Exercise and Sport Science, B.S.

Through coursework, research, and practice, the Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (EXSS) prepares students for entry into this dynamic and growing field. Students in the EXSS program acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities of effective beginning professionals. Students study scientific and foundational content of human movement, engage in scholarly inquiry, and apply knowledge and theory to practice.

Graduates of the EXSS major are trained to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise programs for healthy individuals as well as those with chronic disease. They are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. The exercise and sport science professional has demonstrated competence as a leader in university, corporate, commercial, or community settings in which their clients participate in movement and fitness-related activities. They are also prepared for advanced study in allied health or medical-related fields (e.g. physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation). Students will complete their undergraduate education with a full-time internship experience (9-12 credit hours) and will have the opportunity to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam (ACSM Health Fitness Specialist).

Mission Statement

Coastal Carolina University’s exercise and sport science (EXSS) program is comprised of teacher-scholars trained to prepare students for successful entry into EXSS professions and related graduate study. The program provides a focal point for scientific scholarship and expertise through the development and dissemination of faculty-driven research and scholarship. EXSS provides students with multiple opportunities for active learning through laboratory-based activities, student-mentored research, service to local communities, and internship experiences. Through these activities, students acquire knowledge of scientifically-based health/fitness concepts and develop skills related to exercise programming and leadership with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for residents of Horry County and beyond.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the exercise and sport science program, students will be able to:

1. Describe and apply anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, biochemical, behavioral, and psychological concepts important to physical activity and exercise settings.
2. Properly conduct health appraisals and assessments using current technologies and scientifically-based methods for a variety of populations and settings.
3. Properly plan and evaluate individualized exercise prescriptions and programs using health/fitness appraisals and assessments, knowledge of risk factors, and individual health status.
4. Properly implement individualized and group exercise programs by using correct exercise techniques, methods, and programmatic variables.
5. Apply the skills of scientific inquiry, research, and evaluation in the field of exercise and sport science.
6. Monitor program administration including, but not limited to, management of emergency and safety procedures, risk management, facility design, and program evaluation/assessment.
7. Demonstrate the dispositions of an effective entry-level exercise science professional including, but not limited to, physical activity and exercise, working within specific community or agency goals, and serving as a resource person.

Policies and Requirements

Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in each course used to satisfy a) EXSS major requirements and b) all EXSS foundation courses. A grade of ‘C’ or better is also required in ENGL 101  and ENGL 102 . All EXSS students are required to complete a capstone 9-credit or 12-credit internship at an approved exercise and sport science site. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the student learning outcomes during this experience. An end-of-program exam is required of all students prior to the beginning of the internship. Students will also have the opportunity to sit for the national American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) certification exam as part of their internship. The purpose of both exams are to determine how well students have mastered program content within the student learning outcomes. The ACSM HFS exam provides students with an opportunity to gain a valuable external credential/certification.

Admission requirements to the internship:

1. Demonstration of acceptable professional dispositions;
2. Passing score (70 percent or better) on end-of-program exit exam;
3. ‘C’ or better in all EXSS major requirements;
4. ‘C’ or better in all EXSS foundation requirements;
5. Successful completion of all undergraduate required coursework;
6. Current CPR certification.