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Program Advisors: Kobes (Fieldwork Director); Nustad (Program Director/Department Chair)

The Exercise Science Program at the University of Mary is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum was endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine from 2003-2010, and has currently achieved accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP; 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 phone: 727-210-2350, http://www.caahep.org/search/?q=exercise%20science). Graduation from an accredited program is a demonstration of high quality knowledge, skills, and abilities.    

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 clinical competencies and aims to prepare graduates for higher education opportunities, entry level clinical roles in cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, adult fitness, and for personal training and leadership roles in the fitness industry. The Department of Exercise Science extends the Benedictine values of living a healthy and holistic lifestyle.    

Mission    

The Department of Exercise Science exists to provide the people of this region with leaders in the areas of fitness and exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise program development, and fitness instruction, meeting the fitness and exercise needs for people who are apparently healthy, at higher risk, or have known disease. The mission of the Department of Exercise Science is driven by the Rule of St. Benedict and aims to provide the region with services that promote the exercise component of a healthy, holistic lifestyle.    

Outcome and Goals    

Based on the missions of the University of Mary, the Division of Human Performance Sciences, and the Department of Exercise Science, 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 and directors of fitness 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 (ACSM) Health Fitness Specialist Certification

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 includes completion of pre-requisite 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 masters degree program in exercise physiology, occupational therapy, doctorate in physical therapy, or other allied health/health disciplines.    

Major in Exercise Science:    

BIO 103, 207, 208; CHE 109 and 110, or 111 and 112; MAT 103, 180 or 204; ATH 238, 316, 317; PSY 201, 207, 406; PHY 203, 304; PED 157, 159, 360; EXS 300(elective), 302, 305, 336, 406, 420, 443, 445, 452, 455, 465, 466, 467; HPS 206, NUR 319, ALU 499