State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam reports in a news release that its Department of Community Health will offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science beginning this fall.
The curriculum will focus on the scientific and applied study of the human body, including prevention of injury and performance. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will learn the research behind and the application of sound exercise and physiology principles, per the release.
The exercise science major will include those on biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, community health, sports medicine, movement science, strength and conditioning, and personal training fundamentals.
An internship will be required to complete the curriculum. Students will be able to choose from electives in therapeutic recreation, physics, chemistry, and business management, the release explains.
“This program is exciting because it exposes students to the challenges of understanding human physiology and movement science, combined with the strong liberal arts foundation at SUNY Potsdam. Students will not only have the technical knowledge necessary to work in exercise science—SUNY Potsdam’s liberal arts curriculum will also prepare them to become leaders in their chosen field,” says Dr Kathleen O’Rourke, chair of the Department of Community Health.
“The new exercise science major, combined with the master’s degree program in community health approved last year, will provide an educated workforce in St. Lawrence County and beyond to address some of our region’s most pressing health concerns,” she explains.
Two tracks are available to students, the release explains.
The exercise and sports performance track will prepare students to work specifically in the exercise science field and will focus on the enhancement of human physical performance, with an eye toward athlete-specific training.
The pre-professional track also prepares students to work in the exercise science field, but it will also incorporate prerequisite coursework for those interested in pursuing graduate studies in other related allied health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and clinical exercise physiology.
Students are advised to check carefully with the specific program and institution to which they are applying, to ensure the courses they complete at SUNY Potsdam meet the program’s specific prerequisites.
Learn more about the Exercise Science program and the Department of Community Health on the university’s website.]
[Source: State University of New York Potsdam]
