The Saint Xavier University Exercise Science program is an interdisciplinary effort including contributions from SXU's Biology, Psychology, and Physical Education programs, among others contributing elective courses (e.g. Communications, Sociology, English).
The Exercise Science program coursework focuses on the scientific study and understanding of the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological effect on the human body. Program instruction is comprised of coursework featuring muscular and skeletal anatomy; biomechanics; fuel utilization; muscle and body training; physiology of specific exercises and activities; physiology of injury; and the effects of disabilities and disease; as well as psychological and social issues surrounding professions related to the program. The curriculum concludes with a career-oriented internship and capstone in Exercise Science and is a critical component of the program.
Program of Study
PSYCH 101 is a prerequisite for all psychology courses in the program.
A 'C' or better in MATH 135: Introduction to Statistics is specifically required prior to taking PSYCH 300: Statistics/Social Sciences. Students who do not place into I00-level mathematics should seek to complete any required remedial mathematics coursework as soon as possible.
A 'C' or better in PSYCH 300 is required. A 'C' or better in BIOL 202 is required prior to taking BIOL 203.
Registration in BIOL 202 and BIOL 203 requires concurrent registration in the lab components of these courses (BIOL 202/203).
Students in the College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business must complete all science courses at SXU.
Additional course prerequisites are noted in the curriculum.
Graduation with a B.S. in Exercise Science requires a grade of 'C' or better in every course required for the major.
Note: Students may be required to submit to a background check, health requirements, and urine drug screening as required for the final capstone course.
Requirements
Students who major in Exercise Science must take the following courses, for a total of 56 credit hours. Students should consult with the coordinator when planning their Exercise Science major.
Students must complete all the following courses from the program's two cores:
Biology Core
- BIOL 202: Human Anatomy
- BIOL 203: Human Physiology
Behavioral Kinesthetics Core
- EXSC 112: Health and Fitness
- EXSC 120: First Aid and Athletic Injuries
- PE 124: Health and Nutrition Across the Lifespan OR EXSC 203: Nutrition for Sport
- EXSC 130: Intro to Exercise Science
- EXSC 200: Anatomy and Physiology I AND EXSCL 200 (lab)
- EXSC 201: Anatomy and Physiology II AND EXSCL 201 (lab)
- EXSC 210: Motor Behavior
- EXSC 275: Exercise Physiology for Sport AND EXSCL 275 (lab)
- EXSC 295: Research Methods
- EXSC 319: Biomechanics
- EXSC 327: Measures and Evaluation
- EXSC 335: Sport Psychology
- EXSC 366: Strength and Conditioning Theory
- EXSC 380: Exercise Science Field Experience
- EXSC 385: Program and Design for Sport
- EXSC 390: Exercise Science Senior Seminar
Methods Core
PSYCH 300: Statistics for Social Sciences
Elective Choice
Students must also complete one elective choice from the following list. Please choose one elective.
- COMM 207: Sports Communication
- ENGL 235: Literature and Sports
- PSYCH 303: Human Motivation
- PSYCH 311: Physiological Psychology
- PSYCH 341: Health Psychology
- SOC 140: Sociology of Sports
- EXSC 300: Special Topics - Scientific Writing for Allied Health
The College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business reserves the right to amend policies, procedures and other program information as necessary. All changes will be communicated promptly.