Program Description
CMU’s exercise science-health fitness major is about training yourself to train others. Your courses will combine nutrition and health sciences to prepare you for a career as a health fitness professional, personal trainer, or strength and conditioning coach.
Put Your Degree to Work
Exercise science-health fitness graduates often work in corporate wellness, public health and health promotion.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2022 |
|---|
| Fitness trainer/instructor | $31,720 per year | 13% (33,500 more jobs) |
| Community health educator | $41,830 per year | 21% (21,400 more jobs) |
| Athletic trainer | $42,690 per year | 19% (5,400 more jobs) |
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Exercise Science Major: Health Fitness Option
The Health Fitness option is for students intending to pursue a career as a health fitness professional, personal trainer, or strength and conditioning coach.
Note: Students pursuing this option cannot declare the Health Fitness Minor.
Total: 53-58 semester hours
Core Courses I
(17 hours)
HSC 190
Introduction to Exercise Science
1
Introduction to the field of exercise science, including elements from the basic and clinical sciences and other allied health professions that integrate with exercise science.
HSC 205
Responding to Emergencies
2
Includes CPR and first aid care. American Red Cross certification for first aid and CPR can be earned.
A comprehensive course in the structure of the human body organized by systems. Laboratory work includes identification of fundamental anatomical structures on models and cadavers. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or 12 credit hours completed with one course in BIO or CHM or PHY.
HSC 215
Human Physiology
4
A comprehensive course that studies the function of the organ systems of the human body. Laboratory work in fundamental physiological principles is included. Pre/Co-Requisite: HSC 214.
HSC 216
Biomechanics and Kinesiology
3
The study of functional aspects of human movement, including basic biomechanics and structural kinesiology. Prerequisites: HSC 214, HSC 215.
HSC 308
Physiology of Sport and Exercise
3
Lectures on basic principles of physiology of exercise. The basics of exercise, performance conditioning, and the human organism response to these conditions. Prerequisites: HSC 211; or HSC 214, 215.
Core Courses II
(5-8 hours)
Select one of the following options:
CR2A-EXSCI
Option A
(8 hours)
CR2B-EXSCI
Option B
(5 hours)
Required Courses
(21 hours)
HSC 219
Exercise Conditioning for Health Fitness Professionals
2
Students will learn to assess and perform various exercises utilized in personal training and strength and conditioning, and achieve a standard of fitness competence themselves. Prerequisites: HSC 214, 215.
HSC 420
Fitness and Performance Assessment
3
Practical course on testing fitness and performance including tests of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Prerequisites: HSC 308; signed exercise science major.
HSC 421
Training for Fitness and Performance
3
Practical course to instruct students in leading safe and effective exercise programs in a variety of environments for athletes to sedentary individuals. Prerequisites: HSC 219, 420; signed Exercise Science major: Health Fitness option or Health Fitness minor.
HSC 423
Practicum in Personal Training
2
This course is designed for students to obtain experience developing and conducting safe and effective exercise testing and training programs with clients one-on-one. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: HSC 421.
HSC 425
Health Fitness Program Administration/Management
3
This course will prepare students to work in health fitness settings organizing, administering and supervising programs for apparently healthy individuals or those with controlled risks. Prerequisites: HSC 420, HSC 421.
HSC 576
Exercise Science Fitness Internship
8
Application of knowledge and skills in an approved, supervised fitness internship; minimum of 480 hours required. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: Undergraduate students must have completed all courses in the Exercise Science Major: Health Fitness Option. Graduate students must have completed HSC 219, 420, 421, 423, 425 with grades of C or higher.
Other Requirements
(0 hours)
Capstone Exit Exam and/or Survey
This requirement would involve, depending on the student's option, completing an internship, taking a capstone course, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.
Electives
(10-12 hours)
Select from the following:
ENT 221
Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs
3
General marketing principles applied to the entrepreneurial venture including daily activities, long-term branding/position strategy, inexpensive ways to conduct research, and utilizing networks to identify/reach customers. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: ENT 101, ENT 201.
Principles of normal nutrition as related to the health of all age groups. This course may be offered in an online format. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
FNS 375
Nutrition and Performance
3
Focus is upon sports nutrition for athletes and individuals in recreation. Analysis of the interaction among energy expenditure, fuel needs and utilization, and all nutrients. Prerequisites: FNS 370.
HSC 424
Practicum in Health Fitness
2
Practical experience with health/fitness appraisal, exercise prescription, fitness leadership and other staff functions in various campus and community fitness facilities. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: HSC 205; 219 or 220; 308.
HSC 503
Health Implications of Obesity
3
Obesity will be studied with special emphasis on prevalence and etiology. Modes of prevention and treatment including diet and exercise will also be discussed. Prerequisites: 56 hours completed or graduate standing.
HSC 505
Work Injury Prevention
3
The study of the etiology, epidemiology, treatment, assessment, and prevention of work-related neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or 214 or graduate standing.
HSC 547
Health Risk Identification and Management
3
Examine cardiovascular and chronic disease risk factors and management of those risk factors with emphasis on current clinical guidelines and lifestyle interventions (e.g., physical activity/exercise). Prerequisites: 56 credit hours completed or graduate standing.
PES 338
Teaching Group Fitness
2
Presents the basic methods used in teaching current group fitness techniques. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or HSC 214, 215; One of: PED 186, PES 186, HSC 106.
PES 485
Theoretical Foundations of Strength and Conditioning
3
Theory and application of physiological, biomechanical, psychological components of physical performance needed to analyze, develop and implement strength and conditioning programs. NSCA standards and guidelines. Prerequisite: One of: HSC 211 or HSC 214, 215.