Program Overview
Mount Union University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science equips students with a comprehensive understanding of human physiology, movement, and scientific inquiry. The program emphasizes real-world applications through state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in allied-health professions such as kinesiology, nutrition, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree at Mount Union University focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of exercise physiology, human movement, anatomy, and scientific inquiry. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in allied-health professions such as kinesiology, nutrition, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate a solid foundational knowledge and understanding of human physiology, including relevant principles of nutrition, biology, and chemistry, along with an advanced understanding of human anatomy, as they relate to responses and adaptations to exercise and physical activity.
- Demonstrate basic laboratory skills pertaining to assessments, laboratory methods, sound experimental and analytical practices, data acquisition, and reporting in the exercise sciences.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the importance and influence of exercise, physical activity, and nutrition on an individual's health and well-being. In addition, you should steadfastly be an advocate for physically active lifestyles as a means to improve quality of life and reduce the risk and prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.
- Demonstrate requisite skills and abilities for meaningful employment in exercise science-related areas or to pursue graduate studies in an exercise science-related area.
Program Description:
The 57-credit BS in exercise science pairs classroom knowledge with real-world applications. The program features state-of-the-art research facilities, small class sizes, invested professors, and wide-ranging opportunities for experiential learning—both on- and off-campus—to equip students for the dynamic demands of an allied-health career. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate and worksite wellness, and applied practice designing fitness programs for specific populations.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The BS in exercise science is a four-year program that includes a combination of core courses, elective courses, and experiential learning opportunities. The core courses provide students with a strong foundation in the scientific principles of exercise science, while the elective courses allow students to explore their specific interests within the field.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
- Exercise Physiology - This module provides an overview of the physiological responses to exercise, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and endocrine systems.
- Human Movement - This module explores the biomechanics of human movement, including the study of muscles, joints, and levers.
- Anatomy - This module provides a detailed overview of the human anatomy, including the study of bones, muscles, and organs.
- Scientific Inquiry - This module introduces students to the principles of scientific research, including the design of experiments and the analysis of data.
- Pharmacology - This module provides an overview of the pharmacological principles of exercise science, including the study of drugs and their effects on the body.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation - This module explores the principles of cardiac rehabilitation, including the assessment and treatment of patients with heart disease.
- Corporate and Worksite Wellness - This module provides an overview of the principles of corporate and worksite wellness, including the design and implementation of wellness programs for employees.
- Applied Practice Designing Fitness Programs for Specific Populations - This module provides students with the opportunity to design and implement fitness programs for specific populations, such as older adults, children, or individuals with disabilities.
Assessment:
Students in the BS in exercise science program are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, papers, and presentations. The program also includes a capstone project that requires students to design and conduct a research study.
Teaching:
The BS in exercise science program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. The program also includes opportunities for students to work with faculty members on research projects.
Careers:
The BS in exercise science program prepares students for a variety of rewarding career paths in and related to allied-health medical professions. With an exercise science degree, students can transition directly into a related job or pursue further professional credentials in a graduate program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many roles in this field demonstrate growing demand, such as physical therapist assistants and aides, which are estimated to expand 24% by 2031, or fitness trainers and instructors, which will see 19% growth over the same period.
Common Careers:
- Exercise technologist
- Exercise specialist
- Program director
- Exercise leader
- Health/fitness instructor
- Health/fitness director
- Advanced personal trainer
- Certified strength and conditioning specialist
Recent Employers:
- Akron General Health and Wellness
- Fit Works
- Ohio Institute of Pain Management
- Best Personal Fitness
- Cameron Wellness Center
- Holmes Spine and Sport Chiropractic
