Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Exercise science prepares students to work in exercise-related areas by examining the effects of physical activity on the human body. The Exercise Science (BS) degree at Appalachian State University is primarily for students who prefer to have a more flexible career path with multiple options. There are three possible concentration areas, and the extensive choices within the Health Sciences electives and Interdisciplinary Studies electives provide the foundation required for immediate employment in the fitness/wellness industry, in sport and human performance, or for successful admission to graduate or health professions programs.
Applied Exercise Physiology concentration
The Applied Exercise Physiology concentration is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in health and wellness settings (hospital-based wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, etc) with a variety of populations. This concentration also prepares students to take the Exercise Physiologist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Classes designed to teach students about specific pathophysiologies and the accompanying exercise recommendations along with a substantial internship experience will prepare students for graduate study or immediate entry into the work force.
General concentration
The General concentration provides the academic preparation necessary for students to gain admission into graduate programs in the rehabilitation-focused health professions such as Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, or other medical-related health professions such as Physician, Physician Assistant/Associate, or Chiropractor. This concentration is the most flexible, allowing students to receive major elective credit for the various prerequisites to the health professions programs as well as to receive internship or practicum course credit for shadowing/observation hours required for application to those programs.
Strength and Conditioning concentration
The Strength and Conditioning concentration prepares students for careers in fitness and athletic performance, as well as for graduate study in exercise scence. Students interested in pursuing a career as a strength and conditioning coach (college/professional sport, tactical populations, etc), or working in fitness/wellness programs (personal training, etc) will have the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the field as well as for achieving certification, particularly from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) who has recognized the strength and conditioning curriculum at App State.
Minor in Exercise Science
A minor in Exercise Science consists of 16-21 semester hours of the following courses:
Anatomy/Physiology Courses: 3 or 8 credit hours
ES 2035 _____(3) Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
Or
ES 2040_____(4) Human Anatomy
ES 2050_____(4) Human Physiology
Other ES Courses: 13 credit hours
ES 2002_____(3) Introduction to Exercise Science
ES 2005_____(3) Introduction to Physiological Assessment
ES 3002_____(3) Exercise Physiology
ES 3550_____(4) Introduction to Biomechanics
The Beaver College of Health Sciences requires all graduate and undergraduate students, who as a part of their program of study have required or elective clinicals, internships, field placements, or practicums, to submit to a criminal background check. The BCHS policy can be found here.