Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Exercise Science

Program Director

Garrett Kellar
ggkellar@ysu.edu

Overview

The Department of Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree with a major in exercise science. This program prepares students for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) and the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

As such, graduates will be able to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions and conduct individual exercise programs, fitness testing, and health education for low- to moderate-risk individuals, individuals with controlled diseases, and individuals in special populations (e.g. pregnancy, hypertension, and osteoporosis).

Graduates are employed in a wide variety of settings that include:

• medically based wellness programs
• corporate wellness programs
• strength and conditioning
• clinical rehabilitation programs such as cardiac rehabilitation
• public and private fitness clubs

In addition, the program serves as a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in the field of exercise science or enter professional schools such as:

• Athletic Training
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Medical school
• Graduate degree in Exercise Science/Physiology

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Exercise Science is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation Link.

Current accreditation standing: Active Good Standing

Date of last campus visit: 2018

Date of next campus visit: 2023

Admission

Application forms and other information about this program can be obtained through the Department of Health Professions or by contacting Dr Garrett Kellar, ggkellar@ysu.edu. This program can be completed in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.

For more information, visit Exercise Science - B.S. in Applied Science.

The following are KSS courses required in the major for this degree:

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcome #1:

• Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in health, fitness, and performance assessment.

DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOME

• Students will conduct physical fitness assessments for healthy participants and those with controlled disease.
• Students will interpret cardiorespiratory fitness assessments.

Student Learning Outcome #2

• Students will demonstrate skills in risk factor and health risk identification and the ability to prescribe and implement exercise safely in healthy individuals, special populations (i.e. older adults, youth, and pregnant women), individuals with controlled cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases, and other clinical populations.

DESIRED PERFORMANCE OUTCOME

• Students will prescribe and implement Exercise Rx, using FITT-VP principles, for healthy participants, special populations (i.e. older adults, youth, and pregnant women), participants with controlled cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases, and other clinical populations based on health status and goals.
• Students will establish progression guidelines for resistance, aerobic and flexibility exercises to achieve the goals of the participant.
• Students will determine safe and effective exercise programs to achieve desired outcomes and goals.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge regarding the implementation of a weight management program as indicated by personal goals that are supported by pre-participation health screening, health history, and body composition/anthropometric
• The student will demonstrate skill in modifying exercise prescriptions based on environmental conditions.

Student Learning Outcome #3

• Students will demonstrate competency in effectively educating, exercise counseling and using behavioral strategies regarding lifestyle modification for individuals.

DESIRED PERFORMANCE OUTCOME

• Optimize adoption and adherence to exercise programs and other healthy behaviors by applying effective communication techniques, behavioral and motivational strategies.
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge by providing educational resources to support clients in the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors.
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge by providing support within the scope of practice of an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and refer to other health professionals as indicated.

Student Learning Outcome #4:

• Students will demonstrate competency in the legal and professional tasks related to the discipline

DESIRED PERFORMANCE OUTCOME

• Students will create and disseminate risk management guidelines for a health/fitness facility, department or organization to reduce member, employee and business risk
• Students will create an effective injury prevention program and ensure that emergency policies and procedures are in place.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge in establishing policies and procedures for the management of health fitness facilities based on accepted safety and legal guidelines, standards and regulations

Student Learning Outcome #5

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of implementing management policies related to the discipline.

DESIRED PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

• Students will demonstrate knowledge in developing and executing a marketing plan to promote programs, services and facilities
• Students will demonstrate knowledge in managing human resources in accordance with leadership, organization, and management techniques.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge in managing fiscal resources in accordance with leadership, organization, and management techniques.