Exercise Science

Exercise Bike

 

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree program is designed to prepare students through academic coursework, laboratory instruction, and clinical internship experiences to work in the field of exercise science and provide the academic preparation necessary for graduate study in allied health and applied kinesiology and clinical and research programs in exercise science.

 

 

Course of Study

Graduation Plan for Health and Fitness Concentration

Graduation Plan for Pre-Professional Concentration

Why Exercise Science at South?

The course of study is designed to increase knowledge and develop skills associated with fitness promotion, strength and conditioning, and the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic diseases. Students have the option to complete a supervised internship experience in a clinical or corporate/commercial setting. Upon completion of this program and being awarded a degree, students are eligible for national certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The Exercise Science Program at the University of South Alabama is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Program as an NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP). The NSCA Education Recognition Program recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational content in the field of Strength and Conditioning.

 

▼   Program of Study
The Exercise Science Major provides a scientific core that allows the student to gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology and how exercise impacts the body. Students who are interested in a career at the baccalaureate level as an exercise professional may choose the Health-Fitness Concentration that provides the knowledge and the learning of practical and applied skills related to pre-participation health screenings, conducting and interpreting physical fitness assessments, developing exercise prescriptions, conducting exercise, and applying behavioral and motivational strategies for participants. Students who are interested in post-graduate educational opportunities may choose the Pre-Professional Concentration that provides the coursework and academic preparation necessary for graduate study in applied kinesiology and clinical/research programs in exercise science and allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training.
▼   Who Should Apply
If you have an interest in human health and a passion for exercise and want to help people achieve fitness through exercise, you might enjoy pursuing the major in Exercise Science.
▼   Career Opportunities for Exercise Science Graduates

Typical employment settings include: 

  • Exercise and Fitness Centers
  • Hospital Wellness/Fitness
  • Corporate Fitness
  • Exercise/Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Personal Training
  • Athlete Strength and Conditioning
  • Graduate study in Exercise or Sport Physiology
  • Graduate study in Allied Health
  • Exercise Science Facilities
▼   Exercise Science Facilities

The Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Classrooms and Computer Lab are equipped with Smart Board® technology, projectors, and PCs with internet access.

The Human Performance Laboratory is the primary research and student clinical-learning setting for exercise physiology. This laboratory contains the necessary equipment to perform all the classical physiological measurements during exercise including a Sensor Medics metabolic cart for cardiopulmonary/ECG exercise testing, treadmills and several cycle ergometers for aerobic exercise testing, a Biodex™ Isokinetic Dynamometer and a Biodex™ Balance Assessment System, an AMTI™ force plate designed to measure forces and moments used in research and clinical studies looking at balance, gait, and sports performance. The lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art Hologic™ dual x-ray absorptiometer (DXA) for estimating body composition and bone density and Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) measurements for the measurement of body composition and total body water. 

The Department Weight-Room contains resistance exercise testing and training devices to test muscular strength and endurance with single-and multi-joint exercises and the Gymnasiums are available for class and lab instruction that provide students the opportunity to work with the latest exercise-related tests and equipment.
The Molecular and Biochemistry Exercise Research Laboratory is equipped with a number of biochemistry analyzers that can assay muscle tissue and various substrates, hormones, and gene expression (e.g., microplate reader, electrophoresis, real-time PCR, etc.). This lab has the capacity to conduct a vast array of biochemical and molecular biology techniques used in exercise physiology and nutrition research.

▼   Faculty

Dr. Neil Schwarz

(251) 460-6877

neilschwarz@southalabama.edu

Dr. Neil Schwarz

Dr. Ryan Colquhoun

(251) 461-1615

rcolquhoun@southalabama.edu

 

Ryan Colquhoun, PhD

Dr. Joshua Keller

(251) 461-1616

jkeller@southalabama.edu

Joshua Keller, Ph.D., CSCS*D, CISSN

Dr. Geoffrey Hudson

(251) 461-1620

ghudson@southalabama.edu

Dr. Geoffrey Hudson