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Jun 06, 2025
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2024-2025 Springfield College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Exercise Science/Applied Exercise Science, B.S.
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 Return to: Academic Programs
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Program Description
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 concentration, Strength and Conditioning, or two tracks that are consistent with their professional goals: 1) Fitness Management and Personal Training, or 2) Clinical. 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 compliance 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 400-hour fieldwork experience during their senior year. Program Highlights
Degree: Bachelor of Science Required Credits: 120 School: School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership Department: Exercise Science and Athletic Training Modality: On-Ground Locations: Main Campus (Springfield) Additional Information: Available on the Springfield College external website (www.springfield.edu) Program Standards
Matriculation Requirements The following details the requirements to matriculate and remain in the Applied Exercise Science major. - Appropriate 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. Failure to meet the professional behavior standard may result in probation or dismissal from the program.
- Completion of 10.0 PDPs per year. Completion of 7PDPs for students transferring in to the program in January. PDPs reporting forms are due at the start of the Fall semester.
- Students failing to acquire 10 PDPs will be issued a professional misconduct report which will go in his/her advising folder.
- All AEXS prefixed courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. If the student earns less than a C- in an AEXS prefixed course, the student will have to retake the course. If the class in which the unacceptable grade is earned is a pre-requisite, the student will not be permitted to enroll in the next course in the sequence until an acceptable grade (C- or higher) in the pre-requisite class is achieved. A course may be repeated once. The student will be dismissed from the major if still unable to achieve a score of C- or higher in the course. See page 3 for AEXS Core coursework.
- Students enrolled in the Applied Exercise Science major at Springfield College must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 to matriculate through the program and graduate. The academic performance of every student is reviewed at the end of each semester. The probationary range is 2.50-2.74. Information provided below describes how the cGPA matriculation policy applies to first, second, third and fourth year students.
- Warning: Indicates that the student is not meeting the matriculation standard and is used to alert the student that they are in danger of being placed on academic probation if grades do not improve. Academic Warning applies only during the freshman year of coursework.
- Probation: Indicates that the student is not meeting the matriculation standard and alerts the student that if they fail to meet their designated probationary cumulative GPA for two consecutive semesters, they will be dismissed from the program.
- Dismissal: Indicates that student’s cumulative GPA is below the probationary range (2.50-2.74) and/or has failed to meet the probationary cumulative GPA for two consecutive semesters, resulting in dismissal from the Applied Exercise Science Major. The student will need to transfer into a new major.
cGPA Regulations: First Year Students - Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be placed on Academic Warning.
- Once placed on academic warning, the student’s cumulative GPA must show improvement each subsequent semester. If the cumulative GPA does not increase, the student is placed on Academic Probation.
- Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.25-2.49 will be placed on Academic Probation.
- If at the end of the first year, the student’s cumulative GPA is still under 2.50, the student will be dismissed from the major.
- Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.25 will be dismissed from the program.
Second and Third Year Students - Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.50-2.74 will be placed on Academic Probation.
- Once placed on academic probation, the student’s cumulative GPA must show improvement. If the cumulative GPA does not increase for two consecutive semesters, the student will be dismissed from the major.
- Students with a cumulative GPA of below 2.50 will be dismissed from the major.
Fourth Year Students - In order to enroll in fourth year capstone fieldwork experience (AEXS 486), the student must have achieved a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA.
- Once placed on academic probation, the student’s cumulative GPA must show improvement. If the cumulative GPA does not increase for two consecutive semesters, the student will be dismissed from the major.
Note: Transfer students will follow the policy based on the year they are admitted in to the AEXS program. Appeals Process A student may appeal any action taken by the Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department and Applied Exercise Science Program regarding their probation or dismissal from the major. The student must submit a letter to the Department Chair requesting an appeal of the decision. This letter should follow the appeal process outlined in the student handbook. The appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of their probation or dismissal. The Department Chair will determine if the appeal request warrants further action. For cases warranting further action, the Department Chair will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty to which the student will be invited. The appropriate faculty will include the Program Director and academic advisor. In the case where the Program Director and the academic advisor are the same person an additional program faculty will be included. The student will be notified within two weeks of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal. Essential Functions and Technical Standards
Students in the Springfield College Applied Exercise Science (AESC) program must demonstrate essential technical skills and functions to succeed in academic and practical settings. This includes the ability to assess, design, and implement exercise programs, while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Students must exhibit physical and cognitive abilities necessary for tasks such as conducting fitness assessments, delivering interventions, and responding appropriately in emergency situations. Additionally, they are expected to communicate effectively, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and apply evidence-based practices, all while adhering to industry regulations and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals. The AESC curriculum adheres to the standards and guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Within these guidelines, the Applied Exercise Science Program has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for the selection and evaluation of its students, the design, implementation, and evaluation of its curriculum, and the determination of who should be awarded a degree. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on satisfactory academic achievement, but also on essential functions, skills, and abilities which ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary attributes of the academic program required for graduation. The AESC Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its graduates can become fully competent and caring exercise science practitioners, capable of benefit and not harm. It is important that the persons admitted possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, physical and emotional capacity, and professionalism necessary to practice exercise science. The AESC Program is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. “Springfield College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis in admission and access to, and employment and treatment in, its programs and activities.” The AESC Program is committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. When requested, Springfield College will provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. All students admitted to, matriculated in and graduating from the AESC Program are expected to have the capability to complete the entire AESC curriculum. All students should be able to perform each of the essential functions and technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are never provided retroactively. | REQUIREMENT | Examples of activities (not inclusive or limited to only these) | | Communication Skills These communication skills ensure that Exercise Science professionals can interact effectively, educate clients, and collaborate with other health professionals while maintaining a high level of professionalism and respect. | Language: Effectively use oral or written forms of the English language for expression during communication and written tasks, as well as receive and interpret oral and written forms of the English language. Clear Verbal Communication: Ability to convey instructions, feedback, and information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to clients, peers, and supervisors. Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively to clients’ concerns, goals, and feedback to tailor exercise programs and interventions effectively. Non-Verbal Communication: Ability to use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to enhance instruction, demonstrate empathy, and provide non-verbal cues during exercise sessions. Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, showing respect for cultural differences and adapting communication styles accordingly. | | Motor Skills These motor-related skills ensure that Exercise Science professionals can deliver safe, effective, and individualized services while upholding the well-being of their clients. | Physical and Manual Dexterity: Ability to properly handle, use, and demonstrate equipment with accuracy and care. Emergency Response: Ability to perform CPR, first aid, and other emergency procedures in response to medical or injury-related situations. Posture, Body Mechanics, Coordination & Balance: Ability to model proper posture and body mechanics and maintain balance necessary for demonstrating exercises or assisting clients, ensuring both personal and client safety. Endurance and Stamina: Ability to sustain physical activity throughout long sessions (8hrs) of exercise instruction or fitness assessments without compromising quality or safety. | | Hearing Abilities These hearing abilities include the auditory ability to sufficiently monitor and assess client health needs. | Auditory: Ability to hear lecture and basic conversations, an alarm or emergency signal, or a person calling for help in an exercise science setting. Auscultate: Ability to effectively listen for body sounds for detection of function (blood pressure). | | Visual Abilities These visual abilities ensure necessary sight to monitor and assess client needs both at a distance and nearby. | Observe: Ability to observe posture, technique, and movement patterns from a distance to ensure safety and proper form. Assess: Ability to recognize signs of fatigue, discomfort, or potential injury. Read: Ability to read documents including program documents, client reports, scientific literature, and equipment output | | Cognitive Abilities Critical thinking and problem solving abilities sufficient for clinical judgement in normal, urgent, and emergent situations. | Responsive: Ability to respond with timely, precise and appropriate action in an emergency. Perform : Ability to perform effectively under stress or in unusual situations. Comprehend : Ability to comprehend, organize, prioritize, memorize, analyze and synthesize information from scientific and clinical sources. Assess: Ability to analyze and evaluate results of client assessments/examinations and formulate a timely and appropriate plan of care consistent with industry standards. Accountable: Be accountable for the outcomes of academic activities and clinical decision making and client care. | | Affective Abilities Interpersonal attributes, adaptability, empathy and emotional stability sufficient to interact effectively and sensitively with peers, faculty and clients, to maintain professional demeanor, communication, and respect for others at all times. Capacity for self-reflection and change. | Ethical Standards: Ability to comply with the ethical standards of leading professional organizations. Feedback: Ability to respond appropriately to suggestions for improvement and accept constructive criticism. Collaborative: Ability to communicate appropriately and work effectively and sensitively with peers, faculty and clients. Professionalism: Ability to present oneself in a professional and empathetic manner to peers, faculty, and clients. | | Self-health and Hygiene Abilities Abilities and characteristics that do not compromise the health and safety of peers, faculty, patients and the community. | Self-Care: Ability to maintain general good health, self-care, and hygiene. Behaviors: Ability to demonstrate appropriate behaviors and attitudes in order not to jeopardize the emotional health, physical health, mental health, and safety of peers, faculty, or clients. | 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: 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 (72-95 credits)
A. Required Courses (69 credits)
B. Selective (3 credits)
Choose one sequence (3 credits) from the following list: C. Optional Strength and Conditioning Concentration (23 credits)
The Strength and Conditioning concentration will provide students seeking positions in the field of strength and conditioning the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective program design and implementation to enhance athletic development. Completion of the concentration will allow students to be eligible for and academically prepared to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Associated (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)
Students may also select one the following optional tracks to fufill elective requirements: a. Fitness Management and Personal Training Track (18-21 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 Fitness Management and Personal Training track builds on the strong science based undergraduate applied science exercise program. The track is an interdisciplinary program including courses from the Management, Sport Management and Physical Education programs. Students who choose this track will be encouraged to complete their final Internship (minimum of 400 hours) in a setting that supports use of their exercise and fitness skills as well as exposure to the business side of personal training. (Total credits from the list below depends upon options chosen in core and related requirements) b. Clinical Track (24-32 credits)
The Clinical track in the Applied Exercise Science major prepares students for a range of career opportunities in health care. Students who choose to pursue the Clinical track will engage in hands-on learning, which is a hallmark of our majors, while pursuing the prerequisite sciences needed for advanced studies in the medical field. |
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