Exercise Science is a scientific program of study that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. Examples of coursework include instruction in clinical exercise physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, energy metabolism, and strength and conditioning.

Exercise Science prepares qualified professionals for employment in health and fitness centers, hospital based health and wellness programs, corporate based health and wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and allied health areas. Additionally, the program prepares students for advanced study in related fields such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, medicine, and chiropractic medicine.

The Exercise Science program comprises two areas of emphasis, which include Clinical Exercise Physiology and Applied Exercise Physiology.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the minimum criteria listed below to be considered for admission to the program.

• Admission to Marshall University
• Declared Exercise Science as a major, including preferred area of emphasis

  - General Education Course

  - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

Course Requirements

• Courses in this category may not be completed under the credit/non-credit option.

1. Core Curriculum
2. Exercise Science Professional Core 79 hours

   Course List

   Code	Title	Credit Hours
   BSC 227 & BSC 227L	Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab	5
   BSC 228  & BSC 228L	Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab	5
   DTS 210	Nutrition	3
   ESS 215	Intro to Exercise Science	3
   ESS 345	Exercise Physiology	3
   ESS 375	Fitness Assess & Exerc Prescr	3
   ESS 386	Adult Fitness	3
   ESS 442	Princ of Strength & Cond	3
   ESS 443	Prin of Strength Cond Lab	1
   ESS 478	Energy Sources Body Comp	3
   ESS 491	Internship Exercise Science (minimum 6 credit hours required; maximum 12 credit hours)	6-12
   HS 200	Comp Medical Terminology (CT)	3
   HS 222	Hlth Prov First Aid/CPR/AED	3
   HS 365	Functional Kinesiology	3
   PSY 201	Introductory Psychology (CT)	3
   PSY 223	Elem Behavioral Stat	3
   PSY 440	Physiological Psychology	3
   Any 3-credit-hour developmental course		3
   Any 3-credit-hour ethics course		3
   Any 3-credit hour free elective		3

3. Area of Emphasis (Students must choose one)
   1. Clinical Exercise Physiology
   2. Applied Exercise Physiology

Other Requirements

4. Core Curriculum
5. Must be at least senior status into the summer of the last academic year and must have completed ESS 375 Fitness Assess & Exerc Prescr prior to starting the internship experience (completions of ESS 386 Adult Fitness, ESS 442 Princ of Strength & Cond, and ESS 443 Prin of Strength Cond Lab are strongly recommended).
6. Graduation Requirements:
   1. An overall cumulative minimum GPA of 2.50
   2. A C or better on all required coursework
   3. Minimum 120 semester hours

Options

All students who complete this undergraduate program are eligible to take the following exams:

• NSCA - CSCS, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• ACSM - CEP, Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• ACSM - CPT, Certified Personal Trainer
• ACSM - EP, Exercise Physiologist

•  

Areas of Emphasis