Applied Exercise Science

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 (AEXS) major is a rigorous and demanding science based professional preparation program designed to prepare graduates to work in the exercise, fitness and wellness professions. Graduates are employed in corporate, commercial, and agency fitness settings as well as personal training and strength and conditioning. In addition to the major requirements, students can choose one of three specializations that are consistent with their professional goals: 1) Sport Performance, 2) Personal Training, and 3) Spa and Wellness Management.

The AEXS program has an extensive experiential learning component. Students complete three separate fieldwork/internship experiences. These experiences include working in the College’s wellness and strength and conditioning facilities and at off-campus settings selected with advisor based input based on the student’s achievements and professional goals. These off campus fieldwork/internship opportunities (national and international) include traditional fitness settings, professional sports, university and college athletics, clinics and hospitals.

The program is designed to assist students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), 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 healthy lifestyles.
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 450 hour 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

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

AEXS 101 - Introduction to Applied Exercise Science Credits: 1
AEXS 230 - Instructional Strategies and Presentation Techniques Credits: 2
AEXS 260 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credits: 3
AEXS 284 - On-Campus Practicum Credits: 1
AEXS 310 - Junior Seminar Credits: 1
AEXS 335 - Measurement and Evaluation Credits: 3
AEXS 350 - Internship I Credits: 2
AEXS 365 - Exercise Testing and Prescription for Special Populations 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
or
AEXS 480 - Concepts of Personal Training Credits: 3
AEXS 486 - Health/Fitness Fieldwork Credits: 10-15
MSCI 313 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3
MSCI 315 - Physiology of Exercise - Lab Credits: 0
MSCI 319 - Kinesiology/Biomechanics Credits: 3
MSCI 321 - Kinesiology / Biomechanics - Lab Credits: 0

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
or
MSCI 440 - Nutrition and Athletic Performance Credits: 3
MOSK 101 - Outdoor Pursuits Credits: 1
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. Sport Performance (15 credits)

Interest in conditioning athletes across the life span from youth to seniors to improve performance continues to grow. Strength training, speed training and specific sport skill training are examples of performance areas graduates could work with. Employment opportunities continue to be good in professional and college’s and universities athletics with oppotunities working with high school athletes increasing significantly.

The Sport Performance Specialization builds on the strong science based undergraduate Applied Exercise Science program. The specialization is an interdisciplinary program including courses from the Movement and Sports Studies and Physical Education/Coaching programs.

Students who choose this specialization will be encouraged to complete their final Internship (minimum of 450 hours) at one of the many Sport Performance settings Springfield College has agreements with locally, nationally and internationally.

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 Training (18 credits)

Many applied exercise science and wellness graduates who enter the work force in the traditional commercial, agency and corporate fitness areas are finding opportunities to work with clients interested in personal one-on-one training. Exercise science professionals who have the technical skills and entrepreneurial interest and want to be their own ‘boss’ are starting their own Personal Training businesses. Trends in the Fitness Industry support that personal training, ranging from those interested in general fitness to elite athletes, are looking for qualified and skilled personal trainers.

The Personal Training Specialization builds on the strong science based undergraduate applied science exercise program. The specialization is an interdisciplinary program including courses from the Management, Sport Management and Physical Education programs.

Students who choose this specialization will be encouraged to complete their final Internship (minimum of 450 hours) in a setting that supports use of their exercise and fitness skills as well as exposure to the business side of personal training.

AEXS 480 - Concepts of Personal Training Credits: 3
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

C. Spa and Wellness Management (18 credits)

Within the fields of health promotion, wellness and exercise science, one of the fastest growing areas of interest for both consumers and practitioners is Alternative and Complimentary Wellness. The Spa and Wellness Management concentration has been developed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers in the Spa Industry which has been very successful in integrating Alternative and Complimentary Wellness into their programming.

Many of the positions in the Spa Industry require skills in the business and management areas as well as the applied exercise sciences. This concentration is an interdisciplinary program which integrates coursework and field based experiences in the Exercise Sciences, Sport Management and Management and Economics areas. Students who choose and achieve in completing this concentration will be well prepared for an entry-level career in the rapidly expanding spa industry.

In addition to the coursework, it is expected that the student will complete their ‘Capstone’ minimum 450 hour (15 credit) Internship at a facility which utilizes and integrates Alternative and Complimentary Wellness theory, strategies, and techniques into their programming.

AEXS 337 - Alternative and Complementary Wellness Credits: 3
HLTH 361 - Applied Nutrition Credits: 3
MGTE 121 - Principles of Marketing Credits: 3
MGTE 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
and choose one of the following two courses:
HPER 479 - Personnel and Human Resource Management Credits: 3
or
SMRT 106 - Dynamics of LeadershipCredits: 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 Internship I and II). 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 100; PHYS 205 and 207.
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 in these courses 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) 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 of Exercise Science and Sport Studies (ESSS) 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.

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