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Exercise and Movement Science / Bachelor of Science

Total Credit Hours: 128
Major Credit Hours:  66

What do Exercise and Movement Science students study?

An Exercise and Movement Science curriculum emphasizes competencies in Biomechanics, Motor Control, Motor Learning and Development, and Exercise Physiology. Exercise and Movement Science students study human movement from the physiological perspective including understanding the factors that influence training programs and work performance. They learn how the body responds to exercise stress and physical activity at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels via theoretical, practical, and experiential models of learning. This knowledge is applicable to a diverse range of populations, including athletes, people suffering from specific illnesses, those with disabilities, and people in both recreational and employment settings.

Students study human movement from the perspective of the mover/performer (that is, the ultimate goal of the movement or task; the expected outcome; and the environmental conditions in which the task is performed). This study is facilitated by use of video and computer-based assessment paradigms related to forces that generate and control movement outcome. The Lewis University program prepares students to utilize recent and ongoing advances in science and technology.

What can a student do with an Exercise and Movement Science degree?

Exercise and Movement Science graduates possess a unique set of marketable skills. Graduates enjoy a wide range of career options in such fields as personal training; health, wellness, and fitness; strength and conditioning; and movement analysis. An undergraduate degree in Exercise and Movement Science prepares students for entry-level careers in four main sectors: sport, industry, health, and education. Graduates could facilitate current programs in these settings or contribute to the development of new programs. They could apply existing knowledge or assist in the creation of new knowledge regarding human movement. They could work for others or become self-employed entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing field with emerging opportunities. Furthermore, graduates, with or without advanced degrees, may have an opportunity to engage in research.

An undergraduate Exercise and Movement Science degree can also serve as a foundation for advanced study in areas such as exercise physiology, medicine, sport nutrition, sport medicine, physician’s assistant, biomechanics, ergonomics, prosthetics, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, rehabilitation medicine, chiropractic, or other related disciplines. Many undergraduate students view Exercise and Movement Sciences degrees as Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-Occupational Therapy.

What are some possible employment settings for graduates?

Exercise and Movement Science graduates will bring a depth of knowledge in science and technology to their jobs. Exercise and Movement Majors could, for example, be employed by:

• Professional Sports Teams
• Recreational Sports Industry
• Sports Associations
• Sporting Goods Manufacturers
• Colleges and Universities
• Public and Private Schools
• Corporate Wellness Centers
• Community Health Centers
• Fitness Centers
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Hospitals
• Resorts
• Nonprofit Organizations

What is the job outlook for Exercise and Movement Science majors?

Employment of fitness workers in general is expected to increase by 24 percent from 2010-20, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aging baby boomers and parents' concern about childhood obesity are factors in this job growth. As fitness work becomes increasingly science-based and technologically advanced, the specific demand for those with a background in Exercise and Movement Science will increase. The job outlook for graduates in this major is quite good.

Degree Requirements

Students will be required to fulfill the 66-hour requirement with core courses, senior experience courses, and available electives.

16-206 and 16-207 are exploratory courses within the sequence used to aid students in making a decision towards a Senior Experience and career path.  Exercise and Movement Science majors are required to complete a Senior Experience sequence for degree completion. There are two paths within the Senior Experience sequence:  The internship track and the senior project track.  Majors choose their Senior Experience path in consultation with an advisor after completing 16-203 Introduction to Exercise and Movement Science with the opportunity to change their path during 16-320 Third Year Seminar in Movement Science.  Movement Science majors may double major in another Sport and Exercise Science major if four different upper-division courses in each major distinguish one major from the other.

I. Core Courses (48)

02-101Anatomy and Physiology I

4
02-102Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

1
02-103Anatomy and Physiology II

4
02-104Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

1
16-203Introduction to Exercise and Movement Science

3
16-256Sport and Exercise Psychology

3
16-260History and Sociology of Sport and Exercise Science

3
16-271Nutrition and Exercise

3
16-285Motor Behavior

3
16-315Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise and Movement Science

3
16-320Third-Year Seminar in Exercise and Movement Science

1
16-340Kinesiology

3
16-345Exercise Physiology

3
16-380Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science

3
16-390Testing and Programming in Exercise and Movement Science

3
16-400Strength Training and Conditioning

3
16-401Exercise and Movement Science Senior Capstone

1
16-410Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science

3

II. Senior Experience Courses (6)

16-206Sport and Exercise Science Field Experience 1: Job Shadowing Leader

1
-OR
16-207Sport and Exercise Science Field Experience 2: Job Shadowing Practitioner

1
16-471Sport and Exercise Science Pre-Internship Seminar

1
-OR
16-472Sport and Exercise Science Pre-Senior Project Seminar

1
16-480Sport and Exercise Science Internship

4
-OR
16-482Sport and Exercise Science Senior Project

4

III. Electives (12)

Exercise and Movement Science majors are required to select 12 credit hours from the elective courses below.
16-120/22-120Movement and Dance 1

2
16-121/22-121Movement and Dance 2

2
16-171First Aid and Adult CPR

1
16-190Wellness Issues

3
16-195Medical Terminology

3
16-201Foundations of Coaching

3
16-210Aerobics: Theory and Teaching

3
16-211Weight Training

3
16-212General Conditioning

3
16-213Group Kick Boxing and Group Strength

2
16-214Group Aerobics and Boot Camp

2
16-257Physical Development and Health for Children

3
16-258Sport and Fitness Leadership

3
16-275Health Education

3
16-281Sport and Fitness Promotion and Sales

3
16-290Developing Physical Training Programs

3
16-291Introductory Workshop in Exercise and Movement Science

1
16-296Basic Research in Sport and Exercise Science

3
16-299Current Topics in Sport and Exercise Science

1-3
16-300Disease Processes and Exercise

3
16-307Pharmacology for Sport and Exercise Science

1
16-316Public Relations for Sport and Fitness Managers

3
16-321Globalization of Sport and Health

3
16-323Technology and Innovation in Sport and Exercise Science

3
16-330Teaching Group Exercise

3
16-343Sport and Fitness Performance Enhancement

3
16-347Personal Training

3
16-350Exercise Programming for Varied Populations

3
16-362Sport and Fitness Facility Management

3
16-366Corporate Health and Fitness Programming

3
16-367Ethics and Governance in Sport and Fitness

3
16-369Data and Analytics in Sport and Exercise Science

3
16-370Legal Aspects of Sport and Fitness

3
16-375Risk Management for Sport and Fitness

3
16-386Adapted Exercise and Movement Science

3
16-387Qualitative Assessment and Diagnosis of Human Movement

3
16-391Advanced Workshop in Exercise and Movement Science

1
16-392Special Topics in Exercise and Movement Science

1-3
16-420Introduction to Ergonomics

3

V. The Advanced Writing Requirement is met by successful completion of 16-410 Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science and 16-401 Exercise and Movement Science Senior Capstone.

IV. Concentrations

Elective courses can be combined to form a concentration within the Exercise and Movement Science degree. A concentration includes 12 credit hours of closely-related courses.  A student should consult an advisor to discuss which concentration and courses best prepare the student for his or her chosen career path. The choice of a concentration is not required. Current concentrations are listed below.

A. Fitness Concentration

B. Ergonomic Concentration

C. Sport Performance Concentration

D. Strength Training and Conditioning Concentration