Applied Exercise Science

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Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Applied Exercise Science

(120 Credit Hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The applied exercise science major is designed as a professional preparation program, leading toward professional roles as directors and leaders in the health/fitness field in corporate, community, university, or commercial settings in which exercise programming is a primary focus. Our graduates are knowledgeable in both health and exercise science and are well prepared to be practitioners in a field that is expanding and taking on new dimensions. Coursework is designed to aid students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including those offered through the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the YMCA, and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

The program of study comprising the applied exercise science major is designed to develop knowledge and skills that will enable the graduate to:

Initiate and develop physical fitness/health assessment and exercise programs.
Interpret physical fitness/health assessment data.
Prescribe appropriate activities for individual and group programs.
Educate program participants in the safe conduct and benefits of exercise activities.
Organize and administer exercise/fitness programs and facilities.
Intervene in the practice of harmful health practices and effect attitudinal change toward the adoption of healthful activities.
Develop and implement strength and conditioning programs for athletes.

To support their professional development, all students majoring in applied exercise science are required to complete a 15-week fieldwork experience during their senior year.

For more information about the applied exercise science major, contact Professor Charles Redmond of the Exercise Science and Sports Studies Department at (413) 748-3231 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download an Applied Exercise Science Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

AEXS 101 - Introduction to Applied Exercise Science Credits: 1
AEXS 230 - Instruction and Presentation Techniques Credits: 2
AEXS 260 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credits: 3
AEXS 284 - On-Campus Practicum Credits: 2
AEXS 335 - Measurement and Evaluation Credits: 3
AEXS 350 - Pre-Practicum in Health/Fitness Credits: 2
AEXS 365 - Exercise Testing and Prescription for Special Populations Credits: 3
AEXS 399 - Junior Seminar Credits: 3
AEXS 401 - Management of Health/Fitness Programs Credits: 3
AEXS 461 - Electrocardiogram Interpretation and Graded Exercise Testing Credits: 3
or
AEXS 470 - Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
AEXS 486 - Health/Fitness Fieldwork Credits: 10-15
AEXS 499 - Concepts of Personal Training Credits: 3
MSCI 313 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3
MSCI 319 - Kinesiology/Biomechanics Credits: 3

B. Related Requirements

BIOL 130 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
BIOL 131 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
BIOL 132 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits: 1
BIOL 133 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Credits: 1
CHEM 101 - Chemistry Survey Credits: 3
CHEM 102 - Chemistry Survey Laboratory Credits: 1
HLTH 261 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
HLTH 361 - Applied Nutrition Credits: 3
MOSK 101 - Outdoor Pursuits Credits: 1
MSCI 440 - Nutrition and Athletic Performance Credits: 3
PEPC 125 - Health Fitness Resistance Training Credits: 1
PHYS 205 - Physics for Movement Science Credits: 3
PHYS 207 - Physics for Movement Science Laboratory Credits: 1
PEAC XXX - Aerobics Selective Credits: .5
PEAC XXX - PEAC Elective Credits: .5

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

It is strongly recommended that students complete one of the following specializations:

A. Sports Performance

AEXS 470 - Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
AEXS 471 - Strength and Conditioning Applications Credits: 1
MOST 224 - Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition Credits: 3
MOST 328 - Psychology of Sport Credits: 3
MSCI 440 - Nutrition and Athletic Performance Credits: 3
PHED 212 - Principles and Problems of Coaching Credits: 2

B. Personal and Group Fitness Services

CISC 115 - Microcomputer Applications Credits: 3
HPER 478 - Budgeting for Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
HPER 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits: 3
MGTE 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
SMRT 304 - Marketing Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3

Program Standards

Applied exercise science majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third- and fourth-year sequences of required courses (including Pre-Practicum and Fieldwork). To qualify for advanced standing, the student must achieve and maintain the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

The student must have completed AEXS 284; BIOL 130, 131,132, and 133; CHEM 101 and 102; HLTH 103 and 106; PHYS 205 and 207; and PEAC 100.
An overall GPA (all courses) of 2.75 or higher.
A grade of C- or better in all AEXS courses and MSCI 313. (Grades of D+ or less are unacceptable and courses will need to be retaken).
Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each applied exercise science student. This includes behavior while a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA and grade standards listed above, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the applied exercise science faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.

Appeal Process
A student may appeal any action taken by the department regarding his or her probation or dismissal from the major. In order to appeal, the student must submit a letter to the department chairperson requesting a review of their status. This appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of his or her probation or dismissal. The department chairperson will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty. The student will be notified within ten days of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal.