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 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-related 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.

Download an Applied Exercise Science Program Sequencing Guide

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 Sequencing Guide for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

AEXS 101 - Introduction to Applied Exercise Science Credits: 3
AEXS 284 - On-Campus Practicum Credits: 1
AEXS 313 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3
AEXS 315 - Physiology of Exercise - Lab Credits: 0
AEXS 319 - Kinesiology/Biomechanics Credits: 3
AEXS 321 - Kinesiology / Biomechanics - Lab Credits: 0
AEXS 335 - Measurement and Evaluation Credits: 3
AEXS 350 - Internship I Credits: 2
AEXS 360 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credits: 3
AEXS 362 - Exercise Testing and Prescription-Lab Credits: 0
AEXS 401 - Management of Health/Fitness Programs Credits: 3
AEXS 410 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3
AEXS 465 - Exercise Testing and Prescription for Special Populations Credits: 3
AEXS 470 - Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
or
AEXS 561 - Electrocardiogram Interpretation and Graded Exercise Testing Credits: 3
and
AEXS 480 - Concepts of Personal Training Credits: 3
AEXS 486 - Internship II Credits: 9

B. Related Requirements

BIOL 130 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts I Credits: 3
BIOL 131 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts II Credits: 3
BIOL 132 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts I Lab Credits: 1
BIOL 133 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts 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
AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition 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
AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition 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
BUSM 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
CISC 115 - Microcomputer Applications Credits: 3
SMRT 478 - Budgeting for Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits: 3
SMRT 304 - Marketing Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3

C. Spa and Wellness Management (15 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 Business Administration 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.

BUSM 221 - Principles of Marketing Credits: 3
BUSM 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
HLTH 361 - Applied Nutrition Credits: 3
SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
and choose one of the following two courses:
SMRT 106 - Dynamics of Leadership Credits: 3
or
SMRT 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management 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 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. (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.
Through the course of each calendar year, students are required to earn 10.0 professional development points (PDPs) as outlined in the PDP guidelines.

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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