Exercise Science (BS)

About

Exercise science prepares students to work in exercise-related areas by examining the effects of exercise and physical activity on the human body.

The Exercise Science (BS) degree at Appalachian State University is primarily for students who prefer to have a more flexible career path with multiple options. The extensive choices within the Exercise Science electives and Interdisciplinary electives provide the foundation required for immediate employment in the fitness/wellness industry or for successful admission to graduate or professional schools.

Faculty in the Department of Health and Exercise Science are nationally and internationally known researchers who are also expert teachers.

After Graduation

Employment: Students graduating with this degree will be prepared for careers in fitness or wellness programs with the general public, including as an exercise specialist for cardiopulmonary wellness programs, or as a youth wellness specialist.

Graduate School: Students can pursue graduate programs in exercise science to prepare them for working in an academic setting or further prepare them for specific careers in the field. If students have chosen the correct prerequisite courses and meet all other requirements, students may also apply for various health-related professional programs.

Career Exploration website

People

Faculty Profile: Dr. Scott Collier
“Our program is one of the top undergrad and master’s degree programs in the nation. Our students gain acceptance into professional clinical programs at high rates, which is due to the academic and lab experiences they have here at Appalachian.”

– Dr. Scott Collier, whose research focuses on the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiovascular health

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Courses

Students take a 32-hour Exercise Science core, plus 30 hours of related exercise or interdisciplinary courses.

Program of Study
Four Year Guide

– click on the pdf for your major
NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

Minors

A minor is not required, but some students choose to minor in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Public Health, Nutrition or Health Care Management.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Exercise Science Club - designed for students majoring or minoring in exercise science or those interested in the field of exercise science. The club is a great way for students to meet each other and learn important information about the major and what you can do with it after graduation.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Info

Degrees

Why Appalachian?

The Department of Health and Exercise Science is primarily housed in the Holmes Convocation Center, which has 13 advanced laboratories, 10 classrooms and extensive public service areas.
Students gain valuable skills through applied laboratory experiences in state-of-the-art facilities. The Human Performance Laboratory Complex houses the Human Performance, Hydrostatic and Fisher Hamilton/Nycom Biochemistry laboratories. There are also Neuromuscular and Biomechanics laboratories in the department.
Students have opportunities to conduct research alongside their professors and contribute to finding innovative solutions for regional and national problems. They also present their findings at professional conferences.

Number of Students

125

Method of Delivery

On campus only

Careers

Activities Director
Adventure Trainer
Group Fitness Instructor
Community/Corporate Wellness Coordinator
Exercise Physiologist
Fitness Director/Coordinator
Industrial Fitness Specialist
Personal Trainer
Sport Coach
Youth/Sport Camp Director

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Contacts

Beaver College of Health Sciences

Department of Health and Exercise Science

Dr. N. Travis Triplett
triplttnt@appstate.edu
828-262-7148

Department of Health and Exercise Science
The Department of Health and Exercise Science prepares students for the health and fitness industries through undergraduate degree programs in athletic training, exercise science and health promotion, plus a Master of Science degree in exercise science.

Beaver College of Health Sciences
The Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of an Appalachian commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond.

Exciting, Growing Career Fields
- Nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs are in fields recognized as growing “faster than average for all occupations” by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Currently over 3,400 students pursue degrees in 10 undergraduate and 6 graduate programs
- Students who graduate are successfully prepared for a variety of general and advanced careers in health care
Real-World Training and Experience
- Programs emphasize coursework, research and clinical outreach with a dedication to cultivating life-long learners and practical skills for the field
- Internships, field experiences and clinical placements in real-world settings in the community and surrounding areas ensure students are prepared to meet existing and future health-related workforce needs, particularly in rural areas
- Interprofessional and collaborative research between students and faculty gives students unparalleled experience in working together with other health and wellness professionals
- Research opportunities alongside over 150 nationally and internationally trained faculty mean students have opportunities to contribute to finding innovative solutions to regional and national problems in their field
Advanced Laboratories and Facilities
- Over 15 laboratories and additional locations for simulated research and applied laboratory training experience
- Partnerships and opportunities with the Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis and with the Wake Forest Physician Assistant Program
- A new health sciences building slated to open in the summer of 2018 with innovative classrooms and state-of-the-art labs
- A hub on campus in the Holmes Convocation Center for the RMPE Department and additional BCHS services