Exercise Science and Sport

Faculty

David A. Hair, M.Ed., M.S., Chair
Ronald W. Deitrick, Ph.D., Program Director of Exercise Science
Debra L. Fetherman, Ph.D., CHES, ACSM-HFS, Program Director of Community Health Education
Jessica Bachman, Ph.D., MS-MPH, RD
Scott P. Breloff, Ph.D.
Paul T. Cutrufello, Ph.D.
Joan A. Cebrick Grossman, Ph.D., RD
Stephen L. Klingman, M.S.
Andrew Stuka, M.S.
Qian Wang, Ph.D.

Overview

The Department of Exercise Science and Sport consists of five areas: a major in Exercise Science, a major in Community Health Education , a Coaching Minor , a concentration in Nutrition Studies and Physical Education classes.

Exercise Science

Exercise Science is the study of human movement as related to exercise and physical activity from an applied, primarily life science perspective. It is dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research and education on the effects and benefits of exercise, and to the delivery of physical-activity programs that prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health, and enhance human performance. Exercise Science is part of the field of Sports Medicine, which also includes clinical areas of study. The scientific aspects of Sports Medicine include exercise physiology, nutrition, biochemistry of exercise, and biomechanics. Testing of lactic acid metabolism, analysis of muscle fatigue, research on muscle hypertrophy and bone density, measurement of body composition, and benefits of exercise in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and weight control are a few of the many contributions made by exercise scientists to Sports Medicine.

Few academic program majors offer such diverse opportunities after graduation as Exercise Science. The academically rigorous curriculum prepares graduates with knowledge and experience for employment opportunities in a variety of settings. Careers in applied health areas, include corporate, community and hospital-based wellness programs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and research centers investigating the benefits of exercise in chronic disease states. Becoming a strength and conditioning specialist for a sports team is also a career option.

There are two tracks to choose from in the Exercise Science program, the Clinical Track and the Pre-Health Track. The Clinical Track provides the prerequisites for students interested in pursuing graduate study in Physical Therapy or in a Physician’s Assistant program. The Pre-Health Track is designed to meet the prerequisites for students interested in matriculating into medical, dental, podiatry or optometry school. Either track is appropriate for someone interested in a career in clinical exercise physiology or master’s programs in exercise-related disciplines.

Students should make their career intentions known early in their program of study so that they may be guided to the most appropriate track and utilize their electives for maximal effectiveness to achieve their career goals. In addition to the advising provided by PCPS Academic Advising and the Exercise Science Department, students interested in attending medical school should participate actively in the Health Professions Organization and seek advising from Dr. Mary Engel, Director of Medical School Placement (570-941-7901). Students interested in completing the prerequisites for a Physician’s Assistant program should seek advising from Father Cadigan (570-941-4348). Although not required, completion of the program provides students with the ability to take different certification exams offered by several professional organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Graduating Exercise Science majors must possess a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75.

Prior to taking any EXSC course numbered above EXSC 229 , students must have completed all major and cognate courses with a minimum grade of “C.” Students must also possess a minimum grade point average of 2.50 within the major. Subsequently, in order to progress in EXSC courses, (1.) a minimum grade of “C” must be earned in each major and cognate course and (2.) a minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required within the major.

Physical Education

The Physical Education courses are designed to improve the physical fitness levels of each student, introduce new activities, or improve and increase students’ recreational skills through our offerings of over 30 different courses. Emphasis is placed on instruction in a variety of popular sports and recreational activities, especially those with carry-over value for post-college years.

There are a variety of formats for the Physical Education classes: one-half semester for .5 credit, three times per week for 1 credit, two times per week for 1 credit, and one time per week for 1 credit. Students may select from among the following: tennis, yoga, skiing, soccer, racquetball, weight training, aerobics, hapkido, volleyball, running, karate, self-defense for women, advanced life-saving, water-safety instructor, jazz dance, golf, tai chi, badminton, wellness, Latin and swing dance, cardio fitness, beginning/intermediate swimming, fitness swimming, first aid/CPR/AED, karate, wellness, white water rafting and judo. Grading is (S) Satisfactory or (U) Unsatisfactory.

Course Information

Courses for Exercise Science and Sport are listed under the prefixes NUTR, EXSC, PHED, PSYC and CHED. For more information on these and all courses offered, visit our Course Descriptions page.

For more information about the Exercise Science & Sport department, visit its website.