The Exercise Science curriculum has been designed to address student needs and current market demands. Through practical experiences in laboratory settings using state of the art equipment such as the Biodex S4, students are exposed to real life rehabilitation experiences as well as researching functional abilities and performance aspects of collegiate athletes. Additional classroom and lab experiences allow students to conduct 3-D motion analysis, measure muscle activity using wireless EMG technology, and analyze gait patterns using the GaitRite System, as well as conducting assessments to determine maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 Max), body composition, and anaerobic power.
Students completing the Exercise Science Concentration will be qualified for several different graduate school programs and a variety of careers including fitness and health promotion, exercise testing, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehab, etc. This major can also lead to acceptance into medical, dental, physical or occupational therapy and other graduate or professional schools.
In addition to a strong background in recreation theory, experiential education, outdoor leadership, risk management and program planning, graduates of this program leave with a proficiency in a variety of both land and water-based skill acquisition courses, such as avalanche awareness, whitewater kayaking and backpacking. More than preparation for a career in the outdoor field, the major in Outdoor Recreation Management grooms students for a lifetime of outdoor participation and leadership.
Careers: Students completing the Outdoor Recreation Management emphasis are prepared for positions in all areas of the outdoor industry, including public and commercial recreation, wilderness therapy programs, guide services, state parks, federal land management agencies, and the Forestry Service.
Students who complete an Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science and have received the basic knowledge necessary to continue their education in a Bachelor’s Program or pursue employment in the Fitness industry.
Careers: An Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation prepares students to pursue employment in the Fitness industry. Possible positions might include personal trainers, group fitness instructors, fitness coordinators, sport coaches or other entry level positions in a fitness, recreational or clinical setting.
In the Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation Minor students complete courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Sport Medicine, Exercise Testing and Prescription, and Exercise Physiology. The program is designed to prepare students for employment at the entry level in health and fitness related occupations as well as for higher education.
Careers: Students who complete a Minor in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation have received the basic knowledge necessary to continue their education in a Bachelor’s Program or pursue employment in the Fitness industry. Possible positions might include personal trainers, group fitness instructors, fitness coordinators, sport coaches or other entry level positions in a recreational or clinical setting.
Students pursuing a minor in Outdoor Recreation complete foundation courses such as Backpacking, Foundations of Recreation, Principles of Experiential Education, Program Planning, and Risk Management as well as a wilderness based activity course and 6 credits of Upper Division Recreation Electives.
Careers: Students who complete a minor in Outdoor Recreation have received the basic knowledge necessary to add an Outdoor Recreation component to their major area of study. The Minor in Outdoor Recreation will extend students’ skills and knowledge and prepare them for employment in government entities, municipal recreation, youth agencies, as well as private business in the outdoor recreation industry.
