Physical Education/Exercise Science

Your Degrees

You will be able to complete a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Exercise Science or you may complete a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree. You may also choose to take courses as a minor. 

Your Program

Exercise Science – which will continue to help Salem focus on its strategic goal of becoming a center for women’s wellness -- is offered through the physical education department with an interdisciplinary focus that is heavy on the sciences.

Courses are designed in accordance with national standards set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

You will take 18.25 courses to qualify for the B.S. degree. Among the courses may be a variety of chemistry, physics and biology courses, measurement/assessment, women in sport and/or sport marketing. 

Your Faculty

The major in Exercise Science will give you access to faculty members in physical education, the sciences, business and women's studies, along with a wide variety of opportunities to serve internships, take special Jan Term courses and/or complete independent study projects.

Your Results

Majoring in Exercise Science gives you the opportunity to explore your interests in sports, exercise, the allied health fields, personal training and corporate fitness/wellness careers. Majoring in exercise science will position you for further study and/or careers in athletic training, sports medicine and occupational therapy.

Within Exercise Science, the B.A. degree is designed for students interested in working in the health field, personal training, corporate fitness, wellness or other sport- and exercise-related fields, while the B.S. degree in is for students interested in attending graduate school in science-related health fields).  

The goal of the activity, dance and team sports courses is to promote physical fitness and well-being, develop motor skills and cognitive strategies, learn rules and enhance the intrinsic enjoyment of participation in physical activity.  A second goal is to provide a breadth of experiences for each student to understand physical activity across the lifespan.

All physical education activity classes are offered on a rotating or as-needed basis.

Physical Education Courses (PHED)

011. Lifeguard Training      One-quarter course 

This full-term activity course is designed to instruct in advanced water rescues and escape techniques. Completion of course results in certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator. Must be able to swim 300 yards.

012. Cross-Country Team      No course credit 

Participation in the Salem College varsity cross-country team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.

015. Equestrian Riding       No course credit

Students will acquire and improve the necessary skills for successful horsemanship. Instruction is individually scheduled at Hidden K Stables and other sites as needed. A full-term activity course.  Additional fee required.

017. Basketball Team      No course credit

Participation in the Salem College varsity basketball team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.

018. Soccer Team      No course credit 

Participation in the Salem College varsity soccer team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.

019. Tennis Team      No course credit

Participation in the Salem College varsity tennis team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.

020. Volleyball Team      No course credit 

Participation in the Salem College varsity volleyball team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.

045. Softball Team      No course credit 

Participation in the Salem College varsity softball team.  Students must abide by team rules, attend practices and competitions and meet academic and medical eligibility as established by the NCAA, Great South Athletic Conference and Salem College.  No course credit, but completion may satisfy one of the two required physical education activities of the general education program.  May be repeated.
 

050. Wellness for Life      One-half course 

Integrates the basic components of wellness in order to achieve lifelong patterns of well-being. The course offers current information in areas of healthy living that include exercise, lifestyle modification, healthy nutrition, weight management, stress management, hypokinetic diseases, care and prevention of injuries, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and substance abuse. Emphasis is on application of knowledge through the use of decision-making and behavior modification skills in order to make healthy choices.  This required course is designed to be taken during the first year.

126/226. Kickboxing       One-quarter course 

This class is a high-energy, entire-body workout that can incorporate shuffles, interval rope jumping, jabs and kicks to increase cardio-respiratory endurance. 

127/227. Pilates       One-quarter course 

This course is a series of mat exercises based on controlled flowing movements. It is designed to develop deep-torso strength and flexibility. The course also emphasizes strength, energy and balance. 

 128/228. Self-Defense       One-quarter course

This course will address physical, verbal and psychological strategies that women can use to avoid and confront potential assaults. 

130/230. Water Fitness       One-quarter course 

Designed for all students, regardless of water ability. This course incorporates moderate to intense cardio-respiratory exercise in the water through the use of games and aerobic routines. Swimming ability is not required.  It is recommended that a student feel comfortable around water.

133/233. Zumba       One-quarter course 

This course is ideal for all students. Focus is on low-impact exercises that improve cardiovascular endurance. 

137/237. Golf       One-quarter course 

This course examines and applies the fundamentals and skills of golf. Selection and care of equipment, history and rules of the game, safety, etiquette, instruction and practice will be included. Additional fees required.

140/240. Social Dance       One-quarter course 

An introduction to the various forms of social dance. Genres may include social dances from cultures across the world.

142/242. Level I Swimming       One-quarter course 

Geared toward students with limited experience in the water. This course teaches the basics of swimming as defined by the American Red Cross. Students will learn floating, breath control, treading water, basic water safety and stroke technique. 

143/243. Level II Swimming       One-quarter course 

Focus on improving physical fitness and developing stroke technique.  Class emphasizes stroke development and progression of water skills.

144/244. Tennis       One-quarter course 

Emphasis placed on skill acquisition of the basic strokes: forehand, backhand, serve and volley. Introduction to rules and scoring. 

146/246. Women on Weights       One-quarter course

This course is designed to provide an introduction or to develop skills on free weights and equipment. Focus will be on sculpting, toning, muscular strength and endurance. 

147/247. Yoga       One-quarter course 

Emphasis on focus and deep breathing to increase strength, flexibility and relaxation. Yoga styles vary based on instructor. 

149/249. Circuit Training       One-quarter course 

This course involves cardio and muscle conditioning at a series of workout. Alternating between
cardio and muscular development, this course emphasizes the entire body. 
 

151/251. FIST: Functional Integrated Strength Training      One-quarter course 

This course focuses on strength and flexibility through the use of exercise balls, hand weights, tubes and floor exercises. 

152/252. Fit Walk       One-quarter course 

Ideal for all students, this course uses walking as a fun and energetic exercise alternative. 
 

156/256. Functional Fitness and Weight Management       One-quarter course 

This course is designed for the beginning student with an emphasis on proper exercise technique and weight management. 

157/257. Fit Swim       One-quarter course

Designed for the intermediate to advanced swimmer. This course promotes fitness through the use of varied swim workouts. Students will learn lap swimming terminology and techniques. Instruction will also be given on flip turns and fitness principles.

158/258 Bowling       One-quarter course 

An activity course that examines and applies the fundamentals and skills of bowling. Students will demonstrate knowledge of bowling history, scoring, handicapping and skills in bowling and etiquette. Additional fees required. 

159/259. Biking / Cycling       One-quarter course 

Introduction to and practice in bicycling either off-road or road riding. Basic maintenance skills such as adjusting derailleurs, brakes and changing tires will be presented. Information on cycling for fitness, racing and bicycle touring will be presented. Additional fee may be required. 

163/263. Special Topics in Physical Education       One-quarter course 

A physical education course not offered on a regular basis.  The subject matter of the course will be announced prior to the beginning of pre-registration.

164/264. Aerobic Conditioning      One-quarter course 

Using various aerobic dance forms, this course is designed to bring forth high aerobic exercise set to fast-paced contemporary music.  The course may include workouts in a variety of forms, including Zumba, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Salsa, etc. 

165/265. Cardio Toolbox       One-quarter course 

This course utilizes various tools to involve cardio and muscle conditioning at a series of workout stations.  Tools may include rings, jump ropes, agility ladders, tires, medicine balls, kettle balls and bands.

168/268. Core Conditioning       One-quarter course 

This course is designed to use innovative exercise concepts to develop overall functional strength, muscular endurance, balance and coordination, particularly to the stabilizing muscles of the body, commonly referred to as the core muscles (body’s mid-section).  Yoga and Pilates are often integrated into the course.

169/269. Hiking      One-quarter course 

Get off campus to discover the natural wonder surrounding us.  These outings provide skills necessary to go out on one’s own hikes.  No experience necessary.  Some weekend day trips will be required.  A course fee may apply.