Program Information

Springfield College offers an accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training Degree program. This program is designed for persons who wish to gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to provide quality health care to those engaged in physically active lifestyles. Emphasis is placed on minimizing risk of injury/re-injury and illness, improving functional outcomes and enhancing/supporting safe participation and return to activity, sport and work. Upon successful completion of this accelerated five year program, students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training and a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. The program is divided into two phases: a pre-professional phase in which students complete the General Education Program, core Exercise Science coursework and Pre-professional Athletic Training related requirements, and the professional phase, which includes four semesters and two summers of graduate-level professional athletic training education and clinical experience. Students enter the program as first-year students.

Degree Information

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training

• (120 credit hours) Requirements Subject to Change

Contact Information

For more information about the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training program, contact Dr. Mary Barnum at (413) 748-3763.

IA. Core Curriculum (40 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 Core Curriculum Program Requirements - Undergraduate Students (40 credits)   section.

To view the general education requirements for students entering Springfield College before Fall 2020, Click Here   

I. Core requirements

With an international reputation as a leader in the field of exercise science, Springfield College was one of the first institutions in the United States to develop curriculum dedicated to the discipline. The major emphasizes that physical activity is inextricably linked to good health, prevention of disease and enhanced human performance. The curriculum is rooted in the Humanics Philosophy of spirit, mind and body. Coursework provides a strong science base, including courses in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, psychology, measurement, nutrition, and management.

In addition to the Exercise Science core curriculum, the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training program provides advanced coursework needed to enroll in the professional phase of the accelerated 3+2 graduate level athletic training degree program.

• 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 350 - Internship I Credits: 2
• AEXS 360 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credits: 3
• AEXS 362 - Exercise Testing and Prescription-Lab Credits: 0
• AEXS 380 - Foundations of Training for Health and Performance Credits: 3
• AEXS 401 - Management of Health/Fitness Programs Credits: 3
• BIOL 130 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts I Credits: 3
• BIOL 132 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts I Lab Credits: 1
• BIOL 131 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts II Credits: 3
• BIOL 133 - Anatomy and Physiology Concepts II Lab Credits: 1
• CHEM 101 - Chemistry Survey Credits: 3
• CHEM 102 - Chemistry Survey Laboratory Credits: 1
• NUSC 261 - Introduction to Nutrition 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

II. Pre-professional Athletic Training Requirements

• AEXS 390 - Exercise Psychology Credits: 3
• AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition Credits: 3
• ATRN 504 - Prevention and Acute Care of Injury and Illness Credits: 3
• ATRN 550 - Behavioral Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 525 - Human Disease and Health Literacy Credits: 3
• HSCI 201 - Introduction to Health Care Ethics Credits: 3
• HSCI 260 - Human Disease and Chronic Illness Credits: 3
• HSCI 340 - Principles of Epidemiology Credits: 3
• HSCI 420 - Evidence-Based Health Care Credits: 3
• MATH 215 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3

• or

• HSCI 225 - Biostatistics Credits: 3
• PHTH 504 - Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System Credits: 3
• PPAT 100 - Introduction to Athletic Training Credits: 2
• PPAT 200 - Practicum in Athletic Training Credits: 1
• PSYC 530 - Psychology of Sport Injury Credits: 3
• PUBH 130 - Introduction to Public Health Credits: 3

Program Standards

Students are required maintain the following performance standards:

• A 3.000 minimum cumulative GPA.
• A grade of C or better is required in all Exercise Science Required Courses.
• A grade of B- or better is required in all Pre-professional Athletic Training Required Courses.