Exercise Science
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 is for students interested in attending graduate school in
science-related health fields.
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, businedss 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.
The exercise science major curriculum is derived from the national standards as set forth by the largest and most respected sports medicine and strength and conditioning organizations in the world – the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The exercise science major is attractive to students who have an interest in sports, exercise, health fields, personal training and corporate fitness and wellness positions. It also prepares students for graduate studies in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, physician assistants or sports medicine. It is important to prepare students to meet the requirements to sit for board-certified exams and the curriculum is designed with this goal in mind. This allows students the opportunity to develop their potential through the occupational areas they may be interested in pursuing. Class assignments allow for individual flexibility to relate to their particular field of interest. The major prepares our students to be leaders in the field of sport and exercise, thereby promoting the prominence of women in a field dominated by a male hierarchy. Salem offers both a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.) in exercise science.
Exercise Science Major (B.A.)
The bachelor of arts in exercise science is designed for students interested in working in the health field, personal training, corporate fitness, wellness positions, physical education or other sport and exercise related fields.
Exercise Science Major (B.S.)
Students interested in attending graduate school in exercise science, athletic training, sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, clinical exercise physiology, or other science related health fields are encouraged to complete the work for a bachelor of science degree in exercise science.
Coaching Minor
The coaching minor curriculum is derived from the National Standards for Athletic Coaches. The completion of the program meets all 37 standards as set by AAHPERD (Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance).
Exercise Science Courses (EXER)
100. Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science One course
This course is an overview of the evolving discipline of kinesiology (exercise science, sport, and physical education) with an emphasis on historical, philosophical, psychological foundations and their implications for contemporary society. It includes an introduction to the scholarly subdivisions of kinesiology and an exploration of possible career opportunities. This class places a strong emphasis on exploring sport and exercise through the female lens. Fall.
150. Philosophy and Fundamentals of Coaching Competitive Sports One course
Examination of the methods of teaching sport skills in a competitive environment. The purpose will be to promote athletes’ growth, development, and learning, while developing the skills necessary to lead a sport program. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership skills necessary to lead a sport program. Theoretical research on healthy teams, teamwork, competitiveness, and gender will be explored. Fall.
210. Nutrition One course
This course helps students understand the real life implications of nutrition. Students learn about the roles of macro- and micronutrients in the body. The class examines the impact of food choices on metabolism, body composition, and weight control. Discussion centers on nutrition misinformation, consumer issues, and major diseases that may be affected by eating behaviors. Recommended prerequisite: CHEM 050, CHEM 110, BIOL 010 or BIOL 100. Spring.
230. Motor Development One course
This course studies the sequential, continuous age-related process whereby movement behavior changes. The class examines information processing theories, theories of motor learning, factors influencing effects of practice and feedback, and biological changes experienced over a lifetime. Fall, even years.
240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise One course
This course is designed as an introductory course to the field of sport and exercise psychology. The course will examine the theories and research related to sport and exercise behavior, and includes an overview of the major topics of sport and exercise psychology. These could include but are not be limited to personality, motivation, arousal, imagery, goal setting, disease, stress, rehabilitation and burnout. A focus will be on enhancing performance through practical applications of theory. Spring.
245. Women in Sport One course
A critical survey of the origins and historical evolution of modern women’s sports. The course will consider the social, economic, political and cultural variables which influenced and shaped female athletics. It will also consider the significance of the contemporary women’s sports revolution. Includes an examination of women in sport through historical, physiological and sociological perspectives with emphasis on the obstacles faced by female athletes; the impact of the media; and the implications of federal mandates.
250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries One course
An introduction to the theoretical and practical approach to caring for injured and ill athletes. Topics include emergency procedures and safety skills; preventive procedures in athletic training; the duties and qualifications of athletic training personnel; and an understanding of the importance of physical conditioning for prevention of injuries. The course includes demonstrations and practical experience in taping and bandaging techniques. Course fee will apply. Spring.
270. Internship in Sport and Exercise Science One course
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in coursework to gain experience in a real work setting; the apprenticeship aspect of the internship implies that the student has some base of knowledge and will increase her knowledge and skills by direct contact with an experienced, knowledgeable mentor. Open to juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 cumulative average, maximum credit is one course; admission by application only. Fall and Spring.
275. Internship in Coaching One-half course
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in coursework for an approved coaching experience of 80-160 hours at the youth, community partnership, junior high, high school or college level. The student will work with an experienced, knowledgeable mentor in an approved setting. Open to coaching minors who have completed all other coursework; maximum credit is one course; admission by application only. Exercise Science majors may, with permission of the program director, satisfy the internship requirement through EXER 270. Fall and Spring.
310. Exercise Physiology One course
This course studies the physiological response of the human body to physical activity. The acute and chronic responses to the muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems of the body are examined. Laboratory experiences will involve the application of concepts regarding the human body’s response to the stress of exercise, sport and long-term physical training. Lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 218 and 219; MATH 060 or higher. Fall.
320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise One course
This course is a study of the anatomical and mechanical bases of physical activity with emphasis on the analysis of sport and exercise skills. Content also includes understanding muscular imbalances, physiological support systems, body types, movement behavior and movement efficiency. This course is the physics applied to human movement and students are strongly recommended to have taken PHYS 210 prior to enrollment. Lectures, additional focused colloquium required. Prerequisites: BIOL 218 and 219; MATH 060 or higher; PHYS 210 recommended.
330. Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation of Exercise and Sport One course
This course provides a survey of current assessment instruments in Exercise Science, Sport and Physical Education with an emphasis on test selection, administration and interpretation of results. Principles of test construction and use relative to skills, knowledge and behavior will be included. Prerequisites: BIOL 218 and 219; MATH 060 or higher. Spring.
340. Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning One course
This course will aid students in gaining knowledge to design and implement strength training and conditioning programs for individuals as well as athletes in a team setting. It will also cover administrative concerns for leadership of such training programs. This course will prepare the student to sit for the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). A passing grade in this course is not, however, a guarantee that the student will pass the CSCS certification examination. May serve as the senior capstone course in the major. Prerequisites: EXER 310 and EXER 320. Spring.
350. Fitness Instructor Development and Exercise Programming One course
This course studies appropriate exercise instruction and exercise programming. The course provides for resistive training, anaerobic and aerobic exercise across different populations. A major part of the course will be reviewing competencies for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) certification exam. A passing grade in this course is not, however, a guarantee that the student will pass the ACSM HFS certification examination. May serve as the senior capstone course in the major. Prerequisites: EXER 310 and EXER 320. Fall.
Karen Hixson
Where are you from?
I grew up on a farm in Colrain, a small town in western Massachusetts. I am proud to be a farmer’s daughter and am grateful for the strong work ethic I learned growing up.
What were your reasons for choosing to teach at Salem?
I love how strong and diverse the students are here, and I enjoy the knowledge, experience and challenges they bring to the classroom. I also like the small class size and the sense of family and community here. I care deeply about Salem College and helping the new Exercise Science program grow and thrive.
Tell us about your global experiences.
I spent a summer teaching, coaching, and playing softball in the Netherlands. I am still in touch with friends I made while I was there.
What are your areas of special interest within your discipline?
In the Exercise Science field, my area of expertise is Exercise Physiology. My research interests include Exercise and Disease; Spirituality and Health. For five years I volunteered for the Interstitial Cystitis Association and lobbied on Capitol Hill for research money for IC and other female health issues. I have had the opportunity to speak with Senator Richard Burr, Representative Virginia Foxx and many Health Policy Advisors in Washington D.C., an experience which has given me great insight into government affairs, patient advocacy and how funding for health research is obtained. I use this knowledge in my teaching.
What is your favorite course to teach?
Nutrition. It is interesting and fun to teach because it applies to everyone - it is directly linked to all aspects of one's health.
What kind of advice would you give to a student thinking about entering your discipline?
Be prepared to study science (this field is the science of exercise) and get as much internship and independent study experience in your field as possible.
What are the benefits for the students if they choose a major in exercise science at Salem?
The exercise science major will prepare you for fitness and wellness positions as well as graduate studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. The curriculum is designed to help you sit for the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association certification exams.
What do you see as the strengths of a women's college?
At a women’s college, women participate more in the classroom and in leadership roles on campus. I have taught in coed situations and many times I found myself encouraging the women in class to speak up more. I have never had to do that at Salem.
What do you do for fun when you aren't working?
I love watching sports!! I am an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. I enjoy participating in a variety of fitness activities. I love to travel and go to movies. In the fall, I spend Friday nights at football games - watching my son's team play.
What is your favorite place at Salem?
There are several . . . the back porch, the pond, the square, the patio outside the pool. . . all great places to share and learn outside the classroom.
