Exercise Science, Associate of Science

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The Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science prepares students for jobs in the fitness industry, including health clubs, corporate fitness centers and personal training. At the same time, the program prepares the student for transfer into a four-year degree program as a junior in majors such as Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Sports Marketing, Pre-Medical and related programs.

The fitness industry has a wide variety of jobs available and is projected to be a growth industry throughout the next decade.

Graduates are able to:

gain practical, hands-on experience from both outside companies and within the College’s fitness center
possess a broad knowledge of exercise, including its benefits and risks, influence on overall health and its limitations with special populations
administer and interpret fitness/exercise tests and prescribe exercise programs for a variety of populations
demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the muscles, bones, connective tissue, energy systems and how to train them; common injuries and basic first aid; and the effects of exercise in relation to many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity
have the knowledge and practical experience needed to sit for a nationally recognized personal fitness trainer certification

Curriculum – A.S. Degree

First Semester

ENGL 111 - English I 3 Credits
BIOL 124 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Credits
CISY 102 - Computer Literacy 3 Credits ¹
PSYC 103 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
FITN 131 - Current Health Issues 3 Credits

Second Semester

ENGL 112 - English II 3 Credits
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 Credits
Humanities 3 Credits ²
Mathematics 3-4 Credits ³
FITN 129 - First Aid & CPR 3 Credits or
FITN 148 - Lifeguarding 3 Credits ⁴

Third Semester

FITN 146 - Exercise Physiology & Body Mechanics 3 Credits
BIOL 142 - Introduction to Nutrition 3 Credits
SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credits
FITN 132 - Concepts of Aerobic Conditioning 1 Credit
General Education 3 Credits ²
FITN 203 - Exercise Measurement and Prescription 3 Credits

Fourth Semester

FITN 123 - Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries 3 Credits
FITN 290 - Fitness Cooperative Education I 3 Credits
FITN 201 - Kinesiology 3 Credits
FITN 207 - Sports Management 3 Credits
Fitness & Wellness Elective 3 Credits ⁵

Total Credits 63-64

¹ May select another course from the Technological Competency category of the General Education list.

² Select a course from the appropriate category of the General Education list.

³ Mathematics by official placement test. Students may not take courses below placement level. Recommended courses are Quantitative Literacy (MATH 103C ), Statistics (MATH 110 ) or Calculus I (MATH 151 ).

⁴ Students must pass the Red Cross Lifesaving minimum skills test the first week of class for Lifeguarding (FITN 148 ). Students do not receive credit for both Lifeguarding and First Aid & CPR (FITN 129 ).

⁵ Students may select three courses from the following Fitness and Wellness

Electives:

Pilates (DANC 109 )
Swimming for Fitness (FITN 133 )
Volleyball (FITN 108 )
Concepts of Aerobic Conditioning (FITN 132 )
Golf (FITN 103 )
Yoga (FITN 143 )