Exercise Science, B.S.

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The Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Exercise Science students utilize science, research methodologies, and practical application to study effects of exercise on health and human performance. They also learn how to recognize and evaluate cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic functions and plan and implement programs for diseased and healthy populations to maintain and enhance physical fitness, health, and quality of life.

Program Requirements

Retention and Progression Requirements

Students will be retained within the Exercise Science major providing the following criteria are maintained throughout their undergraduate experience:

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses. Students receiving a grade lower than C- in a required course will not be allowed to sequence into post-requisite coursework until the prerequisite deficiency has been rectified.
Present proof of current American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification prior to enrolling in the following courses: SPM 260 or SPM 325 , and SPM 495 . SPM 101 /102 can be taken to fulfill this requirement.

Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation for failure to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. Students failing to rectify the GPA deficiency within a one-year probationary period will be removed from their declared major and from their status as a student within the Department. Upon rectifying the GPA deficiency, students can reapply for admission into a Departmental major.

Graduation Requirements

Students will graduate with a BS in Exercise Science when the following requirements are satisfied:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Completion of all University Core Curriculum requirements.
Completion of all exercise, health, and sport sciences core required coursework with minimum grades of C-.
Completion of all exercise science major coursework with minimum grades of C-.
Completion of 120 credits.

Degree Requirements

The BS in Exercise Science consists of 120 credit hours: University Core Curriculum courses; Exercise, Health and Sport Sciences required core courses; Exercise Science major required courses, and Exercise Science approved electives if needed to complete the 120-minimum credit requirement.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Exercise Science major: 72.5.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.

Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences Required Core Courses (48.5-50.5 credits)

BIO 111 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
BIO 112 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 1.5
BIO 113 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
BIO 114 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 1.5
CHY 107 - Chemistry for Health Sciences Credits: 3
or
CHY 113 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 3
LOS 120 - Statistics for Informed Decision Making Credits: 3
or
MAT 120 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 4
PHY 101 - Introduction to Physics Credits: 3
and
PHY 102 - Introduction to Physics Laboratory Credits: 1
or
PHY 111 - Elements of Physics I Credits: 4
and
PHY 114 - Introductory Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1
NUR 252 - Human Nutrition Credits: 3
SPM 100 - Introduction to Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences Credits: 3 (required for majors with 60 credits or less)
SPM 101 - Basic Life Support and First Aid 1 Credits: 0.5
or
SPM 102 - Basic Life Support and First Aid 2 Credits: 0.5
SPM 219 - Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness Credits: 3
SPM 230 - Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport Credits: 3
SPM 325 - Methods of Resistance Training and Conditioning Credits: 3
SPM 330 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3
SPM 331 - Physiology of Exercise Laboratory Credits: 1
SPM 352 - Nutrition for Physical Performance Credits: 3
SPM 381 - Kinesiology Credits: 3
SPM 382 - Kinesiology Lab Credits: 1
SPM 430 - Exercise Testing, Assessment, and Prescription Credits: 3

Exercise Science Required Courses (31 credits)

SPM 140 - Medical Terminology Credits: 3
SPM 260 - Foundations of Exercise Science Credits: 3
REC 314 - Wellness Education and Counseling Credits: 3
or
SPM 350 - Health Promotion Programs Credits: 3
SPM 390 - Biomechanics Credits: 3
SPM 391 - Biomechanics Lab Credits: 1
SPM 431 - Advanced Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
SPM 450 - Exercise for Special Populations Credits: 3
SPM 485 - Senior Thesis Credits: 3
SPM 495 - Clinical Internship Credits: 3-12 (Minimum of 9 credits required)

Exercise Science Approved Electives

Students should consult with their advisor to determine if exercise science electives are needed to complete the 120-credit minimum graduation requirement. Elective courses require advisor approval.

Students wishing to pursue a Holistic and Integrative Health or Athletic Coaching minor should consult with their faculty advisor in the Department of Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: SPM 485
Quantitative Reasoning: LOS 120 or MAT 120
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration: PHY 101 /PHY 102 or PHY 111 /PHY 114
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship:
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning: SPM 260 , SPM 325 , or SPM 495
Capstone: SPM 495

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.