Faculty:

• Tracy Bowman, M.S.
• Brian Larouere, Ph.D., EP-C
• Craig Ruby, PT, D.Ed., MPT

The Exercise Science major prepares students for careers in the health and fitness industry, as well as graduate studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and other health professions.

The Exercise Science major at Seton Hill University is designed to produce exercise science professionals who will impact the world of sports, fitness and wellness. The program will provide the student with the knowledge, skills and abilities to assess, prescribe exercise for and monitor clients in a variety of health, wellness and fitness settings. This program of study provides the student with a thorough immersion into the field of exercise science by using a combination of classroom, laboratory, practicum and internship experiences. Students are provided the choice of two curricular paths: Health & Fitness and Clinical.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Exercise Science Program at Seton Hill University is to develop competent and contributing entry-level professionals in the field of exercise science in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains. This is accomplished by providing quality academic preparation that incorporates both classroom and supervised practical experiences.

Program Outcomes

Professional Interaction and Communication

To interact and communicate effectively by presenting information in oral, written, and technology formats; collaborating with professionals and peers; expressing ideas clearly; and giving and receiving feedback.

Professional Competence

To utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate health behavior and risk factors; develop, implement, and evaluate exercise and wellness programs, and employ behavioral strategies to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.

Professional Ethics and Conduct:

To demonstrate behavior that preserves the integrity of the profession, prevents misrepresentation, and protects the consumer.

Professional and Personal Development:

To continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities and to uphold a professional image through actions and appearance.

Professional Decision Making (Problem Solving)

To demonstrate critical thinking by making decisions based on multiple perspectives and evidence-based practice.

Learning Objectives: Exercise Science

1. Recognize and describe the principles of biology, chemistry, nutrition, and human anatomy and physiology as they relate to physical activity and exercise.
2. Explain basic laboratory skills pertaining to analytical practices, data acquisition, and reporting in the exercise sciences.
3. Plan, administer, and evaluate wellness and fitness programs in sports, clinical, industrial, and corporate environments.
4. Apply skills in health status identification, fitness assessment, and exercise prescription.
5. Demonstrate and practice the ability to effectively educate and counsel individuals regarding lifestyle modification.
6. Design and organize sport-specific testing sessions, and health and fitness programs for a wide range of apparently healthy individuals, athletic populations, and various special populations.
7. Integrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in a hands-on manner in a professional setting.
8. Apply evidence-based practice principles when prescribing exercise programs for individuals or groups.
9. Explain ethical issues related to the exercise-science professional and an ability to practice in an ethical manner.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science must complete the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements, the capstone assessment requirement, and the required courses for the major.

The capstone assessment will be completed during SER 427 - Exercise Science Senior Synthesis (Exercise Science) .

Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average each semester for all required courses. Should a student’s grade point average fall below 2.5, he or she will be placed on probation and have two consecutive semesters to show improvement. A student may be placed on probation only once while in the program. A student must earn a “C-” or better in ALL exercise science courses.

A student in the Exercise Science major is required to maintain: certification in CPR/AED, First Aid; and Student Professional Liability Insurance while enrolled in SER 427  and SER 430  at his/her own expense. (On-line CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are not acceptable.)

A minimum of 120 credits is required.