Program Description
CMU’s exercise science kinesiology major gives you a strong background if you’re looking to pursue a graduate degree in fields such as occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy or chiropractic studies. You’ll experience a combination of biology, exercise science and chemistry studies.
Put Your Degree to Work
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2022 |
|---|
| Occupational therapist | $75,400 per year | 29% (32,800 more jobs) |
| Physical therapist | $79,860 per year | 36% (73,500 more jobs) |
| Physician assistant | $90,930 per year | 38% (33,300 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: Kinesiology Option
The Kinesiology option is a broad-based exercise science option for students interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, physician assistant medical and health sciences, occupational therapy, chiropractic, or other allied health field.
Please note that many graduate and professional programs require prerequisite courses in addition to those included in this option. It is the responsibility of the student to determine which prerequisite courses are required for their program of interest.
Total: 52-56 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
(8-9 hours)
Select one of the following options:
CR2A-EXSCI:K
Option A
(8 hours)
CR2B-EXSCI:K
Option B
(9 hours)
Required Courses
(9 hours)
HSC 220
Health-related Components of Fitness
3
Theory and practice related to exercise testing and administration for the health-related components of fitness. Practical experience in fitness evaluation, exercise technique and program design. Prerequisites: HSC 214, 215.
HSC 411
Pathophysiology
3
Study of body’s physiological responses to disease states. Emphasis is placed on the interactions among body systems and deviations from homeostasis. Prerequisite: HSC 211 or HSC 215 or BIO 392.
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.
Other Requirements I
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
Inheritance in humans, including genetic mechanisms, human populations, medical syndromes, eugenics and genetic counseling. Does not count toward Biology major or the Biology minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
CHM 421
Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences
3
Introductory one-semester Biochemistry course with a focus on the human body. No credit toward Chemistry/Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. Prerequisites: CHM 342 or 346 or 343. Recommended: BIO 151 or HSC 211.
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)
Other Requirements II
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
BIO 500
Biological Statistics
3
Analyze biological data by appropriately selecting, assessing, and interpreting results of statistical tests including chi-squared analyses, t-tests, one-way ANOVA and correlation/regression. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; or BIO 211 and a signed major in Neuroscience or Biochemistry; or graduate standing. Recommended: MTH 130.
This class presents applied statistical concepts, principles and methods in the health services industry. Statistical procedures are applied to health, administrative, and medical data. Prerequisites: STA 282 or PSY 211 or graduate standing.
PSY 211QR
Introduction to Psychological Statistics
3
Basic descriptive and inferential statistics are considered, including measures of central tendency and variability, the normal distribution, the t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and chi-square. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and completion of Mathematics Competency.
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
(12-15 hours)
Select from the following:
The biology of microorganisms: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Does not count toward Biology majors or minors. Prerequisite: one of: BIO 101, 105, 110, 112, 151.
BIO 590
Cardiovascular Physiology
3
Basic principles of normal mammalian cardiovascular physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or graduate standing.
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 201
Medical Terminology
3
A self-study module course for learning anatomical directions, planes, comprehensive clinical vocabulary, words made from word parts, and imaging terms used in health care. Recommended: Successful completion of at least two semesters of coursework at the college level.
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 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 586
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Children
3
Course reviews the major cardiovascular disease risk factors of children. This service learning course requires 45 hours of screening and education of children. Prerequisite: HSC 220.
PES 401
Fundamentals of Motor Learning
3
Components of successful motor performance. Theories of learning, nervous system, methods of practice, teaching methodology, and various psychological concepts related to physical education and athletics.
