Exercise Science Major
The exercise science (EX) major is designed for those students who are seeking a broad background in exercise and fitness. It can also serve as a foundation for graduate study in athletic training, physical therapy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, cardiac rehabilitation, wellness, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. The didactic and clinical components allow students the opportunity to explore related areas of study, including exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, exercise prescription, and fitness assessment. Graduates from the EX major are prepared to pursue either employment opportunities in health and fitness settings or graduate school in those health professions noted above. Two accelerated pathways culminating in either a graduate professional degree in Physical Therapy or in Exercise Science and Nutrition are available as an EX major. Students interested in pursuing either accelerated program should contact the EX program for additional information.
The EX program has a competitive admissions process. Interested students should complete a Declaration of Major form and submit to the EX program. Students will be admitted to the EX program following completion of their second semester if they meet the following requirements:
- Complete the required first-year prerequisites and meet or exceed a minimum GPA of 2.5, with no grade lower than a C in all science course prerequisites and EX 100 Introduction to Exercise Science.
Transfer students should inquire with the EX Program Director regarding their potential admission status before applying.
Majors are required to take all EX required courses as well as three EX elective courses.
Differential Tuition
Sacred Heart University has implemented a differential tuition for the EX program. The cost of EX education is increased relative to other majors due to intensive clinical laboratory courses and clinical supervision required to maintain the professional standards of exercise science education in addition to the associated expenses of clinical education. This charge will be reflected as a program fee each semester in addition to undergraduate tuition and fees. The fee will be initiated for EX upon admission to the major.
All EX students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and receive a C or better in all prerequisite and required courses. This undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science.
Additional Requirements
All students are required to maintain current CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification (or its equivalent), annual PPD verification, criminal background check, and sexual harassment training. The EX program offers both CPR certification and sexual harassment training annually and PPD testing can be obtained from University Health Services. Students will not be permitted to participate in any designated EX service learning courses and/or clinical experience (EX 366, EX 367) without completing the above criteria. Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus sites.
Faculty
WENDY BJERKE, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
ANNA GREER, PhD, CHES, HFS
Associate Professor
BEAU GREER, PhD, CSCS
Graduate Program Director
Associate Professor
MATTHEW MORAN, PhD
Undergraduate Program Director
Associate Professor
PETER RONAI, MS, RCEP, CSCS-D, FACSM
Clinical Associate Professor
ERIC SCIBEK, Ms , aTc , cscs
Clinical Assistant Professor
VALERIE WHERLEY, PhD, EP-C
Clinical Assistant Professor
Program Requirements
Exercise Science Required Courses (35 credits)
| EX 100 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 230 | Research & Evaluation for Health Professionals | 3 |
| EX 240 | Concepts in Sports Medicine with Lab | 4 |
| EX 250 | Exercise Physiology with Lab | 4 |
| EX 255 | Nutritional Aspects of Human Health & Performance | 3 |
| EX 260 | Kinesiology with Lab | 4 |
| EX 290 | Behavioral Aspects of Exercise | 3 |
| EX 362 | Exercise Testing & Prescription with Lab | 4 |
| EX 363 | Developing Strength & Conditioning Programs with Lab | 4 |
| EX 366 | Clinical Rotation | 3 |
Exercise Science Electives (9 credits)
| EX 253 | Pathophysiology & Pharmacology | 3 |
| EX 270 | Neural Control of Human Movement | 3 |
| EX 299 | Special Topics in Exercise Science | 1-3 |
| EX 320 | Pediatric Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 358 | Exercise & Aging | 3 |
| EX 361 | Functional Gait Analysis | 3 |
| EX 365 | Clinical Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 367 | Internships in Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 390 | Planning & Evaluation for Physical Activity & Nutrition Programs | 3 |
| EX 398 | Independent Research in Exercise Science | 1-3 |
Required Supporting Courses (34 credits)
| BI 111 | Concepts in Biology I: Molecules to Cells | 3 |
| BI 113 | Concepts in Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| BI 112 | Concepts in Biology II: Cells to Organisms | 3 |
| BI 114 | Concepts in Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
| BI 206 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BI 208 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory | 1 |
| BI 207 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| BI 209 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory | 1 |
| | |
| CH 117 | General Organic & Biochemistry: An Overview | 3 |
| CH 119 | General Organic & Biochemistry Lab | 1 |
| or | |
| CH 151 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 153 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| | |
| MA 140 | Precalculus | 4 |
| PS 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PS 295 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| | |
| PY 104 | Elements of Physics | 3 |
| or | |
| PY 111 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PY 113 | General Physics Laboratory I | 1 |