Exercise Science (AS)
Award: Associate of Science
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Associate Professor Cindy Kelley at 443-412-2225 or ckelley@harford.edu, or Admissions at 443-412-2109.
Program Description
The Exercise Science Associate Degree program prepares students with the knowledge and experience required to complete any National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) certification. Graduates may enter the work force directly, choosing from a wide variety of careers that include personal trainer, group exercise leaders, health club professionals, community health leaders, and more. This degree program prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution in an exercise science or kinesiology program for careers in exercise science, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, or athletic training.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the Exercise Science, A.S. degree program the student will:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of exercise science.
- Demonstrate entry level knowledge and skills necessary for safe and appropriate health screenings and assessment.
- Design and implement effective exercise prescriptions for various populations.
- Demonstrate standards of professional practices.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to take a national industry leading certification exam (ACSM, ACE, NSCA, NASM).
Transfer Information
The Exercise Science program offers many opportunities for transfer. Students should be aware that each transfer institution has unique curricular requirements. Students interested in transferring to a four-year institution should seek advisement and consult the catalog of the college or university to which they plan to transfer to determine appropriate electives and discipline specific courses which transfer toward a major. Students must still meet department requirements at the transfer institution.
Diversity Requirement
To satisfy the diversity requirement: Associate degree students must complete one 3-credit diversity course (D). It is recommended that students select one of the 3-credit (GB), (GAH), (GI) course electives from those that also appear on the approved list of diversity course graduation requirements.
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC 101 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| EXSC 102 | Foundations of Resistance Training | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| CMST 210 | Group Communication and Leadership (GAH) | 3 |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIO 119 or BIO 120 | Biology for Health Professionals (GL) or General Biology I (GL) | 4 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I (GL) | 4 |
| HLTH 101 | Contemporary Health Issues (GI) | 3 |
| EXSC 201 | Fitness Assessment & Program Design | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| BIO 203 | Anatomy and Physiology I (GL) | 4 |
| EXSC 202 | Fitness Instruction | 3 |
| MATH 216 | Introduction to Statistics (GM) | 4 |
| PE 229 | Advanced Weight Training | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| EXSC 283 | Exercise Science Internship | 3 |
| HLTH 102 or EXSC 203 | EMC, First Aid, and Safety 2 or Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| BIO 204 | Anatomy and Physiology II (GL) | 4 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology (GB) | 3 |
| General Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Recommended electives are BA 101 Introduction to Business (GI), HLTH 106 Nutrition for Personal Wellness (GI), and HLTH 202 Health Behavior. BA 101 and HLTH 106 are courses recommended if transferring to Frostburg State University. Students should be advised to select a course that satisfies their transfer institution's program requirement.
- 2
HLTH 102 is recommended if transferring to Towson State University or Frostburg State University. EXSC 203 is recommended if transferring to Salisbury University.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)