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Exercise Science

Exercise Science

Many students take exercise science classes because they like to play sports, or because it sounds like fun, but they don’t always know what the major is, or what they can do with it after graduation. While exercise science is fun, and much of it is about sport, it’s so much more than that. 

The Exercise Science Program here at Salem provides a study of physical activity and how it affects the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. We approach our study of human movement holistically through the life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Since students study such a broad range of topics, exercise science majors can work in numerous fields – everything from fitness and wellness to sports medicine. The program prepares students for exercise science related fields including strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and personal training, or you can also complete a graduate school path that prepares students for health-related programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and athletic training. Regardless student’s paths, girls’ and women’s experiences in physical activity weave throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates to be advocates of healthy movement for women at all life stages.

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  • Department of Exercise Science

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Overview

Your Program

Salem offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in exercise science, a bachelor of science (BS) in exercise science, and a minor in coaching.

Both the BA and the BS curricula are grounded in the traditional exercise science courses like biomechanics and exercise physiology. However, to align with the American Kinesiology Association’s undergraduate core curriculum, both the BA and the BS include history, culture, ethical decision-making, and commitment to physical activity participation as essential components of students’ professional development. Both major programs prepare students to take the gold standard certifications for undergraduates in our field - the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Students who wish to attend graduate school generally complete the BS in exercise science; however, some students complete the BA and supplement with additional courses that target their area of interest. Students make decisions about the best options for their goals and interests while working with an advisor who knows them as students and as individuals.

Just as the major curricula align with guidelines from nationally-recognized organizations, the coaching minor curriculum is derived from SHAPE America’s National Standards for Sport Coaches. The seven-course curriculum includes content from all 42 standards and is popular with students who are majoring in various disciplines, not just exercise science.

Program Faculty

The exercise science faculty at Salem recognize that college is an opportunity to grow and reach, not just intellectually, but also socially, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Inside and outside the classroom, we provide broad experiences that help students grow as whole human beings. We strive to create a strong community of learners, where faculty listen to and learn from students.

[faculty-block]

 

Your Degrees

The Exercise Science (BS): To earn the BS students must complete a minimum 21 courses, including 12 exercise science courses within the major.

The Exercise Science (BA): To earn a BA students must complete a minimum of 15 courses, including 11 exercise science courses within the major.

The Coaching minor: To earn a coaching minor, students must complete six to seven courses that have been specifically chosen to provide students with the broad knowledge and skills that competitive sport coaches need to be successful.

Major/Minor

Exercise Science Major (BA)

The bachelor of arts in exercise science is designed for students interested in working in the health field, personal training, corporate fitness, wellness positions, or other sport and exercise related fields.

Required Core Courses

BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)

BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)

BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)

BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)

EXER 100. Introduction to Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280.  First Aid/CPR/AED (1 hr)

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 255. Organization and Administration in Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 270. Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (4 hrs min.)

EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)

EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 330. Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation of Exercise and Sport (3 hrs)

PHED 146/246. Women on Weights (1 hr)

Required senior capstone courses:

EXER 340. Science of Strength and Conditioning (3 hrs)

EXER 350. ACSM Exercise Physiologist Preparatory Course (3 hrs)

Major Elective (choose one) 

EXER 150. Philosophy and Fundamentals of Coaching Competitive Sports (3 hrs)

EXER 200. Independent Study in Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 245. Women in Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 260. Sport in Society (3 hrs)

EXER 290. Honors Independent Study in Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 360. Exercise Science Research (3 hrs)

 

Exercise Science Major (BS)

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.

Required courses:

BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)

BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)

BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)

BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)

CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)

CHEM 120. General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis (5 hrs)

EXER 100. Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280. First Aid and CPR: Emergency Response (1 hr)  

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 255. Organization and Administration in Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 270. Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)

EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 330. Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation of Exercise and Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 340. Science of Strength and Conditioning (3 hrs)

EXER 350. ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification Preparatory Course (3 hrs)

MATH 100. Calculus I  (5 hrs) or MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs)

PHED 146/246. Women on Weights (1 hr)

PHYS 210. General Physics I (5 hrs)

 

Coaching Minor

The coaching minor curriculum is derived from the National Standards for Sport Coaches.  The completion of the program meets all 42 standards as set by SHAPE America.

Required courses:

EXER 100. Introduction to Exercise Science 

EXER 150. Philosophy and Fundamentals of Coaching Competitive Sports (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280. First Aid/CPR/AED (1 hr)  

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 245. Women in Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 275. Internship in Coaching (2 hrs min.)

Success Stories

The advantage of Salem and the small class size allowed for my education to emphasize things I am interested in. The ability to apply what you are learning to the career you hope to have one day is a great aspect of the program. Within the major we have students who want to go to medical school, become personal trainers, exercise physiologist, dietitians, occupational therapists, as well as those like me who plan to pursue physical therapy. The personal attention helps each student create the right path. The small class size allows you to have lab experiences that you wouldn’t have at other colleges.
Mary Cameron Hamilton

Class Year: 2013

Major: Exercise science

Graduate Studies: Doctorate in physical therapy, Elon University School of Health Sciences

I had the opportunity in the Exercise Science Department to find my dream career. Salem prepared me to be successful in my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at Pfeiffer University. Erika Bonadio was an amazing advisor and guided me on the path to my career.
Sarah Benson, C'21
  • Overview
  • Major/Minor
  • Courses
  • Internships
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Success Stories

Your Program

Salem offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in exercise science, a bachelor of science (BS) in exercise science, and a minor in coaching.

Both the BA and the BS curricula are grounded in the traditional exercise science courses like biomechanics and exercise physiology. However, to align with the American Kinesiology Association’s undergraduate core curriculum, both the BA and the BS include history, culture, ethical decision-making, and commitment to physical activity participation as essential components of students’ professional development. Both major programs prepare students to take the gold standard certifications for undergraduates in our field - the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Students who wish to attend graduate school generally complete the BS in exercise science; however, some students complete the BA and supplement with additional courses that target their area of interest. Students make decisions about the best options for their goals and interests while working with an advisor who knows them as students and as individuals.

Just as the major curricula align with guidelines from nationally-recognized organizations, the coaching minor curriculum is derived from SHAPE America’s National Standards for Sport Coaches. The seven-course curriculum includes content from all 42 standards and is popular with students who are majoring in various disciplines, not just exercise science.

Program Faculty

The exercise science faculty at Salem recognize that college is an opportunity to grow and reach, not just intellectually, but also socially, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Inside and outside the classroom, we provide broad experiences that help students grow as whole human beings. We strive to create a strong community of learners, where faculty listen to and learn from students.

[faculty-block]

 

Your Degrees

The Exercise Science (BS): To earn the BS students must complete a minimum 21 courses, including 12 exercise science courses within the major.

The Exercise Science (BA): To earn a BA students must complete a minimum of 15 courses, including 11 exercise science courses within the major.

The Coaching minor: To earn a coaching minor, students must complete six to seven courses that have been specifically chosen to provide students with the broad knowledge and skills that competitive sport coaches need to be successful.

Exercise Science Major (BA)

The bachelor of arts in exercise science is designed for students interested in working in the health field, personal training, corporate fitness, wellness positions, or other sport and exercise related fields.

Required Core Courses

BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)

BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)

BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)

BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)

EXER 100. Introduction to Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280.  First Aid/CPR/AED (1 hr)

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 255. Organization and Administration in Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 270. Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (4 hrs min.)

EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)

EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 330. Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation of Exercise and Sport (3 hrs)

PHED 146/246. Women on Weights (1 hr)

Required senior capstone courses:

EXER 340. Science of Strength and Conditioning (3 hrs)

EXER 350. ACSM Exercise Physiologist Preparatory Course (3 hrs)

Major Elective (choose one) 

EXER 150. Philosophy and Fundamentals of Coaching Competitive Sports (3 hrs)

EXER 200. Independent Study in Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 245. Women in Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 260. Sport in Society (3 hrs)

EXER 290. Honors Independent Study in Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 360. Exercise Science Research (3 hrs)

 

Exercise Science Major (BS)

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.

Required courses:

BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)

BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)

BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)

BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)

CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)

CHEM 120. General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis (5 hrs)

EXER 100. Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280. First Aid and CPR: Emergency Response (1 hr)  

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 255. Organization and Administration in Exercise Science (3 hrs)

EXER 270. Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (3 hrs min.)

EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)

EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 330. Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation of Exercise and Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 340. Science of Strength and Conditioning (3 hrs)

EXER 350. ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification Preparatory Course (3 hrs)

MATH 100. Calculus I  (5 hrs) or MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs)

PHED 146/246. Women on Weights (1 hr)

PHYS 210. General Physics I (5 hrs)

 

Coaching Minor

The coaching minor curriculum is derived from the National Standards for Sport Coaches.  The completion of the program meets all 42 standards as set by SHAPE America.

Required courses:

EXER 100. Introduction to Exercise Science 

EXER 150. Philosophy and Fundamentals of Coaching Competitive Sports (3 hrs)

EXER 180/280. First Aid/CPR/AED (1 hr)  

NOTE: The EXER 180/280 requirement in the major may be waived if students can demonstrate current certification in first aid/CPR.  Such a waiver does not alter the physical education activity course requirement toward the Salem Impact.

EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)

EXER 245. Women in Sport (3 hrs)

EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)

EXER 275. Internship in Coaching (2 hrs min.)

The advantage of Salem and the small class size allowed for my education to emphasize things I am interested in. The ability to apply what you are learning to the career you hope to have one day is a great aspect of the program. Within the major we have students who want to go to medical school, become personal trainers, exercise physiologist, dietitians, occupational therapists, as well as those like me who plan to pursue physical therapy. The personal attention helps each student create the right path. The small class size allows you to have lab experiences that you wouldn’t have at other colleges.
Mary Cameron Hamilton

Class Year: 2013

Major: Exercise science

Graduate Studies: Doctorate in physical therapy, Elon University School of Health Sciences

,
I had the opportunity in the Exercise Science Department to find my dream career. Salem prepared me to be successful in my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at Pfeiffer University. Erika Bonadio was an amazing advisor and guided me on the path to my career.
Sarah Benson, C'21

See our Academic Catalog for all of our course offerings.

 

Latest News

Salem College to Host Annual Celebration of Academic Excellence
March 30, 2023
Salem College will host its annual Celebration of Academic Excellence on Wednesday, April 12 to recognize student and faculty scholarly and creative achievements.
Salem College to Present “An Evening of New Music”
March 23, 2023
Faculty and friends from the Salem College School of Music will present “An Evening of New Music” on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Salem Academy and College Presents Author Sami Schalk
March 20, 2023
Salem Academy and College, in partnership with Bookmarks, will present author Sami Schalk, Ph.D. on Wednesday, March 29 at 7 p.m.
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Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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