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Exercise Science - B.S.

The Exercise Science B.S. program focuses on the scientific study of human movement and exercise, preparing students for careers in fields such as sports performance, rehabilitation, fitness and health promotion. You'll learn from experienced faculty members and gain hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities and our state-of-the-art exercise science lab.

Contact: Adam Jajtner, ajajtner@kent.edu

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Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science

Kent State University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science provides a comprehensive education in exercise science studies. This program prepares students for various careers, including roles in exercise science and related fields.

Program Information for Exercise Science - B.S.

Program Description
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Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science comprises four concentrations:

  • The Exercise Physiology concentration prepares students for graduate school in exercise physiology or health care professions.
  • The Exercise Specialist concentration enables students to prepare for work in the clinical setting, ranging from a career in wellness to cardiac rehabilitation.
  • The Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine concentration prepares students for subsequent graduate school in these areas. The pre-podiatric medicine track is designed to be a combined program with Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine. Successful completion of this program, however does not guarantee acceptance into the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. Please see the Podiatric Medicine doctoral program in the catalog for more information about the application process and acceptance criteria.
  • The Strength and Conditioning concentration is designed to assist those that wish to pursue a career in the field of strength and conditioning. This may include working with all levels of athletes in a strength and conditioning facility.

The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains. Individual course content, objectives, and assessments are structured to achieve this larger goal.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Exercise Science - B.S.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.

Current Kent State and Transfer Students: Active Kent State students who wish to change their major must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA to be admitted. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Explain the physiology of human movement.
  2. Outline the anatomy and physiology of exercise.
  3. Identify the pathophysiology of chronic diseases and risk factors.
  4. Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to assess, motivate and prescribe exercise for healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of scientific and theoretical concepts of physiology critical to acting as an Exercise Scientist [Knowledge].
  6. Demonstrate practical skills including the ability to conduct a comprehensive fitness assessment [Assessment Skills].
  7. Pass a National Certification (either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) or the National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS)) [Foundational Knowledge of the Field].
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ATTR 15003CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2
or EXSC 15003 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or IHS 15003 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
ATTR/EXSC 25057HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 14
ATTR/EXSC 25058HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 14
ATTR/EXSC 35054BIOMECHANICS 3
EXSC 35080PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE 4
EXSC 35068STATISTICS FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENTIST 23
EXSC 45065EXERCISE TESTING 33
or EXSC 45070 ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
EXSC 45081ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (WIC) 43
EXSC 45481SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 1
GERO 14029INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
NUTR 23511SCIENCE OF HUMAN NUTRITION (KBS) 3
NURS 20950HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS 3
or PESP 25033 LIFESPAN MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
PH 30015UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 3
or SPAD 35025 FACILITY MANAGEMENT
SEPP 20026PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
CHEM 10060GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10061GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
CHEM 10063GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 11762GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Concentrations
Choose from the following:49
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Specialist
Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine
Strength and Conditioning Concentration
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Students who have successfully completed BSCI 11010/BSCI 11020 or BSCI 21010/BSCI 21020 may use those courses in place of ATTR 25057/ATTR 25058 and EXSC 25057/EXSC 25058.

2

Students who have successfully completed MATH 12022 or PSYC 21621 may use those courses in place of EXSC 35068.

3

EXSC 45065 is strongly recommended for students in the Strength and Conditioning concentration. Students in the Exercise Specialist concentration are required to take both courses; one will fulfill major requirements and the other will fulfill concentration requirements.

4

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill writing-intensive requirement.

Exercise Physiology Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ATTR 25036RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
CHEM 20481BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I 4
or CHEM 30481 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
EXSC 35040PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45022EXERCISE LEADERSHIP 12
or EXSC 45023 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION
EXSC 45096INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (ELR) 23
NUTR 33512INTERMEDIATE NUTRITION SCIENCE 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
MATH 11009MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR) 3-4
or MATH 11010 ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours) 328
Minimum Total Credit Hours:49
1

For Exercise Leadership, the final exam is the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification. This certification requires that you be in your last semester of your senior year.  For Professional Certification Preparation, the final exam is the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This certification requires that you are in the last year of the program.

2

This course can be taken 1-6 credits. It is repeatable up to 6 credits (45 contact hours per credit).

3

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with faculty advisor when selecting electives.

Exercise Specialist Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ATTR 25036RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
ATTR 45040PATHOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR ALLIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS 3
or EXSC 34000 EXERCISE SCIENCE FOR ESPORTS
EXSC 35040PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 35075EXERCISE PROGRAMMING 3
EXSC 40612EXERCISE LEADERSHIP FOR THE OLDER ADULT 3
EXSC 45022EXERCISE LEADERSHIP 12
or EXSC 45023 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION
EXSC 45040ADVANCED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45065EXERCISE TESTING 23
or EXSC 45070 ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
EXSC 45492INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR) 33
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
MATH 11009MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR) 3-4
or MATH 11010 ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours) 420
Minimum Total Credit Hours:49
1

For Exercise Leadership, the final exam is the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification. This certification requires that you be in your last semester of your senior year.  For Professional Certification Preparation, the final exam is the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This certification requires that you are in the last year of the program.

2

EXSC 45065 and EXSC 45070 are both required for students in the Exercise Specialist concentration; one fulfills major requirements and the other fulfills concentration requirements.

3

State or Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences.  This course can be taken for 1-8 credits and is repeatable up to 8 credits (45 contact hours per credit).

4

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with faculty advisor when selecting electives.

Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
EXSC 43098RESEARCH IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (ELR) 23
or EXSC 45492 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR)
HED 14020MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 3
NUTR 33512INTERMEDIATE NUTRITION SCIENCE 3
PHY 13001GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS) 4
PHY 13002GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II (KBS) 4
PHY 13021GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PHY 13022GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 40111PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 3
Chemistry Elective, choose from the following (depending on career goals):4-8
CHEM 20481
BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
CHEM 30481
& CHEM 30482
& CHEM 30475
& CHEM 30476
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
MATH 11010ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR) 3
MATH 11022TRIGONOMETRY (KMCR) 3
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours) 49
Minimum Total Credit Hours:49
1

This course can be taken for 1-3 credits and is repeatable up to 12 credits (45 contact hours per credit).

2

State or Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences.  This course can be taken for 1-8 credits and is repeatable up to 8 credits (45 contact hours per credit).

3

Organic Chemistry series recommended for those students planning to apply to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.

4

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with faculty advisor when selecting electives. Maximum 9 credit hours from the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree can be used to fulfill general electives for students admitted to the combined bachelor's/doctoral degree program.

Strength and Conditioning Concentration Requirements

ATTR 25036RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
EXSC 35075EXERCISE PROGRAMMING 3
EXSC 35040PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45023PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION 12
EXSC 45040ADVANCED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45492INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR) 6
NUTR 23520SPORTS NUTRITION 3
SEPP 40020HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES IN SPORT 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
MATH 11009MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR) 3-4
or MATH 11010 ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours) 320
Minimum Total Credit Hours:49
1

The final exam is the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. This certification requires that you are in the last year of the program.

2

State or Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences. This course can be taken for 1-8 credits and is repeatable up to 8 credits (45 contact hours per credit).

3

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with faculty advisor when selecting electives.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.250 2.000
  • Admission into physical therapy or occupational therapy graduate programs is competitive by GPA.
Roadmaps
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Roadmaps

Exercise Physiology Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ATTR 15003
or EXSC 15003
or IHS 15003
 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
2
MATH 11009
or MATH 11010
 MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR)
or ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
3-4
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
ATTR 25057
or EXSC 25057
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
4
EXSC 45481 SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 1
CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
NUTR 23511 SCIENCE OF HUMAN NUTRITION (KBS) 3
NURS 20950
or PESP 25033
 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
or LIFESPAN MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
ATTR 25058
or EXSC 25058
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
4
EXSC 35068 STATISTICS FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENTIST 3
GERO 14029 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
SEPP 20026 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
ATTR 25036 RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
ATTR 35054
or EXSC 35054
 BIOMECHANICS
or BIOMECHANICS
3
CHEM 20481
or CHEM 30481
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
4
EXSC 35040 PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
EXSC 35080 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE 4
EXSC 45065
or EXSC 45070
 EXERCISE TESTING
or ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
3
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours16
Semester Seven
EXSC 45081 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (WIC) 3
NUTR 33512 INTERMEDIATE NUTRITION SCIENCE 3
PH 30015
or SPAD 35025
 UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
or FACILITY MANAGEMENT
3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
EXSC 45022
or EXSC 45023
 EXERCISE LEADERSHIP
or PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION
2
EXSC 45096 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (ELR) 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
 

Exercise Specialist Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ATTR 15003
or EXSC 15003
or IHS 15003
 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
2
MATH 11009
or MATH 11010
 MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR)
or ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
3-4
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
ATTR 25057
or EXSC 25057
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
4
CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
NURS 20950
or PESP 25033
 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
or LIFESPAN MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
3
SEPP 20026 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
ATTR 25058
or EXSC 25058
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
4
EXSC 35068 STATISTICS FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENTIST 3
GERO 14029 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
NUTR 23511 SCIENCE OF HUMAN NUTRITION (KBS) 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
ATTR 25036 RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
ATTR 35054
or EXSC 35054
 BIOMECHANICS
or BIOMECHANICS
3
EXSC 35040 PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
EXSC 35080 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE 4
EXSC 45065 EXERCISE TESTING 3
EXSC 45070 ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST 3
EXSC 45481 SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 1
PH 30015
or SPAD 35025
 UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
or FACILITY MANAGEMENT
3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Seven
ATTR 45040
or EXSC 34000
 PATHOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR ALLIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
or EXERCISE SCIENCE FOR ESPORTS
3
EXSC 35075 EXERCISE PROGRAMMING 3
EXSC 45081 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (WIC) 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours16
Semester Eight
EXSC 40612 EXERCISE LEADERSHIP FOR THE OLDER ADULT 3
EXSC 45022
or EXSC 45023
 EXERCISE LEADERSHIP
or PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION
2
EXSC 45040 ADVANCED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45492 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR) 3
General Electives 4
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
 

Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ATTR 15003
or EXSC 15003
or IHS 15003
 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
2
BSCI 10120 BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
MATH 11010 ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
MATH 11022 TRIGONOMETRY (KMCR) 3
SEPP 20026 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
ATTR 25057
or EXSC 25057
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
4
HED 14020 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 3
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Chemistry Elective 4
 Credit Hours14
Semester Four
ATTR 25058
or EXSC 25058
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
4
GERO 14029 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
General Electives (may be used to fulfill Organic Chemistry series) 6
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
ATTR 35054
or EXSC 35054
 BIOMECHANICS
or BIOMECHANICS
3
EXSC 35068 STATISTICS FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENTIST 3
EXSC 45481 SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 1
NUTR 23511 SCIENCE OF HUMAN NUTRITION (KBS) 3
PHY 13001 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS) 4
PHY 13021 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB) 1
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
EXSC 35080 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE 4
NUTR 33512 INTERMEDIATE NUTRITION SCIENCE 3
PHY 13002 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II (KBS) 4
PHY 13022 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (KBS) (KLAB) 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Seven
EXSC 45081 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (WIC) 3
NURS 20950
or PESP 25033
 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
or LIFESPAN MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
3
PH 30015
or SPAD 35025
 UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
or FACILITY MANAGEMENT
3
PSYC 40111 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
EXSC 43098
or EXSC 45492
 RESEARCH IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (ELR)
or INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR)
3
EXSC 45065
or EXSC 45070
 EXERCISE TESTING
or ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Electives 3
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Strength and Conditioning Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ATTR 15003
or EXSC 15003
or IHS 15003
 CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
or CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
2
MATH 11009
or MATH 11010
 MODELING ALGEBRA (KMCR)
or ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
3-4
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
ATTR 25057
or EXSC 25057
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB)
4
CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
NURS 20950
or PESP 25033
 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
or LIFESPAN MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
3
SEPP 20026 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
ATTR 25058
or EXSC 25058
 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB)
4
EXSC 35068 STATISTICS FOR THE EXERCISE SCIENTIST 3
GERO 14029 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
NUTR 23511 SCIENCE OF HUMAN NUTRITION (KBS) 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
ATTR 25036 RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES 3
ATTR 35054 BIOMECHANICS 3
EXSC 35040 PRACTICAL AND APPLIED CONCEPTS OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 35080 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE 4
NUTR 23520 SPORTS NUTRITION 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
EXSC 45065
or EXSC 45070
 EXERCISE TESTING
or ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
3
EXSC 45481 SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 1
PH 30015
or SPAD 35025
 UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
or FACILITY MANAGEMENT
3
General Elective 9
 Credit Hours16
Semester Seven
EXSC 35075 EXERCISE PROGRAMMING 3
EXSC 45040 ADVANCED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 3
EXSC 45081 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (WIC) 3
EXSC 45492 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR) 3
SEPP 40020 HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES IN SPORT 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
EXSC 45023 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PREPARATION 2
EXSC 45492 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION (ELR) 3
General Elective 8
 Credit Hours13
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
 
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Locations:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Exercise Science - B.S.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences

National Strength and Conditioning Education Recognition Program

Combined Bachelor's/Master's program

This unique, fast-track program allows exceptionally well-prepared students to complete a 150-unique-hours policy, allowing a maximum of 9 credit hours of graduate coursework to double count in a combined degree program.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Exercise Science - B.S.

Graduates of Kent State University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science are prepared for various careers in the exercise science industry, including roles in management, consulting, and specialized fields.

Exercise physiologists

11.3%

much faster than the average

19,800

number of jobs

$50,280

potential earnings

Physical therapists

18.2%

much faster than the average

258,200

number of jobs

$91,010

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Exercise specialist
Careers Requiring Additional Education
  • Pre-Physical/Occupational
  • Therapy/Podiatric Medicine
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Physical therapist
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) Student Outcome Data

Based on our 2023-24 report to The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) our retention rate was 78%. We had 103 undergraduate students admitted, with 80 of them graduating. 

Student Outcome Data

Table 1: Culminating Experiences

YearTotal # StudentsTotal # Students Who PassedPass Rate
2023-20248080100%
2022-20235151100%
2021-20225858100%
2020-20213939100%
2019-20201818100%

Table 1: Number of culminating experiences. The culminating experience may be met by an internship, mentorship or research project. 

Table 2: ACSM-Exercise Physiologist Certification

YearCertification NameTotal # StudentsTotal # Students Who Passed
2023-2024ACSM EP-C16100%
2022-2023ACSM EP-C1568%
2021-2022ACSM EP-C1071%
2020-2021ACSM EP-C10%
2019-2020ACSM EP-C360%

Table 2. ACSM-Exercise Physiologist Certified (EP-C) Examination Pass Rate

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