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Exercise Science (EXSC)
Associate Professor: Broussard (Co-coordinator)
Assistant Professor: O’Donnell (Co-coordinator)
- Courses Required for the Major: 13 (B.A.), 16 (B.S.)
- Capstone Requirement: EXSC 401
- Minor: Exercise Science
A major in Exercise Science provides students with a foundation in the scientific principles of human movement, physical activity, and health. This interdisciplinary major requires coursework in biology, chemistry, exercise science, and electives related to health, nutrition, exercise, and sports performance. This major is designed for students interested in health, fitness, training, and human performance. It prepares students for a variety of professions and for entry into advanced exercise-related disciplines, including physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, and wellness coaching. It also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing graduate or professional training in healthcare or health-related professions.
Students may not double major in any combination of Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Cell and Molecular Biology.
Students following catalog year 2025-26 and prior may not double major in any combination of Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Cell and Molecular Biology with Biology: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology, or Biology: Comprehensive.
Major Requirements
The B.A. Degree
Core courses:
BIO 110 Introduction to Biology I
BIO 111 Introduction to Biology II
BIO 115 Medical Terminology (2 credits)
BIO 116 First Aid/CPR (2 credits)
BIO 230 Nutrition
BIO 323 Human Physiology
BIO 338 Human Anatomy
CHEM 122/123 General Chemistry I
EXSC 110 Introduction to Exercise Science
EXSC 301 Exercise Physiology
EXSC 401 Exercise Science Capstone
One course from:
PHYS 105 Physics Phor Everyone
PHYS 225 Fundamentals of Physics I (recommended)
Two courses from:
ANTH 101 Ancient Bodies Modern Lives
ANTH 310 Food and Culture
BIO 108 Public Health
BIO 343 Comparative Biomechanics
NEURO 210 Introduction to Neuroscience I
NEURO 211 Introduction to Neuroscience II
PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 223 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology
SMGT 110 Introduction to Sport Management
SOC 310 Medical Sociology
Capstone Requirement
All majors must successfully complete EXSC 401.
The B.S. Degree
Students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in medicine (M.D., D.O., or P.A.), physical or occupational therapy, nursing, chiropractic practice, or graduate training in Exercise Science should consider the B.S. degree.
Core courses
BIO 110 Introduction to Biology I
BIO 111 Introduction to Biology II
BIO 115 Medical Terminology (2 credits)
BIO 116 First Aid/CPR (2 credits)
BIO 230 Nutrition
BIO 323 Human Physiology
BIO 338 Human Anatomy
CHEM 122/123 General Chemistry I
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II
EXSC 110 Introduction to Exercise Science
EXSC 301 Exercise Physiology
EXSC 401 Exercise Science Capstone
MATH 128 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I
PHYS 225 Fundamentals of Physics I
One course from:
CHEM 219 Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 222/223 Organic Chemistry I
Two courses from:
ANTH 101 Ancient Bodies Modern Lives
ANTH 310 Food and Culture
BIO 108 Public Health
BIO 343 Comparative Biomechanics
BIOCH 444 Biochemistry I
CHEM 224/225 Organic Chemistry II
NEURO 210 Introduction to Neuroscience I
NEURO 211 Introduction to Neuroscience II
PHYS 226 Fundamentals of Physics II
PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 223 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology
SMGT 110 Introduction to Sport Management
SOC 310 Medical Sociology
Capstone Requirement
All majors must successfully complete EXSC 401.
Minor Requirements
A minor in Exercise Science consists of BIO 107 or 111 (BIO 111 recommended) and 230; EXSC 110 and 301; and one course from BIO 343, PSY 223, or SOC 310.
110
INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE SCIENCE
An introduction to the field of exercise science with a focus on how physical activity, exercise, and human movement affect health, performance, and quality of life. This course examines concepts in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition as these topics relate to exercise, health, and sports performance. Throughout this course, students explore the field and career options available to this discipline.
301
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Explores the adaptations of the human body and physiological responses associated with physical activity and exercise. The major body systems, including the neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine, are examined regarding their roles in physical activity. This advanced course has lecture and laboratory components focusing on testing and assessing physiological responses to exercise. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: EXSC 110, and BIO 107 or 111 (BIO 111 recommended).
401
EXERCISE SCIENCE CAPSTONE
Focuses on research methods and approaches used in exercise science. Students choose appropriate topics and complete a research project or practical experience under the guidance of faculty members. Prerequisite: EXSC 301.