The applied exercise and health major is a comprehensive and structured curriculum that supplies students with the knowledge and practical experience to become leading professionals in the field of health and fitness. This major is dedicated to promoting health and physical activity for all populations including children, adults and seniors.
The goals of the program are to prepare students as entry-level exercise specialists/physiologists and to prepare students to sit for and pass either the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist or the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam®. Graduates may also pursue the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist certification; please see the ACSM website for a list of additional certifications. Throughout the program, students complete at least 430 hours of hands-on internship experiences and an additional five-course sequence involving clinical experiences on and off campus. On campus, students complete clinical hours at the Cordova Recreational Sports Center and the A.H. Ismail Center; select students also have the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation in the Sports Performance facility. Off campus, students have the opportunity to complete internships and study abroad experiences at the Beijing Sport University. This major offers excellent preparation for students wanting to pursue graduate or professional school. Due to the focus on exercise science, this major is excellent for students pursuing physical therapy and occupational therapy.
All students begin as pre-applied exercise and health majors. After completing the first year of courses and supervised clinical experiences, students apply to the full academic program. The program is selective, with approximately 35 students advancing to complete the remaining three years of the program. Students not selected for the full program work with their academic advisor to plan for an alternative major; closely related majors include Public Health, Nutrition, Fitness and Health, and Health Sciences Pre-Professional.
Additional Requirements: One semester of college-level biology, chemistry or physics with a grade of C or higher.
Typically, the employment rate for graduates from the Department of Health and Kinesiology is 94%.
About 88% of graduates from the Department of Health and Kinesiology who apply to graduate/professional school earn a spot.