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
Program: BS-EXMS-A
Students will be required to fulfill the 66-hour requirement with core courses, senior experience courses, and available electives.
SPEX 20600 and SPEX 20700 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 SPEX 20300 Introduction to Exercise and Movement Science with the opportunity to change their path during SPEX 32000 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)
II. Senior Experience Courses (6)
| SPEX-20600 | Sport and Exercise Science Field Experience 1: Job Shadowing Leader | 1 |
| - | OR | |
| SPEX-20700 | Sport and Exercise Science Field Experience 2: Job Shadowing Practitioner | 1 |
| SPEX-47100 | Sport and Exercise Science Pre-Internship Seminar | 1 |
| - | OR | |
| SPEX-47200 | Sport and Exercise Science Pre-Senior Project Seminar | 1 |
| SPEX-48000 | Sport and Exercise Science Internship | 4 |
| - | OR | |
| SPEX-48200 | Sport and Exercise Science Senior Project | 4 |
V. Advanced Writing Requirement
The advanced writing requirement of the General Education curriculum is satisfied by successful completion of:
| SPEX-41000 | Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science | 3 |
III. Electives (12)
Exercise and Movement Science majors are required to select 12 credit hours from the elective courses below.