Department of Exercise Science and Athletics
Application deadlines announced
Internship Applications are due: April 15
Graduation Applications are due: February 1
Department recognized by NSCA
In 2005, the Bloomsburg University Department of Exercise Science and Athletics met the criteria for recognition by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The Educational Recognition Program of the NSCA recognizes academic institutions that prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning. Learn more.
About the Department
In addition to undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Exercise Science, the Department of Exercise Science and Athletics also administers courses needed to meet general education requirements for all academic majors, supports requirements for education majors and conducts the university's athletic programs. The undergraduate program is accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).
Mission Statement:
The Department of Exercise Science and Athletics embraces the concept that wellness and the quality of life of all persons is enhanced by participation in physical activity and sport. The department focuses primarily on incorporating the scientific basis of human performance into careers in exercise science and related health settings. The curricular aim is to stay abreast of innovative educational opportunities via scholarship, research, practical learning experiences, and technological applications. Students are empowered to critically evaluate the challenges associated with living in modern society through inquiry, critical thinking, communication and responsible self expression.
Accreditations
The Bloomsburg University undergraduate program in Exercise Science is accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Designed to prepare students for the wide range of careers in the growing field of wellness and fitness, Exercise Science at Bloomsburg is unique among State System of Higher Education universities. This challenging and demanding program leads to careers in education, corporate wellness programs, cardiac rehabilitation, health care, sports medicine and research environments.
Emphasis is on the interpreted aspects of wellness and fitness, gerontology, nutrition, stress management, alternative medicine and therapies and cardiac rehabilitation in a rapidly evolving professional field. Major national corporations and graduate programs actively recruit Bloomsburg students. Many large companies, concerned with the health and productivity of employees, seek exercise science professionals to develop and manage corporate wellness facilities; other graduates go on to establish their own businesses in the personal training and fitness field or into sports medicine. A number of leading universities, including Bloomsburg, offer graduate study in Exercise Science and Adult Fitness involving clinical and research internships to encompass the full spectrum of health, including cardiac rehabilitation, physiological assessment and training for optimal performance.
Student factors that suggest a high probability of success include strong interpersonal skills, an intense desire to help others, versatility in individual skill and fitness abilities, and strength in sciences, particularly those related to anatomy and physiology.
Program faculty offer advisement to assist individual students in tailoring a specific program of study to prepare them for career objectives.
Exercise Science (M.S.)
Two tracks of study lead to a master of science degree.
Applied Exercise Physiology - Research based, this two-year program (five consecutive academic semesters) is designed to prepare students for doctoral study or, alternatively, to prepare students for research positions in clinical settings. The graduates of the program typically aspire for and have secured positions in universities, research institutes and clinical settings. The program culminates with a rigorous thesis project that is suitable for publication. Emphasis in exercise physiology, sport psychology and biomechanics are offered and specific lines of inquiry correspond to those listed for the departmental faculty. At total of 40 semester hours of which 3-6 semester hours of thesis are required to graduate.
Clinical Exercise Physiology - Exercise science is an ever-changing discipline. It is from this realization that we developed a one-year program (three consecutive semesters) that addresses the needs of a cadre of students whose interest in conducting scholarly research is limited. These students still require an advanced degree to obtain positions in athletic strength training, corporate fitness, etc. The one-year program contains courses directed toward the practical application of the physiologic principles to exercise training and culminates with a practicum experience.
Learn more about graduate study in Exercise Science.
Learn more about graduate faculty.