Exercise Science Major

Faculty: Dressler (Exercise Clinic Coordinator); Kobes (Fieldwork Coordinator); Lang (MS-CEP Director/ Research Coordinator); Nustad (EXS Program Director/Department Chair)

Degree Types: Bachelor of Science (default) or Bachelor of Arts (alternative)

The Exercise Science program at the University of Mary is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree, with options for completion in three years. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in the sciences and promotes community involvement. The educational philosophy of the Exercise Science program supports learning through experiences, interactions, and application of knowledge and skills. The Exercise Science program also focuses on health fitness and clinical skills competencies and aims to prepare graduates for higher education opportunities, entry level clinical roles in cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, adult fitness, strength and conditioning, personal training, and leadership roles in the fitness industry.

Outcome and Goals

Based on the missions of the University of Mary, the School of Health Sciences, and the Department of Exercise Physiology, graduates of the degree Program in Exercise Science will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

1. Assess and provide for the fitness and exercise needs of people who are apparently healthy, at higher risk, or with known disease
2. Perform as entry-level technicians in clinical cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
3. Serve in leadership roles in the health fitness industry as personal trainers, coordinators and directors of fitness programs
4. Promote the component of exercise and fitness for a healthy lifestyle in a safe, legal, and ethical manner
5. Interpret, analyze, be resourceful, and think critically in a world of constant change and discovery
6. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism including lifelong learning, community service, and the Benedictine values.
   1. Pursue higher education degrees in related areas including exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and other health occupation programs.
   2. Be eligible for application for the American College of Sports Medicine

Admission Requirements

Entrance into the University of Mary Exercise Science Program is selective. Students may declare a major in exercise science during their freshman year. However, acceptance to the professional Exercise Science Program requires an application process which typically occurs in the spring of the sophomore year. Students will be accepted during the spring semester to begin course work in the fall semester of the same calendar year.

Minimum criteria for selection include completion of Prerequisite course work with a cumulative 2.5 grade point average and a 2.75 grade point average in the prerequisite courses.

Students are encouraged to consider the Exercise Science Program as preparation for furthering their education in a master’s degree program in clinical exercise physiology, applied exercise physiology, kinesiology, respiratory therapy, doctor in physical therapy, doctor in occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, or other allied health/health disciplines.

Accreditation

The curriculum was initially endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine from 2003-2010, and from 2011 to present, achieved accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP; 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763. Telephone: 727-210-2350).

The Exercise Science Program at University of Mary has also earned membership in the National Strength and Conditioning Association - Education Recognition Program. This, too, is a distinction recognizing quality of the academic program.