Exercise Science Area of Concentration, Arts and Sciences Degree
This AA area of concentration is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in health promotion, fitness, or corporate wellness. An analysis of job markets in fields related to health promotion shows that they are experiencing rapid growth expansion as our society continues to become more aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This area of concentration has been designed as a transfer program, including a program developed in conjunction with Salisbury University's exercise science degree. This associate's degree program is also appropriate for students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in exercise science, health promotion, health education, or kinesiology from another college or university.
Students will acquire knowledge and skills and will develop the abilities to apply theoretical information in practical real-life situations. Emphasis is on an understanding of the human body, health behavior, personal health, lifetime fitness principles and training techniques, nutrition, weight control, stress management, and other related healthy lifestyle topics. Students will learn to assess the different components of health and fitness, and they will acquire skills in the design, implementation, and supervision of healthier lifestyle programs for groups and individuals.
Students will also acquire the program assessment and evaluation skills needed for the successful implementation of health behavior change programming.
完成运动科学AA的要求，学生将准备通过国家认可的专业组织，如美国运动医学学院的健身认证。在完成指定课程后，学生将有资格参加各种NCCA批准的证书。在完成索尔兹伯里大学学位后，学生将有资格参加CoAES的各种专业认证，包括认证健康教育家专家认证，ACSM的健康健身专家认证，或NCSA的认证力量和健身专家认证。
The Best Health Degrees ranks MC as one of the25 Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Associate’s Degrees for 2021new window.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Define health and describe the dimensions of wellness and a healthy lifestyle while demonstrating the impact of individual health related behaviors on health status.
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as it relates to health and exercise programming.
- Describe and utilize current theories of health behavior to facilitate behavior change and program adherence.
- Design a comprehensive health fitness program using the principles of exercise science and the skills necessary to administer appropriate fitness assessments.
- Demonstrate knowledge of exercise professional's responsibilities, limitations, and the legal complications.
| Academic Year | *Admitted | Continued | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 35 | 31 | |
| 2019-2020 | 34 | 33 | |
| 2018-2019 | 29 | 27 | |
| 2017-2018 | 61 | n/a | |
| 2016-2017 | 108 | n/a | |
| *Prior to 2018 any student who registered for PHED 206 was considered admitted to the program without declaring Exercise Science as a major. Beginning in the 2018 – 2019 academic year, students who pass PHED 206 with a C or better and have declared Exercise Science as a major are considered admitted to the program. | |||
| Academic Year | Graduated | ** Graduated Placement Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 20 | 85% | |
| 2019-2020 | 17 | 100% | |
| 2018-2019 | 17 | 100% | |
| 2017-2018 | 35 | 94% | |
| 2016-2017 | 41 | 100% | |
| **These students either transferred to a four-year institution or obtained employment in a related field. | |||
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. This degree is designed for students to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, including a program developed in conjunction with the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) -Salisbury University.See all transfer agreements.
- View the Transfer Requirements Comparison Chart to see sample course requirements at several Maryland State institutions(PDF,
). - View Comparison Chart Showing Transfer Schools Offering Exercise Science, Kinesiology & Related Majors in a 50-Mile Radius of MC Rockville(PDF,).
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use theCareer and Program Explorerto see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Exercise science professionals lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercise. Related careers include personal trainer/manager, group fitness instructor/manager, fitness specialist—corporate fitness, general manager—commercial fitness, and wellness director.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up aCollege Central Network (CCN)new windowaccount and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide andconsult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in theFields of Studysection.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group ofGeneral Educationcourses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
All students should review theProgram Advising Guideandconsult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing3 semester hours
- BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I4 semester hours(NSLD)
- HLTH 220 - Emergency Medical Responder3 semester hours
- PHED 206 - Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness3 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation3 semester hours (ENGF)
- MATH 117 - Elements of Statistics3 semester hours(MATF)
- HLTH 225 - Introduction to Health Behaviors3 semester hours(GEIR)
- PHED 228 - Group Fitness Instructor Training3 semester hours
- Humanities Distribution3 semester hours (HUMD)††
Third Semester
- BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I4 semester hours(NSLD)
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication3 semester hours(GEIR)
- PHED 230 - Advanced Weight Training: Theory and Program Design3 semester hours
- PHED 237 - Fitness Assessment and Programming3 semester hours
- PSYC 102 - General Psychology3 semester hours(BSSD)
Fourth Semester
- BIOL 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II4 semester hours
- PHED 240 - Personal Training Techniques3 semester hours
- PHED 250 - Prevention and Management of Exercise Injuries3 semester hours
- SOCY 100 - Introduction to Sociology3 semester hours(BSSD)
-
OR
- SOCY 243 - The Sociology of Sport3 semester hours(BSSD)
- Arts Distribution3 semester hours (ARTD)
*ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed forENGL 102/ENGL 103. If ENGL 101/101A is not needed, health elective (recommendedHLTH 121).
† MATH 165 or MATH 150 can be taken to fulfill this requirement. (Consult department advisor to determine the appropriate math course).
†† Recommend one of the following if transferring to Salisbury University:HIST 114orHIST 116.
‡符合普通教育、全球和文化视角。
Students participating in the articulated curriculum with Salisbury University @ Shady Grove need an additional 7 credits that includePHED 166,HLTH 160and one of the following health courses:HLTH 131,HLTH 170,HLTH 212, orHLTH 215. Students must meet with departmental advisors for selection of appropriate general education and professional courses.
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