EXERCISE SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Transform your passion for health and fitness into a career as an exercise specialist, an exercise physiologist, a strength coach, a personal trainer, a cardiac rehab specialist or a fitness director. Our curriculum — from strength training, to injury management, exercise assessment, to nutrition — provides majors with the necessary didactic and clinical experiences required to sit for two industry-leading credentialing exams: NSCA-CSCS and the ACSM-CPT. Students train in small classes, get substantial one-on-one time with faculty and practice using only top-of-the-line exercise and assessment equipment. Additionally, students can gain experience serving as strength consultants to the Mercyhurst Athletic community during their junior and senior years. As a graduation requirement, majors must also complete a required 200-hour internship in a clinical setting.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of patient pre-participation health screening, risk classification, and evaluation
- Demonstrate knowledge of the benefits and risks associated with physical activity
- Demonstrate knowledge of health related physical fitness testing, interpretation, and exercise prescription in the healthy population
- Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral theories and strategies for promoting exercise and health
- Demonstrate proficiency in research methodology and scientific writing
Required Core Courses
- BIO 240/241: Human Anatomy/Physiology I & Lab (Prerequisite of BIO 120/121 or 130/131 and Elective Courses)
- BIO 250/251: Human Anatomy/Physiology II & Lab
- SPMD 162: Intro to Sports Medicine
- SPMD 205/206: Exercise Assessment I & Lab
- PMD 370/371: Strength Training and Program Design & Lab
- SPMD 380/381: Exercise Physiology & Lab
Elective Courses
Students who wish to complete a minor in Exercise Science must choose 3 additional courses from the Sports Medicine Department offerings. Please keep in mind the prerequisite required for some courses.
Clinical Observation Requirements
50 hours of documented observation with Exercise Science professionals who hold any ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) credential, or professionals who hold the NSCA-CSCS (National Strength Conditioning Association – Certified Strength Coach Specialist) credential.
Admissions Requirements
The minor student must have written approval from the Sports Medicine department chairperson and the Undergraduate Exercise Science program director. The student must have a minimum 2.65 GPA and this must be maintained. Application for this minor should occur in the sophomore year.Strength Coach Specialist) credential.
Resources
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 814-824-2202
Email: admissions@mercyhurst.edu
