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 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, spa and wellness 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), and the YMCA.
The program of study comprising the applied exercise science major is designed to develop knowledge, skills and ability that will enable the graduate to:
- Perform fitness-related tests independently.
- Administer and interpret fitness-related testing for normal healthy individuals.
- Administer and interpret appropriate fitness-rlated testing for individuals with special needs (in compliance with nationally recognized guidelines).
- Design and implement exercise programs for normal healthy individuals.
- Design and implement exercise programs for individuals with special needs (In complance with nationally recognized guidelines).
- Recognize the subdisciplines within exercise science and understand trends and issues within each.
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 Dr. Richard Wood of the Exercise Science and Sports Studies Department at (413) 748-3179 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.