Barry Parker, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Gregory Hall, Room 211, (540) 545-7319, bparker2@su.edu

Exercise Science (EXSC) provides students with a strong scientific and practical understanding of the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and exercise on the human body. Students learn to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise, physical fitness, and/or sports performance programs for healthy and managed disease state individuals, and athletic populations. Students learn to evaluate health and performance status, conduct fitness and conditioning assessments, write exercise/training prescriptions, and motivate individuals to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors or pursue peak performance.

The Exercise Science program prepares students for careers in health, fitness, and/or competitive athletic performance programs that service a wide audience, including individuals in corporate, community, university, or private settings. Students engage in experiential learning by working under a credentialed, practicing professional in their area of interest. The program can lead to certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. Exercise Science is an attractive option for pre-health profession studies for physical or occupational therapy and athletic training.

Qualified EXSC students may enter matriculation agreements with graduate health professions programs including Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Public Health, through high school pre-admittance into an Early Assurance Pathway program. Students will complete a minimum of 90 undergraduate hours prior to entering the graduate program/s, satisfy the EXSC major (this may include internship course requirements to be completed after entering graduate program/s), fulfill requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences (GE, language and minor), and achieve graduate program prerequisites. Upon completion of the first year of the graduate program, students will be eligible for the bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

A grade of C- or better is required of each course counted toward the major.