Bachelor of Science (B.S) Degree in Exercise Science
The exercise science program is one of several in the Department of Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education, and Recreation (ESPER). The exercise science program of study is designed to prepare individuals for careers in preventive and rehabilitative exercise and wellness programs in settings such as hospitals, government agencies, and fitness and corporate wellness centers. Some students pursue graduate or professional degrees in such allied health areas as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, exercise science, physiology, and biomedical sciences.
A solid foundation in the natural sciences is a prerequisite for much of the course work in the exercise science curriculum. Academic preparation focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to apparently healthy and high risk populations as well as those with cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or metabolic disease. The exercise science curriculum follows the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Students are strongly encouraged to earn ACSM certification. Many students have successfully completed the ACSM Health/Fitness InstructorSM certification examination which is offered by the university.
Declaration of the Exercise Science Major
Prior to declaring a major in exercise science, the student must complete 15 semester hours of course work (ENGL 110C, EXSC 225, BIOL 115N-116N, and CHEM 115N-116N or PHYS 111N-112N) with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 and have a personal interview with the undergraduate program coordinator.
Tracks within the major
The Scientific Foundations Track is designed for students desiring further education in such allied-health areas as physical therapy, physician assistant training, medicine and biomedical sciences. The Preventive/Rehabilitative Track prepares students for careers in cardiac rehabilitation, personal training and corporate wellness.
Clinical Internship
The exercise science curriculum includes a clinical internship which provides professional experiences to support the academic course of study. Requirements include the completion of 400 documented hours in an approved setting and completion of pre-determined goals and objectives. In the past, students have completed internships in such prestigious settings as the US Olympic Training Center. Additional internship sites include clinical settings such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, preventive settings such as fitness and corporate wellness centers; and research settings such as human performance laboratories. The internship is a requirement for students in the Preventice/Rehabilitative track. Students in the Scientific Foundarions Track can complete an internship or practicum as an elective.
Program Completion
Requirements for program completion include the following: a GPA of 2.00 in all course work at Old Dominion University (120 hours); a GPA of 2.00 in the exercise science curriculum; passing the university exit writing examination prior to the internship; and completion of all course competencies, the internship, the departmental exit interview; and the departmental and senior assessment examinations.
Minor in Exercise Science
Students may earn a minor in exercise science by completing the following courses totaling 21 credit hours:
BIOL 250 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
EXSC 225 Introduction to Exercise Science
EXSC 322 Anatomical Kinesiology/Human Anatomy
EXSC 409 Physiology of Exercise
EXSC 415 Exercise Testing for Normal and Special Populations
and one (1) other EXSC 300/400 level course
CONTACT FOR INFORMATION
Undergraduate Program Coordinator-Exercise Science
Department of Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and Recreation
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia 23529-0196
(757) 683-4995 (office) 683-4270 (fax)