Exercise Science

Scientific Aspects of Fitness and Wellness

The Exercise Science major provides students with a strong understanding of the scientific and behavioral aspects of fitness and wellness that can be used to promote health and wellness throughout the community and the world. The program mixes academic and hands-on experiences with the most up-to-date information in the field.

Program Information

As an Exercise Science student at Chestnut Hill College, you will:

Develop critical thinking skills that will lead to success within a career in exercise science and/or success in graduate school.
Understand the current state of wellness in the U.S.
Understand the scientific foundations of exercise and fitness.
Develop the ability to educate others on the benefits of exercise and how to implement appropriate and effective physical activity and exercise into their lives.
Be able to assess physical and psychological readiness to exercise.
Develop and implement safe and effective exercise and sport training programs.
Understand and exhibit professional behaviors toward the community.

After completing the Exercise Science major, you will be prepared to sit for the three most respected and well-known certification exams:

American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist
American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Certification Exams

Career Opportunities

Exercise Science is a growing field and can lead to jobs in:

Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Fitness Specialist
Personal Training
Athletic Training
Corporate Wellness
Strength and Conditioning
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Chiropractic
Wellness Coaching

Major Requirements

Click here to read the course catalog for more information.

Course		Credits
BIOL 111	Principles of Biology I	4
BIOL 203	Anatomy/Physiology I	4
BIOL 303	Anatomy/Physiology II	4
BIOL 210	Nutrition	4
PSYC 101	General Psychology	3
MATH 227, MATH 262 or PSYC 216	Statistics Elective	3
CHEM 131	Principles of Chemistry I	4
EXSC 101	Introduction to Exercise Science and Wellness	3
EXSC 102	Wellness in America Seminar	3
EXSC 270	Exercise and Sport Psychology	3
EXSC 301	Kinesiology	3
EXSC 302	Exercise Physiology	4
EXSC 303	Research Methods in Exercise Science	3
EXSC 304	Personal Training & Exercise Leadership	3
EXSC 305	Exercise Testing and Prescription	3
EXSC 306	Nutrition for Exercise and Health	3
EXSC 401	Internship	3
EXSC 402	Fitness and Wellness for Special Populations	3
EXSC 403	Foundations of Strength and Conditioning	3
EXSC 498	Senior Seminar	3
	Total Credits	66

Four-year student plan

Fall Semester Year 1			Spring Semester Year 1
BIOL 111	Principles of Biology I	4	BIOL 112	Principles of Biology II	4
EXSC	Introduction to Exercise Science	3	EXSC	Wellness in America Seminar	3
FILA-120	Foundations in the Liberal Arts	3	ENGL 101 Core Writing Requirement		3
FYIN-120	First Year Initiative	1	Social Sciences Core Requirement		3
Foreign Language Requirement		3	Foreign Language Requirement		3
Physical Education Requirement		(1)
	Total Academic Credit	14		Total Academic Credit	16

Fall Semester Year 2			Spring Semester Year 2
BIOL 203	Anatomy/Physiology I	4	BIOL 303	Anatomy/Physiology II	4
PSYC 101	General Psychology	3	BIOL 210	Nutrition	4
Statistics (MATH 227, MATH 262, or PSYC 216)		3	EXSC	Exercise and Sport Psychology	3
RLST 104	The Religious Imagination	3	RLST 200-level Core Requirement		3
Ethics Core Requirement (BIOL 215)		3	Free Elective		3
	Total Academic Credit	16		Total Academic Credit	17

Fall Semester Year 3			Spring Semester Year 3
EXSC	Kinesiology	3	EXSC	Exercise Testing and Prescription	3
EXSC	Exercise Physiology	4	EXSC	Personal Training & Exercise Leadership	3
EXSC	Research Methods in Exercise Science (WI)	3	EXSC	Nutrition for Exercise and Health	3
CHEM 131	Principles of Chemistry I	4	History Core Requirement		3
Physical Education Requirement		(1)	Free Elective		3
	Total Academic Credit	14		Total Academic Credit	15


Fall Semester Year 4			Spring Semester Year 4
EXSC	Fitness and Wellness for Special Populations	3	EXSC	Senior Seminar	3
EXSC	Internship	3	EXSC	Foundations of Strength and Conditioning	3
Free elective		3	Free Elective		3
GLST 201	Global Awareness Seminar	3	Art Core Requirement		3
Core Literature Requirement		3	Free Elective		3
	Total Academic Credit	15		Total Academic Credit	15

				EXSW Core Requirements	70
				General Core	37
				Free Electives	15
				Total Credits	122

Sample Four Year Plan

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Exercise Science

This course will introduce students to the discipline of exercise science. Students will gain a better understanding of the history, scientific foundations and career opportunities within the field.

Wellness in America Seminar

Using the latest research and media-driven publications, students will become familiar with the current status of topics such as epidemiological health measurements, health care and consumer issues in fitness, nutrition and wellness. Students will also have a better understanding of the current techniques being used to increase and promote overall wellness. The focus of the study will be on U.S. practices.

Exercise and Sport Psychology

This course will promote the understanding of exercise and sport psychology. With regards to exercise and health, students will examine areas related to exercise behavior, adherence and psychological wellbeing. Students also will gain a better understanding of the psychology of sport and athletes by investigating principles such as motivation, stress, arousal, anxiety, competition and goal setting. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

Kinesiology

Students will study the musculoskeletal system as it relates to human movement, exercise and sport performance. Students also will gain a better understanding of the basic biomechanical principles that govern human movement as well as examine the application of these principles to physical activity, exercise performance and sport skills. Prerequisite: BIOL 303.

Exercise Physiology

This course will increase students’ knowledge of human physiology and how the body changes physiologically and adapts with acute and chronic exercise. Emphasis is placed on bioenergetics and the cardiorespiratory, respiratory, musculoskeletal,and neuromuscular systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 303

Exercise Testing and Prescription

Students will acquire the knowledge and skill to conduct various aspects of exercise testing such as the assessment of risk stratification, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular fitness, and flexibility. Students will then learn how to apply these assessments in developing exercise prescriptions and programs. The American College of Sports Medicine’s Guidelines will be emphasized with specific focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the Certified Exercise Physiologist Certification. Prerequisite: BIOL 303

Personal Training and Exercise Leadership

This course is designed to prepare students to take the American College of Sports Medicine Personal Training Certification. The course will cover the basic scientific foundations of personal training as well as provide the tools and knowledge for an individual to conduct initial fitness assessments and exercise programming. Additional topics will include behavior change, leadership and coaching techniques, business planning, and legality issues in personal training. Prerequisite: EXSC Exercise Phys

Nutrition for Health and Fitness

Explores the fundamental biochemical and physiological rationale for optimal nutrient intake for health, physical fitness, and athletic performance. Topics include how nutrients can influence exercise performance, weight management, and sport performance, as well as investigate the role of ergogenic aids in exercise and sport performance. Prerequisite: BIOL 210

Fitness and Wellness for Special Populations

This course is designed to increase the understanding of practical application of exercise to special populations. Students will learn and apply knowledge on how to modify exercise for individuals and groups based on age, medical conditions, and special needs. Areas covered include: pregnancy, youth, elderly, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mentally challenged. Prerequisite: EXSC Exercise Testing and Prescription

Research Methods in Exercise Science

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the role of research in the field of exercise science as well as provide them the tools to successfully conduct research upon entering his or her chosen profession. (WI)

Internship

The internship course requires direct participation experience within the areas of exercise and wellness that allows the students to apply their academic knowledge and training. Hours must be completed under a certified exercise/fitness professional or a licensed clinical professional. Graded Pass/Fail Only. Prerequisite: Department permission.

Senior Seminar

Through inquiry and analysis, students will explore the latest research in the field of exercise science. A closer look at the current literature and research methods will also be accomplished by having students complete their own research capstone projects. Topics such as professionalism in a clinical setting and professional development will also be discussed in this course. Prerequisite: EXSC writing intensive and senior standing

Foundations of Strength and Conditioning

Provides students a comprehensive overview of the principles of strength and conditioning for sport performance. Emphasis is placed on the exercise sciences (including anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics), nutrition, exercise technique, program design, organization and administration, and testing and evaluation. Additionally, this course is designed to prepare students for the nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam. Prerequisite: EXSC Exercise Physiology

More Courses

Contact Information

Carrie Albright, PhD
Chair, Department of Health and Exercise Science
Associate Professor
albrightc@chc.edu
215-248-7136

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Health and Exercise Science

Exercise Science

Four-year student plan

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