Exercise Science (ES) Major
Exercise Science is the scientific study of exercise and sport. As a discipline, exercise science is heavily rooted in the physical and life sciences including chemistry, biology, and physics. The field of exercise science involves the study of physical activity and the impact it has on health, fitness, and athletics.
Exercise science graduates can choose from careers in university research and teaching facilities, sports medicine clinics, hospital and cardiac rehabilitation centers, public health organizations, corporate fitness centers, health and community fitness clubs, personal training, and athletic coaching.
Within the SVSU region, there are many businesses and organizations that offer clinical experiences for our students. These include health clubs, community and corporate fitness programs, and medical/clinical sites such as cardiac rehabilitation centers.
Students are provided with strong field-based instruction in areas of exercise testing, exercise prescription, programming techniques, nutrition, and organization & administration using current technologies with a variety of populations and environments.
The Exercise Science major is designed so that students can meet specific competencies set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), which are the two most recognized institutions promoting health & fitness and athletic conditioning worldwide.
Accreditation
The Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Science (CoAES).
Certifications
Exercise Science graduates are encouraged to sit for the following ACSM certification.
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist®
An ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM-CEP) holds a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in exercise science with 1,200 hours of hands-on experience or a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology and 600 hours of clinical experience. ACSM-CEPs use prescribed exercise and basic health behavior interventions to assist clients with chronic diseases or conditions.
Source: https://www.acsm.org/certification/get-certified/clinical-exercise-physiologist
ACSM Exercise is Medicine® Credential
Exercise professionals who earn the Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) Credential demonstrate their ability to help individuals with common chronic diseases lead healthier, more active lives. They are also more likely to be seen as a trusted referral resource by health care providers.
Source: https://www.acsm.org/certification/specialized
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.
Contact Us
(989) 964-4504(989) 964-4504
(989) 964-4925
Department Chair
David BerryBachand Hall 212dcberry@svsu.edu(989) 964-4504(989)964-4925
Clinical Coordinator
Beth SwierczGilbertson Hall-North 239baswierc@svsu.edu(989) 964-4590
Office
Dean's OfficeBachand Hall
H260