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About the Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology
The Exercise Physiology 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 that 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.
Learn About Program Requirements
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 complement the wide variety of fields in which a student with an Exercise Physiology degree can venture, and expose the student to work experience in their area of interest.
National Strength and Conditioning Association Recognition
The 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.
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.
Double Major or Dual Degree
Exercise Science students may complete a double major or dual degree. However, students wishing to add a second major or minor must consult with the Program Coordinator for the Exercise Physiology program in advance to discuss program accommodations and discuss the feasibility of this request given class standing.
Graduate Study
For information on potential areas of graduate study make an appointment with the Center for Career Design and Development or the Program Coordinator.
Mission Statement
The mission of the exercise science degree 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.
Exercise Science Career Potential
Among 2017-2018 Hofstra graduates who majored in exercise science, 96% of the respondents report that within one year of graduation they were employed or attending/planning to attend graduate school. Among all 2017-2018 Hofstra University graduates who reported salary, the average annual self-reported salary was $47,000.
Of the 1,508 undergraduate students who graduated between August 2017-May 2018, data was collected via surveys and other reliable sources resulting in knowledge about the outcomes for 83% of the 17-18 undergraduate alumni. Salary data is self-reported voluntarily by students and based upon a 50% response rate for undergraduate students. Salary figures only include annual base salary. They do not include bonus, commission or any other guaranteed compensation.
To see the alumni outcome reports in its entirety, and all available data, go to the institutional research page.
Professional Development
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 that 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 Professions, 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.
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
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Program Coordinator
Katie Sell, PhD, CSCS, ACSM-HFS
BSES Program Coordinator
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Program Requirements
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.
BS in Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology, BS Major in
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