2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Movement Science, Exercise Science Concentration, B.S.
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The Exercise Science Program is proudly accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Commission on the Accreditation of the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). This means that when you successfully complete the program, you’ll have met the academic requirements needed to sit for nationally recognized certification exams in exercise and sport science - setting you up for a strong start in your professional journey.
How to Join the Exercise Science Concentration:
Students in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance are invited to apply to the Exercise Science Concentration. As a graduate, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Movement Science with a concentration in Exercise Science. Admission is competitive, and the number of students accepted each year varies based on available space and graduation rates. The Exercise Science Concentration is a minimum 4-semester commitment, so students are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the first semester of their second year.
Minimum Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted into the Movement Science Major
- Complete MOVP 0100
- Enrolled in, or completed, MOVP 0101
- Complete a minimum of 20 observation hours across four different types of facilities
- Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications
- Be a member of a relevant professional organization
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.7
Application materials and full program details can be found in the Exercise Science Concentration Manual.
Transfer Students Welcome
Transfer students are considered on an indiviual basis in accordance with University admission policies. If you’ve taken relevant courses or completed clinical experiences at another insitution, you may be eligible for credit - just be sure to submit:
- A course description
- A course syllabus
- Confirmation of grade and course completion
All transfer course approvals must go through the Department Chair and/or Program Director(s) prior to applying. To graduate from the Exercise Science Concentration, students must acheive Advanced Standing and successfully complete a supervised internship.
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Movement Science Major Core (27 credits)
Majors in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance must complete the 27-credit Major Core curriculum, along with general education coursework, concentration-specific requirements, and professional development benchmarks, including Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing. The Major Core is organized into four key areas: Scientific Foundations, Motor Behavior, Evidence-Based Practices, and Cultural Competence. Please note: requirements within the Major Core may vary slightly depending on your concentration. Be sure to review your program plan or speak with your advisor for guidance. There are minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for graduation: - Major Core: minimum 2.5 GPA
- Concentration: minimum 2.7 GPA (3.0 for PE)
- Overall: minimum 2.8 GPA
Scientific Foundations (18 credits)
Motor Behavior (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Cultural Competence (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Professional Development Procedures
Active participation in professional practices and development opportunities outside of coursework is an essential requirement of the Movement Science major. Throughout the program, students must document these experiences in an E-Portfolio, along with other specified criteria, to meet the Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing benchmarks required for academic progression. At the core of the department’s philosophy is the belief that true professional growth extends beyond the classroom. Engaging in professional development opportunities-such as attending academic lectures and campus events, volunteering in clinical or community settings, participating in social justice-oriented educational activities, and taking on leadership roles in professional clubs or conferences-allows students to apply their knowledge, build meaningful connections, and cultivate the habits, confidence, and adaptability required in real-world settings. These experiences not only enrich academic learning but also prepare students to be reflective, proactive, and effective professionals in their chosen fields. The department regularly announces a variety of on- and off-campus events that support professional development. Students are also encouraged to take initiative and pursue additional opportunities of personal and professional interest beyond those formally promoted or announced. Intermediate Standing
Students should submit the Intermediate Standing E-Portfolio during their sophomore year. Successful completion of this benchmark allows students to continue in their concentration with upper-level courses (300- and 400-level). Additional information can be found in the SMHP department manual and concentration manuals. For concentration specific requirements, students must consult the manual and thei academic advisors. Intermediate Standing Requirements: - Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following two (2) courses:
- Intermediate Standing Application
- Student Acknowledgement Form
- Copy of Degree Evaluation
- Current First Aid/CPR Certification
- Minimum of 12 Professional Development Points (PDPs) across four (4) different areas:
- Academic (3), Clinical (3), Professional (3), and Social Justice (3)
- Writing Sample (ENGL 0101; graded; B- or higher)
Advanced Standing
Students should submit the Advanced Standing E-Portfolio in the semester prior to their culminating practicum/internship/field experience. Advanced Standing is a high-stakes benchmark. Successful completion of this benchmark allows students to participate in practicum/internship/field experience. Additional information can be found in the SMHP department manual and concentration manuals. For concentration specific requirements, students must consult the manual and thei academic advisors. Advanced Standing Requirements: - Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Major Core (27 credits)
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 in Concentration (3.0 for Physical Education Licensure)
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 Overall
- Advanced Standing Application
- Intermediate Standing Approval Letter
- Personal Statment (PE/EXCS/PHPA)/ Cover Letter (SM)
- Professional Resume
- Current First Aid/CPR
- Current Membership in a professional organization
- Three (3) department faculty recommendations
- Two (2) recommendation from outside the department/university
- Minimum of 16 Professional Development Points (PDPs) across four (4) different areas:
- Academic (4), Clinical (4), Professional (4), and Social Justice (4)
Exercise Science Concentration
Required Courses
The following is a listing of the Exercise Science Concentration course requirements beyond those of the Movement Science Core: Note:
Additional information about the Exercise Science Program may be found in the Exercise Science Program Manual. |
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