The pre-physical therapy concentration will prepare you for doctoral physical therapy programs and satisfies course requirements for admission at most American physical therapy schools. In addition to taking classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and applied health science, you will also engage in original research with professors, attend regional and national scientific meetings, and obtain placement in a variety of practical/internship experiences.
The concentration also includes a one-credit hour Introduction to Physical Therapy course that integrates studies in biology and anatomy for application in future careers in physical or occupational therapy. You will learn how to take basic medical histories, perform a general physical examination, and develop differential diagnoses for various musculoskeletal processes. In addition, you will investigate therapy modalities applicable to a variety of therapy needs.
Please refer to the College Catalog for complete information regarding concentration requirements.
Successful completion of the pre-occupational therapy concentration will prepare you for acceptance into a master’s program in occupational therapy. Course topics include human anatomy and physiology, developmental and abnormal psychology, sociology, medical terminology, and biology. Also included is a one-credit hour Introduction to Physical and Occupational Therapy course integrating studies in biology and anatomy for application in a future career in physical or occupational therapy.
A concentration in pre-athletic training provides you with an overview of the athletic training profession in the field of sports medicine. You will be introduced to concepts such as orthopedic evaluation, rehabilitation techniques, and taping and bracing principles, preparing for entry-level master’s programs in athletic training. Course topics include medical terminology, special topics in exercise science, prevention and care of injuries, and corrective exercise strategies.
Personal training is a rapidly growing industry at both the state and national levels. Our multidisciplinary concentration in personal training allows you to learn about the profession and to develop commonly utilized personal training skills, while providing a strong foundation to obtain various personal training certifications.
The courses in this concentration cover anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as well as nutrition, fitness assessment, lifting techniques, and facility management. Also included is a three-credit practicum course that introduces you to the profession of personal training and develops your skills in exercise technique, including teaching approaches involving free-weight and machine exercises, cardiovascular activities, flexibility, and plyometrics.
You will also gain practical experience by designing and implementing a program for an assigned client, whom you will train throughout the second half of the semester.
The strength and conditioning concentration offers a theoretical understanding of the biomechanical, neuromuscular, physiological, and psychological responses and adaptations to exercise. This concentration allows you to obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification exam, gain the skills to work with recreational and professional athletes, and prepare to complete a graduate degree in the field. The concentration includes course topics related to personal training, nutrition, corrective exercise strategies, and a three-credit Principles of Strength and Conditioning practicum course.
If you wish to coach at the scholastic or college level, this 15-credit concentration is designed for you. The concentration includes course topics related to prevention and care of injuries, ethical issues in sports, psychology of sport and exercise, principles of coaching, sports ministry, and sports management.
A minor in exercise science is designed to impart fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities in the theories and practice of exercise science. You must complete 23 credit hours of course requirements and receive specialized instruction in anatomy and physiology and in the acute and chronic effects of exercise on human systems. This minor provides learning experiences that lead to a basic understanding of nutrition, anatomy and physiology, exercise techniques, exercise testing, and exercise prescription.
The exercise science minor complements your career preparation if you are majoring in biology, chemistry, education, or even business with entrepreneurial aspirations in the areas of commercial or community-based health, fitness, or athletics. It would also be a good fit if you are pursuing health-related professions which require graduate studies, doctoral research, and/or professional training.
Please refer to the College Catalog or the minor course requirements for complete information regarding minors.
A minor in nutrition provides you with foundational courses intended to increase knowledge of nutrition issues and will benefit your understanding of your own nutritional needs to improve your health. The minor complements degrees related to exercise science, biology, chemistry, psychology, education, and medical or allied health fields.
You must complete 15 credit hours in macronutrient and micronutrient basic chemistry, roles in the body, food sources, and recommended intakes. Other topics include nutritional requirements and challenges during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adulthood, and older adulthood; scientific basis for the role of nutrition in human performance; scientific overview of popular dietary supplements; the relationship between nutritional and specific chronic disease; and the relationship between current public health issues and nutritional habits.