B.S. in Exercise Science
Mission Statement: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BSES)
The mission of the BSES program is to prepare scholarly, highly skilled professionals who can design and implement safe, effective, fitness exercise programs for adults with a variety of fitness needs. The BSES major involves a broad liberal arts education which includes courses to gain knowledge in the psychosocial aspects of motivation and interpersonal communication. Course work is required in the scientific areas of human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, applied nutrition, and analysis of movement. The Exercise Science curriculum at Hofstra University encompasses scientific, physiological, and psychological concepts related to athletic performance, physical fitness evaluation and adherence, individualized exercise prescription, and chronic disease risk reduction using physical activity and exercise promotion.
National Strength and Conditioning Association Recognition
The BSES program has been officially recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a preparatory program for the field of strength and conditioning.
The “ERP” logo is a trademark of the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the United States and/or other countries.
- Overview
- Requirements
- Careers
- Professional Development
- News
- Student and Alumni Profiles
About the B.S. in Exercise Science Program (BSES)
The Exercise Science Program is a 129 credit hour degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree. This program prepares students for a variety of careers in the profession of exercise and health promotion by providing learning experiences which enhance student knowledge and hands-on experiences to both develop practical skills and the application of theoretical concepts. The curriculum content also prepares students for certifications in Personal Training, Strength and Conditioning, and Group Exercise Leadership offered through recognized national organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
The academic component of this degree, including 63 liberal arts credits, allows for knowledge to be gained in the areas of human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, human nutrition, analysis of human movement, and applied exercise physiology for cardiac rehabilitation. Additional core courses in applied nutrition, sport and exercise psychology, advanced resistance training, sports nutrition and health education, are included to address topics specific to professions in the field of exercise science.
The practical component of this program includes a student fitness trainer practicum and a 300-hour internship at one or two off-campus sites. In the practicum course students develop and implement physical fitness programs in a one-on-one situation. The internship may be taken in one or two sites (150 hours at each placement). Internship placements are intended to compliment the wide variety of fields in which a student with an Exercise Science degree can venture, and to expose the student to work experience in their area of interest.
Minor program of study in Exercise Science
Students interested in the field of exercise science but unable to major in the subject area may enroll in the Exercise Science Minor. This program of study consists of 19 credits in Exercise Physiology (for which two Anatomy and Physiology courses are a pre-requisite), Structural Kinesiology, First Aid and CPR, Exercise Programming, Fitness Assessment, Resistance Training, and Sports Nutrition. A minimum of 12 credits must be taken in residence. Academic advisement is required through the B.S. in Exercise Science program coordinator for all candidates wishing to minor in exercise science.
Admissions
All students interested in majoring in Exercise Science should complete Hofstra University’s online application or Common Application. Students should declare their intent to major in Exercise science so the Center for university Advisement can inform the major program coordinator. In addition to meeting with an Advisement Center counselor, it is recommended that students also make an appointment with the Exercise Science program coordinator to verify course registration. Acceptance into the major is granted upon the recommendation of the major adviser and department Chairperson. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA for in-major courses and overall.
For transfers it is important for you to contact the Exercise Science Program faculty to discuss potential transfer courses and credits in order to accurately and efficiently advise you regarding progression through the program.
Pre-requisite Requirements for Graduate School
It is possible to use your general education requirements and liberal arts elective credits to meet many of the pre-requisite requirements for many areas of graduate study (e.g., Physician’s Assistant, Nursing, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation). However, program faculty cannot guarantee that all of the necessary additional pre-requisites will be met during enrollment in the Exercise Science program. Students wishing to increase the likelihood of completing pre-requisite courses for graduate school should make the program coordinator aware of their intention to apply for a specific graduate program and desire to utilize elective credits to fulfill the admission requirements.
- To find information about the B.S. in Exercise Science degree requirements, please see the online Hofstra Bulletin.
- To find information about the Exercise Science minor program requirements, please see the online Hofstra Bulletin.
- Exercise Science Course Requirements: Major Program of Study or Minor Program of Study
Certifications
Why obtain a certification?
Certifications can help demonstrate education (and experience, depending on the certification) in the field of exercise science, increase accessibility to continuing education opportunities, increase your competitive edge in the job market, and may help to set you apart from the crowd.
The following organizations have numerous certifications and endorsements related to personal training, strength and conditioning, applied exercise physiology, clinical and youth populations:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- The Cooper Institute (Dallas, TX)
- Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
- Applied Academy of Personal Training Education (AAPTE)
If planning to pursue a personal trainer certification it is advisable to select a certification which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Continuing Education
Professional Development Opportunities
Students interested in professional development opportunities in the Department of Health Studies and Kinesiology, including involvement in research projects related to the field of exercise science, should contact the Exercise Science faculty, visit the information boards located in the Hofstra Dome, or browse through the continuing education opportunities in the calendars below.
Exercise Science-related Upcoming Events
Continuing Education Calendars
Hofstra University Events Calendar
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Events Calendar
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Events Calendar and Continuing Education Opportunities
Human Kinetics (free) and NATA Webinar Calendar
Recent News
Giving to the Exercise Science Program
Did you or someone you know graduate from the Hofstra University Exercise Science program and you want help us continue to improve the facilities and resources available to current and future students? If you’re interested in giving to the BSES program please contact the Program Coordinator.
YouTube FourSquare Flickr RSS