Program Description

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.

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.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements (84 credits)

*Coursework listed within the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training major requirements section also satisfies the Scientific Reasoning, 200-level requirement of the Wellness and Physical Literacy, and Spiritual and Ethical Perspectives domains of the Core Curriculum.  There are 76 unique credits required in the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training major.

• AEXS 101 - Introduction to Applied Exercise Science Credits: 3
• AEXS 270 - Exercise Psychology 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
• AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition Credits: 3
• ATRN 504 - Prevention and Acute Care of Injury and Illness Credits: 3
• ATRN 550 - Behavioral Health Credits: 3
• 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 525 - Human Disease and Society Credits: 3
• HSCI 201 - Introduction to Health Care Ethics Credits: 3
• HSCI 240 - Principles of Epidemiology Credits: 3
• HSCI 260 - Human Disease and Chronic Illness Credits: 3
• HSCI 420 - Evidence-Based Health Care Credits: 3
• MATH 215 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3

• or

• HSCI 225 - Biostatistics Credits: 3
• NUSC 261 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
• PHTH 504 - Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System Credits: 3
• PHYS 205 - Physics for Movement Science Credits: 3
• PHYS 207 - Physics for Movement Science Laboratory Credits: 1
• PPAT 100 - Introduction to Athletic Training Credits: 2
• PPAT 200 - Practicum in Athletic Training Credits: 1
• PPAT 300 - Seminar Credits: 1
• PSYC 530 - Psychology of Sport Injury Credits: 3
• PUBH 130 - Introduction to Public Health Credits: 3
• WLPL 225 - Becoming Skilled in Wellness and Physical Literacy through Strength and Conditioning Credits: 1

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

IV. Additional Coursework

Students in the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training major will also take the following coursework during their senior year that will be transferred to their graduate record after conferral of their Bachelor’s degree. Specifically, these courses do not contribute to the 120-credit minimum required for the Bachelor’s degree but must be taken during the student’s senior year to maintain the accelerated timeline associated with the Exercise Science/Pre-professional Athletic Training to Master of Science in Athletic Training program.   

• ATRN 616 - Foundations of Therapeutic Intervention Credits: 2
• ATRN 624 - Standards of Clinical Practice Credits: 1
• ATRN 628 - Principles of Evidence Based Practice Credits: 2
• ATRN 630 - Musculoskeletal Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment I Credits: 4
• ATRN 632 - Musculoskeletal Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment II Credits: 4
• ATRN 634 - Musculoskeletal Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment III Credits: 4
• ATRN 668 - General Medical Conditions Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment IV Credits: 4
• ATRN 670 - Clinical Practicum I Credits: 1
• ATRN 672 - Clinical Practicum II Credits: 1
• ATRN 674 - Clinical Practicum III Credits: 1
• PHTH 605 - Applied Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Imaging Credits: 3