2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog/Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog/Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies


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The Department of Movement Science, Sport, and Leisure Studies offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. The department also offers a diverse selection of elective courses (theory and activity) designed to meet the needs and interests of today’s students.

The foundation of the Movement Science major prepares the students to pursue several career alternatives and/or graduate study. In addition to the twenty-nine (29) credit hours of the major core, Movement Science majors are required to complete a concentration in either Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, Physical Education Teaching Licensure, or Wilderness Leadership. All concentrations require that the student satisfactorily complete at least 21 credits of specified courses and an internship.

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at Westfield State University is an undergraduate degree program within the Department of Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies. The ATEP is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Upon successful completion of the program the student will have met the academic and clinical requirements necessary to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. WSU’s program is comprehensive and academically challenging. The ATEP has competitive enrollment and specific requirements for admission and retention.

In addition to aligning with the University mission, the Movement Science Department and Athletic Training Education Program are well positioned to prepare students for the changing healthcare environment. A gradual shift from an illness to a wellness model of health care is drawing long overdue attention to movement related professions. The joint American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Association initiative Exercise is Medicine is laying important groundwork for career opportunities. The Exercise is Medicine initiative is designed to make physical activity and exercise a part of the disease prevention and treatment paradigm in the United States (www.exerciseismedicine.org). A related, National Athletic Trainers’ Association legislative initiative, Athletic Trainers’ Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009 (ATEAM), is a national bill before the senate and House of Representatives that will include athletic trainers as a referral option for physical medicine and rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. After successfully completing one of four concentrations, Sports Medicine, Health Fitness, Physical Education Teaching Certification, or Wilderness Leadership, our graduates accept positions in a wide variety of graduate programs: exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, athletic training, public health, nursing, and education to name a few. Our graduates work in a wide variety of settings: physical education (elementary and secondary), cardiac rehabilitation, echocardiogram technology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, personal training, strength and conditioning for professional sports, and corporate fitness.

The Movement Science Department also offers a minor in Wilderness Leadership and an interdisciplinary minor in Commercial Recreation and Tourism with the departments of Economics and Management and Geography and Regional Planning.

Programs

Courses

    Movement Science/Physical Education

    SKILLS COURSES

    Skills

    Not all skills courses are offered on a regular basis. Please consult the Course Offerings Booklet.

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