Exercise Science, BS

Curriculum

The Exercise Science major is designed to give students the background and expertise to pursue a career in a health of fitness-related field. The major also prepares students for graduate study in exercise science. This major does not lead to teacher certification. A major in exercise science leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and requires a total of 128 credit hours of coursework:

• BELL core requirements: 53 hours
• Technical requirements: 8 hours
• Major requirements: 36-37 hours
• Minor requirement: 18 hours
• General electives: 21-22 hours (minimum)

See All Program Requirements

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Courses You'll Take

Major Requirements

BIO 2230: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

A study of the cells and tissues as well as the skeletal, muscular, neural, and special sensory systems of the human body. Two hours lecture and 4 hours laboratory per week.

EXS 1010: Foundations of Exercise Science

This course will enable students to discover the variety of topics, fields of study, and community opportunities as it pertains to exercise science, health and physical education, and sport. Students will be involved in assessing career paths through experiential learning.

EXS 2000: Kinesiology

This course will address the structure and function of the human body as it applies to movement, exercise, and sport.

EXS 3120: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Science

This course will introduce the rationale, procedures, and interpretation of health/fitness assessments with particular attention given to practical application appropriate for these assessments.

SPM 2350: Prevention and Treatment of Injury

Designed to help students recognize and control injury risk factors through an introduction to the public health approach to injury prevention. Additionally, it includes skills training for certification in CPR, AED, and first aid to provide immediate and temporary care in the event of an injury or sudden illness. There will be a fee for this course to cover certification cards.

EXS 3010: Exercise Physiology

This course deals with the functional physiological changes in the human body brought about by acute and chronic exercise. Energy systems of exercise, physiological support systems, and methods of physical training are addressed.

NTR 2230: Principles of Nutrition

The study of the nutritive value of foods, the effect of food on the overall health of the individual, and nutritional needs throughout the life span. The course will explore how the body fuels itself, and the effects of diet on performance, health and well-being.

EXS 4210: Exercise Prescription

This course will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for the development and implementation of an exercise prescription according to guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine.

EXS 4500: Internship in Exercise Science

This course is designed to give students practical work experience in an Exercise Science related field. The internship will culminate with a final report summarizing the quality of the experience. Pass/Fail.

EXS 4015: Senior Capstone in Exercise Science

This is a senior level course that will focus on reading and understanding the research pertinent to Exercise Science, preparation for certification exams, job seeking skills and current events in Exercise Science.

STR 4110: Optimizing Human Performance

The purpose of this course is to provide practical knowledge to develop mobility, enhanced movement, posture, and recovery between training sessions, while improving human performance and quality of life.

Exercise Science Elective Courses:

BIO 2240: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

A study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive systems of the human body. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

EXS 3000: Electrocardiography

This course will discuss cardiovascular physiology and the theory and practice of electrocardiogram interpretation as it relates to fitness and clinical programs.

NTR 3440: Nutrition for Physical Activity

Application of nutrition principles to health promotion such as weight management, sports nutrition, eating disorders, and disease prevention. The course includes program development, assessment, and evaluation. An emphasis on methods of teaching, principles of effective communication, and motivation are covered.

Exercise Science 3+3 to OT or PT

Belmont University provides an opportunity for high-achieving students majoring in Exercise Science to gain guaranteed admission into one of the university’s doctoral programs in Occupational Therapy (OTD) or Physical Therapy (DPT) after only 3 years of undergraduate study (one less year of a traditional undergraduate experience).

Both the OTD and DPT programs can be completed within three additional years for a total of 6 years (“3+3”) at Belmont. Students should indicate intent to pursue the 3+3 program in their initial application for admission. To complete all required coursework within the first three years, students must confirm their intent to pursue the 3+3 program before the start of their freshman year for PT or before their second semester for OT.

Learn more about Exercise Science 3+3

There is no better place to learn Exercise Science than in Nashville. In fact, many of our students have found full-time employment from the required internship they complete while in college. All Exercise Science students must complete a 150-hour internship, and placement can be chosen based on a student’s career interests. Hours can be used to satisfy Occupational or Physical Therapy observation hours (a graduate application requirement).

We support our students in their efforts to secure their required internship and have located placements with professional, minor league and collegiate sport environments. Over the years, students continue to point to their internship experience as one of their most valuable, as it validates the curriculum and helps students realize how much they’ve learned.

Internship partners include:

• STAR Physical Therapy
• Chadwick’s Fitness and Performance Training
• Sports 4 All
• YMCA
• Ensworth High School
• Vanderbilt University Strength and Conditioning
• Belmont University FitRec
• D1 Sports Training
• Father Ryan High School
• CrossFit MiddleTN
• Belmont University Strength and Conditioning
• TITLE Boxing Club
• Rock Steady
• The Brown Center for Autism
• Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Small World Yoga
• IronTribe Fitness
• Children’s Environmental Health Network
• ARIS Futbol Club
• Pure Sweat (NBA pre-draft camp)
• Girls on the Run
• Vanderbilt Sports Medicine