Program Description

The purposes of the CORE requirements in Exercise Science are to expose students through excellence in teaching, research, and service, to the vigorous components of the American College of Sports Medicine, so that they may encourage enhanced performance and quality of life for all citizens through active lifestyles, prevention/rehabilitation services, and lifetime physical activity.

The course of study is a four-year program with a 128 course hour requirement. Admission into the program requires successful admission into the College of Education and Human Services (Marshall University) and students must have on record the appropriate forms declaring Exercise Science as their core major (EP20). At the succession of course hours, or with no more than eighteen course hours left, all students must currently complete an eight course hour internship (480 clock hours) before completion of degree requirements are declared. Currently, the course hours are divided among several different sections of curriculum (SEE CURRICULUM GUIDE) The program currently operates the Marshall University Exercise Physiology Lab (MUEPL) where students are engaged in hands-on learning of testing procedures and core curriculum objectives throughout their 4 year time frame. The MUEPL currently functions through the use of Master Level Graduate Assistants and Undergraduate Interns within the Division of Exercise Science, Sport, and Recreation. The facility presently provides services to all students/faculty/staff and community members through a competitive fee schedule (There needs to be a link here back to the testing page of the site that has the descriptions of the test and the prices of each one.)The MUEPL houses metabolic testing equipment, strength, cardiopulmonary, pulmonary and basic fitness evaluation testing equipment.

The Division of Exercise Science, Sport, and Recreation offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science primarily to prepare students for careers in the allied health/medical arena. Preparation for such careers encompasses curriculum with an emphasis on knowledge and skills that allow students to work with individuals or groups on a client/subject/patient scale extending from the recreational/weekend warrior [those simply wishing to live healthy lifestyles] to the highly trained athlete. Emphasis is also given to strength and conditioning specializations, as well as, personal training. Students are also engaged and prepared to work within a steady continuum of environments dealing with chronic disorders and disease. Students are therefore prepped for careers in commercial, corporate, community facilities, including hospital and medical rehabilitation/disease management centers. This course of study also provides the science-related foundation required for successful admission to professional schools for further training in Exercise Physiology at the Graduate Level or students interested in becoming Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physicians, Physician's Assistants.

Graduates with a degree in Exercise Science will be prepared to enter graduate programs in Exercise Science and related fields or graduate programs in Athletic Training, as well as Physical Therapy and its related fields. Graduates may also obtain employment in various aspects of the health and fitness industry. All students will have the opportunity to sit for the ACSM Health and Fitness Instructor Examination. All students will have the opportunity to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) and/or Personal Trainer examination. [Graduates who are interested in careers in Physical Therapy or its related fields must attend graduate school in order to obtain the licensure required.]