Exercise Science Track, Arts and Sciences AA: 157C

(R): 157C

This AA track is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in health promotion, fitness, or corporate wellness. An analysis of job markets in fields related to health promotion shows that they are experiencing rapid growth expansion as our society continues to become more aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This track has been designed as a transfer program, including a program developed in conjunction with Salisbury University’s exercise science degree. This associates degree program is also appropriate for students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in exercise science, health promotion, health education, or kinesiology from another college or university.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills and will develop the abilities to apply theoretical information in practical real-life situations. Emphasis is on an understanding of the human body, health behavior, personal health, lifetime fitness principles and training techniques, nutrition, weight control, stress management, and other related healthy lifestyle topics. Students will learn to assess the different components of health and fitness, and they will acquire skills in the design, implementation, and supervision of healthier lifestyle programs for groups and individuals. Students will also acquire the program assessment and evaluation skills needed for the successful implementation of health behavior change programming.

Completion of the AA requirements in exercise science will prepare students for fitness certifications through nationally recognized professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine. Upon completion of designated courses, students will be eligible to sit for various NCCA approved certifications. Upon completion of the Salisbury University degree, students will be eligible to sit for a variety of CoAES professional certifications including Certified Health Educator Specialist certification, ACSM’s Health Fitness Specialist certification, or NCSA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

General Education Course Selections

Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence

All students should consult an advisor.

First Semester

BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
HLTH 220 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 semester hours
PHED 228 - Group Fitness Instructor Training 3 semester hours

Second Semester

HLTH 225 - Introduction to Health Behaviors 3 semester hours (GEIR)
MATH 117 - Elements of Statistics 3 semester hours †
PHED 206 - Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness 3 semester hours
English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Humanities distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)††

Third Semester

BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
PHED 230 - Advanced Weight Training: Theory and Program Design 3 semester hours
PHED 237 - Advanced Metabolic Assessment and Program Design 3 semester hours
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)

Fourth Semester

BIOL 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 semester hours
PHED 240 - Personal Training Techniques 3 semester hours
PHED 250 - Prevention and Management of Exercise Injuries 3 semester hours
SOCY 100 - Introduction to Sociology 3 semester hours (BSSD)‡
OR
SOCY 243 - The Sociology of Sport 3 semester hours (BSSD)‡
Arts distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 . If ENGL 101 is not needed recommended health elective, HLTH 121 .

† MATH 165 or MATH 150 can be taken to fulfill this requirement. (Consult department adviser to determine the appropriate math course.)

††Recommend one of the following if transferring to Salisbury University. HIST 114 , HIST 116 ,or HIST 117

‡ Meets general education global and cultural perspective.

Students participating in the articulated curriculum with Salisbury University - Shady Grove need an additional 10 credits that include HIST 117 6 HLTH credits + 1 PHED credit. (PHED 166 , HLTH 160 + 1 of the following courses-HLTH 131 , HLTH 170 , HLTH 212 , HLTH 215 , or HLTH 230 ) Students must meet with departmental advisers for selection of appropriate general education and professional courses.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Foundation Courses

MATH 117 - Elements of Statistics 3 semester hours (MATF) †
English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)

Distribution Courses

BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
SOCY 100 - Introduction to Sociology 3 semester hours ‡ (BSSD)
OR
SOCY 243 - The Sociology of Sport 3 semester hours ‡ (BSSD)
Arts distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
Humanities distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD) ††

General Education Institutional Requirement

COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
HLTH 225 - Introduction to Health Behaviors 3 semester hours (GEIR)

Program Requirements

BIOL 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
HLTH 220 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 semester hours
PHED 206 - Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness 3 semester hours
PHED 228 - Group Fitness Instructor Training 3 semester hours
PHED 230 - Advanced Weight Training: Theory and Program Design 3 semester hours
PHED 237 - Advanced Metabolic Assessment and Program Design 3 semester hours
PHED 240 - Personal Training Techniques 3 semester hours
PHED 250 - Prevention and Management of Exercise Injuries 3 semester hours

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 . If ENGL 101 is not needed recommended health elective, HLTH 121 .

† MATH 165 or MATH 150 can be taken to fulfill this requirement. (Consult department adviser to determine the appropriate math course.)

††Recommend one of the following if transferring to Salisbury University. HIST 114 , HIST 116 ,or HIST 117

‡ Meets general education global and cultural perspective.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Define health and describe the dimensions of wellness and a healthy lifestyle while demonstrating the impact of individual health related behaviors on health status.
Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as it relates to health and exercise programming.
Describe and utilize current theories of health behavior to facilitate behavior change and program adherence.
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of exercise science and the skills necessary to administer appropriate fitness assessments and use the results to design a comprehensive health fitness program.
Demonstrate knowledge of health fitness instructor’s responsibilities, limitations, and the legal complications.