Skip Navigation
Academic Catalog 2020/2021

Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science
School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health

The Exercise Science Major 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. It is intended for students who would like to pursue a career in exercise science, sports medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning, and cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise Science is a multidisciplinary evidence-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 major has some flexibility where students must choose an option that best accomplishes their career objectives.

Declaration of Major and Retention Criteria

Students will be accepted to the College as an Exercise Science major. Students will also be advised by faculty in the Human Performance and Movement Science Department and assisted with program planning throughout their program of study.

Declaration of Exercise Science Major

Students accepted to the College who wish to pursue the Exercise Science Major must complete a Declaration of Major form either during Orientation or upon consultation with the program faculty members.

All students who declare Exercise Science as their major will have the opportunity to register for the appropriate first year courses within the program as recommended by their Exercise Science faculty advisor. After the completion of two semesters within the program, the ability to register for upper-level Exercise Science courses will depend on the completion of the established retention standards (see below).

Declaration of Pre-Athletic Training Specialization

The Pre-Athletic Training Specialization 3-year Bachelor of Science + 2-year Master of Science (3+2) Keene State College to Plymouth State University pathway for Athletic Training provides undergraduate students a path to a master’s degree in Athletic Training in an accelerated 5-year program. The Master of Science degree program is a two-year program with the fourth and fifth years at Plymouth State University for a student who entered as a first year student at Keene State College. Declaring commitment to the 3+2 program allows advising and course selection to support a smooth transition to the master’s program. Declaration in the BS in Exercise Science, Allied Health Option, Pre-Athletic Training Specialization is encouraged upon entry to the College, but must be made no later than the end of the second year at Keene State College.

Retention in Exercise Science Major

Following the completion of two semesters within the program, all Exercise Science majors must satisfy the following retention standards in order to progress in the program:

  • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average in the Exercise Science major of 2.5

Completion of the following Allied Requirement courses:

  • INCHEM 100 Introduction to Chemistry or INCHEM 103 Fundamentals of Chemistry or INCHEM 111 General Chemistry I
  • BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIO 332 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • MATH 141 Introductory Statistics (Allied Health) or MATH 120/QL (Human Performance)

Completion of the following Exercise Science courses with a grade of C or Higher:

  • PH 101 Health and Wellness
  • HPEX 250 Introduction to Exercise Science

Enrollment in HPEX 372, HPEX 472, and HPEX 492

Enrollment in HPEX 372, HPEX 472, and HPEX 492 requires the following:

  • Student must receive a grade C or better in all required Exercise Science courses.
  • Student must maintain a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5.
  • Student must maintain current certification in Adult CPR & First Aid.

Retention in Pre-Athletic Training Specialization

A student must:

  • Enroll in the Exercise Science Allied Health Option coursework
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2
  • Earn a B or better in Exercise Science Allied, Major Core, and Major Option coursework.
  • Earn a B or better in the following elective courses:
  • ISPSYC 101 General Psychology
  • INPHYS 141 College Physics I

Other courses may be added per CAATE accreditation updates for professional programs, and other post-graduate programs to which students may be interested in applying.

Students will need to complete a graduate school application to Plymouth State University prior to the completion of the third year. After successful completion of the fourth year at Plymouth State University in the Master of Science in Athletic Training, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Keene State College and are eligible to participate in Commencement at Keene State College.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

72 credits

Allied Requirements

20 credits

Take one course from the following:

  • INCHEM 100 Introduction to Chemistry
  • INCHEM 103 Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • INCHEM 111 General Chemistry I

BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 332 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
ISPH 285 Health in Society

Take one of the following courses:

  • MATH 141 Introductory Statistics (Allied Health Option)
  • MATH 120 Applied Algebra and Trigonometry (Human Performance Option)

Competency Requirement for Exercise Science

All students majoring in Exercise Science are required to be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer for courses marked with a ¹.

Exercise Science Core Requirements

36 credits

PH 101 Health and Wellness or INHP 220 Physical Activity & Disease
HP 200 Applied Kinesiology
HP 201 Physiology of Exercise
HPEX 250 Introduction to Exercise Science
HPEX 332 Exercise Testing and Programming¹
HPEX 335 Advanced Strength and Conditioning¹
HP 344 Sports Nutrition
HPEX 372 Practicum: Exercise Leadership¹
HPEX 492 Exercise Science Seminar

Allied Health Option

16 credits

IIHP 352 Exercise Psychology
HP 340 Epidemiology of Physical Activity
HP 341 Pathology, Pharmacology, & Exercise
HP 460 Research Methods in Human Movement

HPEX 371 Coaching Practicum or HPEX 472 Externship

Pre-requisites for these courses include HPEX 372 Practicum: Exercise Leadership

HPEX 371 or HPEX 472 are equivalent off campus experiences but are not required to graduate.

Students should request through their advisor a desire to enroll in Coaching Practicum or Externship to ensure HPEX faculty secure a coaching practicum/externship opportunity.

Allied Health Option Students who have successfully completed the pre-requisite course are eligible for HPEX 371 Coaching Practicum or HPEX 472 Externship as elective credit.

Pre-Athletic Training Specialization

Retention in Exercise Science Major Allied Health Option – Pre-Athletic Training Specialization

  • Students must enroll in the Exercise Science Allied Health Option coursework
  • Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2
  • Students must earn a B or better in Exercise Science Allied, Major Core and Major Option Coursework.
  • Students must earn a B or better in the following elective courses: ISPSYC 101 General Psychology, INPHYS 141 College Physics I, other courses that may be added per CAATE accreditation updates for professional programs and other post-graduate programs to which students may be interested in applying.

Students will need to complete a graduate school application to PSU prior to the completion of the third year. After successful completion of the fourth year at Plymouth State University in the MS in Athletic Training, students will earn a BS degree in Exercise Science from KSC and are eligible to walk at commencement at KSC.

Pre-Athletic Training Specialization Requirements

Students must complete Allied Requirements, the first five courses in the Core requirements, and at least HP 340 of the option requirements. Qualified students will be given special consideration for early admission into the Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training for their 4th and 5th year of study at Plymouth State University at the end of the 3rd year of study in Exercise Science - Allied Health Option at Keene State College if the student has earned:

  • 40 credits of Integrative Studies²
  • 90 credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree at Keene State College²
  • Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.2
  • Prerequisite courses, with required grade minimums²

² Coursework and requirements will overlap and does not equate to an increased academic load in three years.

Human Performance Option

16 credits

HP 210 Principles of Coaching
MGT 101 Intro to Management

Select two of the following courses:

  • MGT 307 Sport Management
  • IIHP 310 The Psycho-Social Aspects of Sport
  • PH 330 Resiliency for Well-Being
  • HPEX 371 Coaching Practicum or HPEX 472 Externship

HPEX 371 or HPEX 472: Pre-requisites for these courses include HPEX 372 Practicum: Exercise Leadership and are equivalent off campus experiences but are not required to graduate.

Students should request through their advisor a desire to enroll in Coaching Practicum or Externship to ensure HPEX faculty secure a coaching practicum/externship opportunity.

Electives

Students must select courses to reach a minimum total of 120 credits for the degree.

Students interested in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy will be advised to take open elective courses that fulfill graduate school prerequisites.

Degree Requirements

120 credits
40 credits at upper-level