Exercise Science General Information

The Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science degree is grounded upon a strong Liberal Arts and Sciences foundation, with Exercise Science course content rooted in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. The curriculum framework is aligned with a rigorous set of internal and external outcomes. Internal outcomes emphasize Truman’s Liberal Arts and Sciences mission while external outcomes reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) certification. The curriculum also features a required summer internship; a value-added, portfolio-based senior capstone; and specializations that provide students opportunities for advanced study in a variety of human movement or allied health professions. 

Exercise Science Quick Facts

Exercise Science Degree Worksheet

Exercise Science Sample Academic Plan

ES Course Offerings By Semester

Specializations in the Exercise Science major include:

• Pre-medical Sciences

  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Physician Assistant
  • and related fields

• Applied/Clinical

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Personal Training
  • Sport and Recreation Management
  • Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • and related fields

• Physical Education/Health

  • K-12 physical education/health

• Coaching Minor

  • Coaching Minor Requirements

Major Requirements

The Exercise Science Major consists of the Liberal Studies Program (LSP) Requirements, discipline-related Required Support courses, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Requirements, Major Requirements, and Specialization Courses. The minimum number of semester hours for a B.S. Exercise Science degree is 120.  Below you will find the Exercise Science Required Support, B.S. requirements, Core requirements, and Core Electives.

Graduation Requirements

• An overall cumulative 2.0 GPA
• A 2.0 GPA in all courses completed at Truman
• A 2.5 GPA in select major, required support, and B.S. requirements
• 40 hours of 300+ level undergraduate courses
• 63 hours of liberal arts and sciences coursework
• Minimum 120 total hours of undergraduate coursework
• Assessment, residency, and all other requirements as outlined in the General Catalog
• Grade of "D" or higher must be achieved in all Required Support, B.S. requirements, major and pattern requirements

The major culminates in a four-credit, 200-hour required summer internship.  Depending on the student’s specialization, the internship provides opportunities to design and implement programs in an organizational setting under the supervision of highly qualified professionals in the field. 

Assessment is a core institutional value and is a substantive component of the Exercise Science Major.  Faculty members evaluate teaching effectiveness through pre/post assessment and student evaluations.  Many faculty employ additional modes of assessment to garner information regarding specific aspects of their courses or teaching style.  The American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist (ACSM HFS) is the senior exit examination.  Many students also sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification exam and several admissions tests including: the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Pre-Dental Admission Test (PDAT). 

Research Opportunities

A significant feature of the Exercise Science program is the use of scholarly research to facilitate learning.  Students are provided numerous in-class opportunities to conduct research on a variety of self-selected topics.  The program’s Human Performance Laboratory and Biomechanics/Motor Learning and Control Laboratory represent important resources for the facilitation of student research.  Interested students are also provided substantial opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of faculty mentors.  These projects are often presented at the local, state, and national levels and provide students with excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth. 

Outcome Statements of the Exercise Science Major

The primary objective of the Exercise Science Program is to assist students in preparing themselves for success in graduate study or to be competent practitioners in the allied health or other human movement related professions.  Graduates of the Exercise Science program should:

1. Develop the ability to assimilate, synthesize, and apply information from multiple sources and disciplines;
2. Appreciate the need to maintain current knowledge in the field and develop the skills necessary to maintain that knowledge;
3. Become critical thinkers, consumers, and competent practitioners of research design and statistical analysis;
4. Analyze and assess human movement in a variety of developmentally appropriate levels and contexts;
5. Understand the mechanisms underlying behavior change and to facilitate the consumption and integration of positive behaviors by the persons with whom they work;
6. Acquire skills to plan, implement, and evaluate effective exercise or health-related intervention programs.
    

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