Exercise Science (BS)

Affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Education

MISSION OF THE HES DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Health and Exercise Sciences Department is to prepare students of strong academic ability and character to become agents of change for the health and well-being of all people. 

PHILOSOPHY OF THE HES DEPARTMENT

The health and exercise sciences faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a world-class education in a stimulating and supportive environment. This student-centered philosophy is expressed through an emphasis on problem-based learning, practical experience, and scholarly research that promote a rich learning environment greatly enhancing student development.

THE MAJOR

The exercise science discipline combines both applied and research perspectives in the integrated study of human movement. Students utilize this background in human movement as preparation for careers in allied health (e.g., medicine, physical therapy) and applied professions (e.g., sport management, strength and conditioning). Knowledge, skills, and abilities are developed through engaging curricular and co-curricular experiences. Three state-of-the-art laboratories (human cadaver, human performance, biomechanics/movement neuroscience) support the curriculum and provide students unique opportunities for scholarly research and individualized study. Cooperative partnerships with local agencies provide students opportunities for skill development/job experience, and articulation agreements with select graduate programs provide many students special advantages in the graduate admissions process.

The Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science degree is grounded upon a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation, with exercise science course content rooted in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. The curriculum framework is aligned with a rigorous set of internal and external outcomes. Internal outcomes emphasize Truman’s liberal arts and sciences mission while external outcomes reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) certification. The curriculum also features a required summer internship; a value-added, portfolio-based senior capstone; and specializations that provide students opportunities for advanced study in a variety of human movement or allied health professions.

Assessment is a core value of the institution and is a substantive component of the Exercise Science degree program. The HFS certification examination serves as the required senior exit exam and aggregate scores are used to evaluate the efficacy of the curriculum and of individual courses within the required program. First year students complete a “portfolio” assignment that is replicated during their senior capstone experience. This value-added feature assesses student growth over time and provides insight into the degree program’s impact on student learning. 

ADMISSION TO THE EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

For students wishing to transfer to the Exercise Science major, Department Chair approval must be obtained prior to admission.

INTERNAL OUTCOMES FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

1. Develop the ability to assimilate, synthesize, and apply information from multiple sources and disciplines.
2. Appreciate the need to maintain current knowledge in the field and develop the skills necessary to maintain that knowledge.
3. Become critical thinkers, consumers, and practitioners of research and statistical analysis.
4. Analyze and assess human movement and health-related fitness in a variety of developmentally appropriate levels and contexts.
5. Understand and apply the mechanisms underlying behavior change.
6. Acquire skills to plan, implement and evaluate effective exercise- or health-related intervention programs.
7. Acquire specific skills in preparation for professional certification, as detailed by leading professional organizations’ certification requirements.  

EXTERNAL OUTCOMES FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Specialist serve as the external outcomes for the Exercise Science major. To obtain a copy of these outcomes, contact the HES Department Office at 660-785-4456. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

An overall cumulative 2.0 GPA
A 2.0 GPA in all courses completed at Truman
A 2.5 GPA in select major and BS requirements (see major GPA calculation)
40 hours of 300-400-500-level courses
63 hours of liberal arts and sciences coursework
Minimum 120 total hours of undergraduate coursework
Assessment, residency, and all other requirements as outlined in this catalog
Grade of “D” or higher must be achieved in all required support, BS requirements, major and pattern requirements 

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS PROGRAM

PURPOSE

To recognize outstanding students in the major.

ELIGIBILITY

Any Exercise Science major who attains the following will receive Departmental Honors. Students must apply through the Health and Exercise Sciences Department Office during the graduating semester. Applications will be mailed each semester to degree candidates who qualify for the overall GPA requirement.

1. Major GPA of 3.5 or higher
2. Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
3. Complete a research project and present at Truman’s Student Research Conference, a professional conference, or publish a paper (a paper that has been submitted or accepted for publication will qualify)*
4. Obtain a passing score on the ACSM’s HFS.
5. Receive concurrence from majority of health science, exercise science or athletic training faculty.

*Present means the individual was a major contributor to the research project including development of the question, collection and analysis of data, and manuscript/presentation preparation. The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying level of participation. 

EXERCISE SCIENCE SPECIALIZATIONS

To provide students the opportunity to pursue specific academic interests, the exercise science curriculum requires the selection of one, 15-hour specialization.

Pre-medical Sciences: The Pre-medical Sciences specialization is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate study in medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, and related allied health occupations. Required courses in the specialization are CHEM 131 (Chemical Principles II), PHYS 185 (College Physics I), and ES 250 (Practicum in Exercise Science) or ES 370 (Field Experience). Remaining courses are determined by the student in consultation with an academic advisor who has expertise in the student’s area of professional interest. 

Applied/Clinical: The Applied/Clinical specialization is appropriate for students with interests in sport management, biomechanics, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation (clinical exercise physiology), strength and conditioning, and related fields. ES 250 (Practicum in Exercise Science) or ES 370 (Field Experience) is required in the specialization with remaining hours determined by the student in consultation with an academic advisor with expertise in the student’s area of professional interest.

Physical Education/Health: The Physical Education/Health specialization is designed for students who are interested in teaching physical education and health in a K-12 public school system. Students who complete this specialization will fulfill all requirements necessary to apply to the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) which will lead to teacher certification for physical education and health, and eligibility to coach athletics. Students who complete this specialization will develop skills necessary to effectively manage instruction and motivate student achievement in a wide variety of lifetime activities, including fitness, outdoor pursuits, rhythmic activities and sports. Coursework includes teaching strategies for elementary and secondary physical education, and a variety of health education classes. Please see the Teaching Certification section below for more information on the MAE program.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: