Overview
The exercise science major at Keene State College is designed for students who are interested in studying the body as it pertains to human movement and the physiological changes that occur in the body in response to exercise and physical activity.
Exercise science is a multidisciplinary evidenced-based program, which is fast-growing and ever changing. Exercise scientists use their knowledge of the human body and exercise leadership skills to help people improve physical performance, fitness, health and overall quality of life. The exercise science program is part of the Human Performance and Movement Science (HPMS) Department, along with physical education.
Program Options
Exercise science majors choose from allied health and human performance options. The allied health option integrates healthcare and fitness. This option is specifically intended for students who wish to pursue graduate school in medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and others. You’ll take classes outside of HPMS to help you understand the broader field of health, while fulfilling prerequisites for graduate school with courses from the integrative studies program and elective credits in biology, psychology, chemistry, and physics/catalog/courses/explore/all/phys/.
The human performance option integrates the concepts of fitness and performance to prepare students for careers in personal training, strength and conditioning and/or group and corporate fitness. Coursework will prepare you for American College of Sports Medicine certification as a personal trainer or as a certified exercise physiologist. You may also select additional hands-on experience through the Coaching Practicum and Externship.
BS, Pre-Athletic Training Specialization 3+2 KSC to PSU Athletic trainers are health professionals who provide preventive, services, emergency care, rehab, and therapy, and more to athletes. They work under the direction of a physician and are licensed by the state. Through this joint program with Plymouth State University, students can earn a bachelor’s in exercise science – allied health option, and a master’s degree in athletic training, preparing them for certification as athletic trainers.
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Career and Other Opportunities
The exercise science program at Keene State prepares students to pursue graduate study or careers in:
- exercise science
- sports medicine
- pre-physical therapy
- pre-occupational therapy
- personal training
- strength and conditioning
- cardiac rehabilitation
The American Physical Therapy Association cites that the number one undergraduate degree program for students entering physical therapy is exercise science. Other medical and allied health graduate programs specifically desire applicants who have previous patient/client care experiences. Our program provides students these experiences along with the flexibility to complete most pre-requisite coursework.
Outcomes
Students who complete a degree in exercise science at Keene State are eligible to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist examination or the NCSA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist examination during their last semester enrolled in the program.
Our alumni are able to assess and support fitness in their clients and patients. They think critically and discuss, understand, and present evidence-based information on current exercise physiology in their work with diverse populations.
