People who are curious about how physical activity, or lack thereof, affects the body
can find answers through the field of exercise science — from helping an athlete achieve
peak performance, to helping patients safely participate in physical activity. Exercise
scientists conduct research to help prevent and treat disease through exercise and
even help maximize the capacity of people who work in extreme heat or cold or at different
altitudes.
Alumnus joins University of Georgia strength and conditioning staff
Ryan Gearheart, a 2009 MTSU graduate in Exercise Science, became a University of Georgia
assistant strength and conditioning director in 2013. He primarily works with the
baseball program, along with softball and diving athletes, following two years with
Kent State University athletics. Ryan started out as a nursing student before taking
a strength and conditioning class. “I immediately fell in love with the field,” Gearhart
says. “It really inspired me to hit college a little bit harder than I had been just
because I was interested. Networking with kids in the field really helped me get my
foot in the door as an intern at Ohio State University, and the classes definitely
prepared me.” Gearhart was chosen from 120 candidates for one of three Ohio State
University internships; he then earned a master’s in Sport Management as an Eastern
Michigan graduate assistant. He worked at D1 Sports Training in Franklin previously.
Research coursework benefits grad in physical therapy school
Ashley Henley, working on her physical therapy doctorate, says research classes required
for her 2013 Exercise Science B.S. at MTSU especially are paying off. She will spend
all three years at Belmont's PT school working on a research project. Henley is currently
looking at what Nashville Ballet Company dancers were specifically doing or performing
when an injury occurred. "MTSU's two semesters of research is something that a lot
of my current classmates had not experienced prior to entering the program, making
it more difficult for them to figure out how to actually create a research design,"
she says. "I was surprised to learn I was one of the few students in my class to have
submitted an actual research project to a publishing company." Another MTSU class
taught her to create an exercise plan or intervention for a patient, and Exercise
Physiology helped her answer patients' "Why?" questions.
Related Media
-
MTSU True Blue Preview: Exercise Science
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
A degree in Exercise Science helps prepare students for positions in corporations,
hospitals, and public wellness and fitness centers, as well as laying the groundwork
for graduate degrees in exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
and cardiac rehabilitation. Examples of professions that graduates might seek include
- Employee fitness director
- Exercise physiologist/clinical exercise physiologist
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
- Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
- Oncology rehabilitation specialist
- Diabetes educator
- Bariatric specialist
- Group exercise instructor
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapy technician
- Researcher
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Teacher/professor
- Wellness coach
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- 4UMD
- Davita Dialysis Center
- East Tennessee State University Athletics
- Gateway Medical Weight Loss and Wellness Clinic
- Healthways
- Maury Regional Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation
- NBA Brooklyn Nets
- Progress in Motion
- Sacred Heart Hospital
- Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance Physical Therapy
- University of Louisville Strength and Conditioning
- Verizon Wellness Center
- Volkswagen and Nissan Corporate Fitness — Medifit
- YMCA
Click here for more helpful career links.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Undergraduate
For those students with an interest in the performance of the human body, a Bachelor
of Science (B.S.) degree in Exercise Science is available. The Health and Human Performance
Department also offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science as well as a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Human Performance with a specialization in Exercise Science.
The degree prepares students for positions in corporate, hospital, and public wellness
and fitness centers, as well as graduate degrees in exercise science, medical professions
(e.g., physical or occupational therapy), and cardiac rehabilitation. The 120-hour
degree requires completion of 17 credit hours of electives, 50 credit hours in the
major, and a 12-credit hour internship.
Applications to the Undergraduate Exercise Science program may be submitted online.
Graduate
The Health and Human Performance Department offers an M.P.H. in Public Health, which has two concentrations: Community Health and Physical Activity. The department
also offers an M.S. in Exercise Science and Leisure and Sport Management, which has two concentrations: Recreation and Leisure Services and Sport Industry.
The masters degree in Exercise Science offers both thesis and non-thesis options.
The degree prepares candidates to gain certification through the American College
of Sports Medicine and to enter a terminal degree program in Exercise Science. Candidates
are prepared for career opportunities in clinical exercise physiology, and corporate,
community, and private fitness sectors. The non-thesis option requires completion
of 36 semester hours including a 6-credit internship. The thesis option includes 30
hours of coursework. The prerequisite to both options includes a course in human anatomy
and physiology.
The doctoral degree in Human Performance with a specialization in Exercise Science prepares students to conduct research and
teach courses in the field. In addition to the doctoral dissertation and preliminary
exams, the degree consists of two courses in education, five courses in statistics
and research methods, and eight courses in the exercise science specialization. Additional
information can be obtained under the graduate program link off of the departmental
web page.
Application information regarding the Graduate programs can be found online at the
College of Graduate Studies website.
Other programs offered by HHP
Other undergraduate majors offered by the Health and Human Performance Department
that lead to a B.S. include Athletic Training; Community and Public Health with one concentration: Public Health; Leisure and Sport Management; Physical Education; and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver
and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human
Performance, Recreation,Somatic Movement Education, and Speech-Language Pathology
and Audiology.
Exercise Science, B.S.
Department of Health and Human Performance
615-904-8358
Brandon Grubbs, program coordinator
Brandon.Grubbs@mtsu.edu
The major in Exercise Science offers preparation for positions in corporate, hospital, and public wellness and fitness centers. The program also offers preparation for students seeking graduate degrees in exercise science and allied health, cardiac rehabilitation, and physical/occupational therapy.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Exercise Science, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirement | 60 hours* |
| Electives | 19-23 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (60 hours)
ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology
3 credit hours
The application of behavioral principles, motivational research, personality factors, social/psychological findings, cognitive processes, dysfunctional behavior knowledge, and psychometric assessment procedures to the arena of sports. Introduces students to this discipline and provides knowledge to help enhance their own performances and the performances of others.
ATHT 3580 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
3 credit hours
Modern principles in the care, prevention, and management of sports injuries.
ATHT 3900 - Human Structure and Movement in Sport and Injury
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011 and/or BIOL 2030/BIOL 2031. Corequisite: ATHT 3901. Exposure to the structural and functional components of human anatomy, including musculoskeletal origins, insertions, actions, and innervations; the ability to identify landmarks, surface markings, and palpations on a live model; to describe functional movements in various sport activities, then classify and identify which muscles work together to create the motions, identify normal and atypical patterns and characteristics. Emphasis placed on normal walking and running gait, posture, throwing, kicking, and jumping.
ATHT 3901 - Human Structure and Movement in Sport and Injury Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ATHT 3900. Laboratory to accompany ATHT 3900.
BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4 credit hours
Completion of BIOL 1030 and BIOL 1031 or a grade of C or better in high school chemistry and biology within the last five years is strongly recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 2011 . Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of the cell, integumentary, skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 2010.
BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011. Corequisite: BIOL 2021. Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Biology majors passing both BIOL 2010/BIOL 2111 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021 with a C or better may substitute both courses for BIOL 3020. However, the substitution is not recommended for pre-med students and does not count for upper-division hours. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 2021 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 2020.
EXSC 1000 - Evaluation and Performance of Resistance Training
1 credit hour
Introduction to core lifts and resistance exercises for Exercise Science majors. Students will establish a base level of proficiency in performance and correction of selected exercises, spotting techniques, and analysis of the biomechanics of resistance training.
Note: For Exercise Science majors only
EXSC 3000 - Resources for Professional Practice in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
An overview of the exercise science profession including the history of exercise science, careers, and certifications in the field; understanding the role of the fitness professional in the health and fitness industry. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine.
NOTE: For Exercise Sciences major only.
EXSC 3500 - Exercise Techniques and Leadership
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 1000. Practical experience in adult exercise leadership in individual and group settings. Precautions for safe and effective exercise leadership, instruction, and adult fitness programming based on the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine included.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 3830 - Physiology of Exercise
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011; EXSC 1000, EXSC 3000, EXSC 3500. EXSC 3831 must be taken concurrently. Examines acute response and chronic adaptations of the body to physical activity, exercise, and sports participation, and their impact on homeostasis. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
EXSC 3831 - Physiology of Exercise Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: EXSC 3830. Laboratory to accompany EXSC 3830.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
EXSC 4000 - Research Seminar in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000 and EXSC 3830 with C- or better. Development of research ideas, application of computers in searching research databases, methods of research and data collection, and data analysis.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4010 - Applied Research in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4000 with C- or better. Completion of a research study in exercise science including preparation of Institutional Review Board documents, collection and analysis of research data, preparation of research report, and presentation of research findings.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4230 - Exercise Prescription and Program Planning
3 credit hours
Prerequisites or corequisites: EXSC 3500 and EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Focuses on the principles of exercise prescription and program planning in healthy populations. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association addressed.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4240 - Principles of Exercise Assessment for Healthy Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000, EXSC 3830/EXSC 3831, and EXSC 4230. Provides students with practical and theoretical experiences in health/fitness assessment techniques; primarily for healthy populations. Upon completion, pursuit of ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor Certification recommended.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4250 - Internship
6 or 12 credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021; EXSC 4000, EXSC 4230, EXSC 4240 with C- or better; approval by area faculty required. On-site practical experience in an exercise science/health promotion program.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4260 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription for Special Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Practical and theoretical experiences in exercise prescription and health/fitness assessment techniques for special populations. Precautions for safe and effective participation in exercise programs identified.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
NFS 3000 - Nutrition Principles for Physical Activity and Health
3 credit hours
The fundamentals of normal nutrition and its relationships to physical activity, weight management, and health. Restricted to Exercise Science and Athletic Training students.
- PHED activity 1 credit hour
Electives (19-23 hours)
Curriculum: Exercise Science
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
EXSC 1000 - Evaluation and Performance of Resistance Training
1 credit hour
Introduction to core lifts and resistance exercises for Exercise Science majors. Students will establish a base level of proficiency in performance and correction of selected exercises, spotting techniques, and analysis of the biomechanics of resistance training.
Note: For Exercise Science majors only
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
- PHED activity 1 credit hour
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours (HLTH 1530/HLTH 1531 recommended)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4 credit hours
Completion of BIOL 1030 and BIOL 1031 or a grade of C or better in high school chemistry and biology within the last five years is strongly recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 2011 . Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of the cell, integumentary, skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 2010.
ATHT 3580 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
3 credit hours
Modern principles in the care, prevention, and management of sports injuries.
- Electives 6 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
EXSC 3500 - Exercise Techniques and Leadership
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 1000. Practical experience in adult exercise leadership in individual and group settings. Precautions for safe and effective exercise leadership, instruction, and adult fitness programming based on the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine included.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 3000 - Resources for Professional Practice in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
An overview of the exercise science profession including the history of exercise science, careers, and certifications in the field; understanding the role of the fitness professional in the health and fitness industry. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine.
NOTE: For Exercise Sciences major only.
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Junior
ATHT 3900 - Human Structure and Movement in Sport and Injury
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011 and/or BIOL 2030/BIOL 2031. Corequisite: ATHT 3901. Exposure to the structural and functional components of human anatomy, including musculoskeletal origins, insertions, actions, and innervations; the ability to identify landmarks, surface markings, and palpations on a live model; to describe functional movements in various sport activities, then classify and identify which muscles work together to create the motions, identify normal and atypical patterns and characteristics. Emphasis placed on normal walking and running gait, posture, throwing, kicking, and jumping.
ATHT 3901 - Human Structure and Movement in Sport and Injury Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ATHT 3900. Laboratory to accompany ATHT 3900.
BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011. Corequisite: BIOL 2021. Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Biology majors passing both BIOL 2010/BIOL 2111 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021 with a C or better may substitute both courses for BIOL 3020. However, the substitution is not recommended for pre-med students and does not count for upper-division hours. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 2021 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 2020.
EXSC 3830 - Physiology of Exercise
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011; EXSC 1000, EXSC 3000, EXSC 3500. EXSC 3831 must be taken concurrently. Examines acute response and chronic adaptations of the body to physical activity, exercise, and sports participation, and their impact on homeostasis. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
EXSC 3831 - Physiology of Exercise Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: EXSC 3830. Laboratory to accompany EXSC 3830.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology
3 credit hours
The application of behavioral principles, motivational research, personality factors, social/psychological findings, cognitive processes, dysfunctional behavior knowledge, and psychometric assessment procedures to the arena of sports. Introduces students to this discipline and provides knowledge to help enhance their own performances and the performances of others.
EXSC 4000 - Research Seminar in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000 and EXSC 3830 with C- or better. Development of research ideas, application of computers in searching research databases, methods of research and data collection, and data analysis.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4230 - Exercise Prescription and Program Planning
3 credit hours
Prerequisites or corequisites: EXSC 3500 and EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Focuses on the principles of exercise prescription and program planning in healthy populations. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association addressed.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4240 - Principles of Exercise Assessment for Healthy Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000, EXSC 3830/EXSC 3831, and EXSC 4230. Provides students with practical and theoretical experiences in health/fitness assessment techniques; primarily for healthy populations. Upon completion, pursuit of ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor Certification recommended.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Senior
EXSC 4260 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription for Special Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Practical and theoretical experiences in exercise prescription and health/fitness assessment techniques for special populations. Precautions for safe and effective participation in exercise programs identified.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4010 - Applied Research in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4000 with C- or better. Completion of a research study in exercise science including preparation of Institutional Review Board documents, collection and analysis of research data, preparation of research report, and presentation of research findings.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4250 - Internship
6 or 12 credit hours
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(final course)
EXSC 4250 - Internship
6 or 12 credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021; EXSC 4000, EXSC 4230, EXSC 4240 with C- or better; approval by area faculty required. On-site practical experience in an exercise science/health promotion program.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
NFS 3000 - Nutrition Principles for Physical Activity and Health
3 credit hours
The fundamentals of normal nutrition and its relationships to physical activity, weight management, and health. Restricted to Exercise Science and Athletic Training students.
Subtotal: 28 Hours
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Exercise Science
EXSC 1000 - Evaluation and Performance of Resistance Training
1 credit hour
Introduction to core lifts and resistance exercises for Exercise Science majors. Students will establish a base level of proficiency in performance and correction of selected exercises, spotting techniques, and analysis of the biomechanics of resistance training.
Note: For Exercise Science majors only
EXSC 3000 - Resources for Professional Practice in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
An overview of the exercise science profession including the history of exercise science, careers, and certifications in the field; understanding the role of the fitness professional in the health and fitness industry. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine.
NOTE: For Exercise Sciences major only.
EXSC 3500 - Exercise Techniques and Leadership
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 1000. Practical experience in adult exercise leadership in individual and group settings. Precautions for safe and effective exercise leadership, instruction, and adult fitness programming based on the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine included.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 3830 - Physiology of Exercise
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011; EXSC 1000, EXSC 3000, EXSC 3500. EXSC 3831 must be taken concurrently. Examines acute response and chronic adaptations of the body to physical activity, exercise, and sports participation, and their impact on homeostasis. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
EXSC 3831 - Physiology of Exercise Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: EXSC 3830. Laboratory to accompany EXSC 3830.
NOTE: For Exercise Science or Athletic Training majors only.
EXSC 4000 - Research Seminar in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000 and EXSC 3830 with C- or better. Development of research ideas, application of computers in searching research databases, methods of research and data collection, and data analysis.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4010 - Applied Research in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4000 with C- or better. Completion of a research study in exercise science including preparation of Institutional Review Board documents, collection and analysis of research data, preparation of research report, and presentation of research findings.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4230 - Exercise Prescription and Program Planning
3 credit hours
Prerequisites or corequisites: EXSC 3500 and EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Focuses on the principles of exercise prescription and program planning in healthy populations. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association addressed.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4240 - Principles of Exercise Assessment for Healthy Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 3000, EXSC 3830/EXSC 3831, and EXSC 4230. Provides students with practical and theoretical experiences in health/fitness assessment techniques; primarily for healthy populations. Upon completion, pursuit of ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor Certification recommended.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4250 - Internship
6 or 12 credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021; EXSC 4000, EXSC 4230, EXSC 4240 with C- or better; approval by area faculty required. On-site practical experience in an exercise science/health promotion program.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4260 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription for Special Populations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4240 with C- or better. Practical and theoretical experiences in exercise prescription and health/fitness assessment techniques for special populations. Precautions for safe and effective participation in exercise programs identified.
NOTE: For Exercise Science majors only.
EXSC 4810 - Measurement and Evaluation
3 credit hours
Concepts and procedures used for applied measurement and evaluation in health and human performance settings. Basic statistics, reliability and validity, measurement instruments in field and laboratory settings, and the administration of a variety of tests within discipline.
EXSC 4920 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours
(Same as ATHT 4920/HLTH 4920/PHED 4920/LSTS 4920.) Independent study topics based on a study plan prepared in cooperation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a formal paper and/or comprehensive examination. Application forms must be completed and approved prior to enrollment. A maximum of three credit hours may be applied toward degree.
EXSC 4965 - Aquatic Exercise and Therapeutic Rehabilitation
3 credit hours
(Same as ATHT 4965/LSTS 4965.) Examines the various uses of the aquatic environment to develop, maintain, and improve physical performance with practical development of skills and techniques and aquatic exercise programming. Combines both didactic and laboratory activities in an experiential learning environment.
The goals of the Exercise Science program faculty are to
- Provide quality teaching by integrating practical applications of sport and exercise
science in the classroom
- Conduct basic and applied research at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels
- Forge partnerships in university and community settings through internships, research
projects, and educational service activities
Additional Information
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
