 4 credits
EXS 201 Research Methods in Exercise Science 3 credits
EXS 202 Kinesiology 3 credits
EXS 203 Prevention and Care of Injury 3 credits
EXS 300 Exercise Physiology II 4 credits
EXS 301 Seminar in Exercise Science 3 credits
EXS 302 Exercise Testing and Prescription 4 credits
NTR 113 Nutrition and Fitness 1 credit
36 total exercise science credits

Electives 9-12 credits:
Choose three (3) electives that support the Exercise Science major from the areas of BIO, CHE, EXS, HLT, NTR, PHY, OR PSY.   Courses can be from the same area or different areas.

Required and elective courses must reach 120 credits to complete degree.

Exercise Science Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Exercise Science major, students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of exercise science including kinesiology, functional anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, psychology, and injury prevention in the health fitness setting.
• Describe human responses and adaptations to exercise as they relate to the following: neuromuscular, metabolic, circulatory, and respiratory pathways.Perform preparticipation health screenings and fitness assessments, interpret assessment results, and develop exercise prescriptions.

Fulfillment of the LAC Requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through successful completion of the following required courses: HLT 101, 201, 301, and HLT 302.
It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work. This major is open to any student who is matriculated at the College. 

Exercise Science Minor Course Requirements (18 credits)

EXS 200 Exercise Physiology I 4 credits
EXS 202 Kinesiology 3 credits
EXS 300 Exercise Physiology II 4 credits
EXS Electives 7 credits
Total Credits 18 credits