Exercise Science Major

The exercise science (EX) major is designed for those students who are seeking a broad background in exercise, fitness, and sport science. It can also serve as a foundation for graduate study in athletic training, physical therapy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, cardiac rehabilitation, chronic disease management, 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. Five accelerated pathways culminating in either a graduate professional degree in Physical Therapy, Exercise Science and Nutrition, Public Health, Athletic Training, or Occupational Therapy are available as an EX major. Students interested in pursuing an accelerated program should contact the EX program for additional information.

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 with AED Certification (or its equivalent), annual PPD verification and sexual misconduct training. SHU offers both CPR certification and sexual misconduct 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 experiences (EX 366, EX 367, EX 398) without completing the above criteria. Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus sites

Faculty

WENDY BJERKE, PhD, PAPBS
Clinical Professor

BEAU GREER, PhD, CSCS
Graduate Program Director

Professor

JONATHAN HUDAK, MS, CSCS

Clinical Exercise Scientist

CHRYS MALONEY

Administrative Assistant

MATTHEW MORAN, PhD

Undergraduate Program Director

Associate Professor

PETER RONAI, MS, RCEP, CEP, EP-C, CSCS, FACSM

Clinical Professor

ERIC SCIBEK, MS, ATC, CSCS

Clinical Associate Professor

ALICJA STANNARD, PhD

Assistant Professor

CHRISTOPHER TABER, PhD, CSCS, CEP, PES, USAW2

Assistant Professor

JUSTIN WAGER, PhD

Assistant Professor