Program Objectives

At the time of graduation, Exercise Science students will: 

1. Apply and analyze the basic concepts of exercise physiology related to acute and chronic responses to exercise, 
2. Apply exercise physiology-related principles, relative to limits of human performance, ergogenic aides, environmental conditions, and special populations, for treatment and/or prevention of chronic diseases,   
3. Evaluate the physiological changes during acute and chronic exercise bouts at the skeletal muscle, metabolic, hormonal, cardiovascular, and respiratory levels,  
4. Apply the appropriate exercise tests and instruments based on the client population, as well as the validity and reliability standards of those tests and/or instruments, 
5. Administer exercise testing procedures and prescribe appropriate exercise regimens based on the results of the exercise test(s) completed,  
6. Apply appropriate exercise prescription modalities based on client’s medical status/history or dysfunction(s), and prescription medications consumed,  
7. Complete a basic/clinical research project with an emphasis on understanding and writing basic methodologies utilized in exercise physiology, implementation of the research methods/protocols, acquisition of raw data, statistical analysis of raw data, interpretation of analyzed data, and methods of presentation of interpreted data, and 
8. Locate, secure, and complete an internship based on their desired career goals.

Program Guide (PDF)

• Standard 1: Content and Foundational Knowledge: Physical education candidates demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective preK-12 physical education program.
• Standard 2: Health-Related Fitness: Physical education candidates are physically literate individuals who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
• Standard 3: Planning and Implementation: Physical education candidates apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and/or SHAPE America’s National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for PreK-12 Physical Education through the effective use of resources, accommodations and/or modifications, technology and critical thinking strategies to address the diverse needs of all students.
• Standard 4: Instructional Delivery and Management: Physical education candidates engage all students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, technology, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
• Standard 5: Assessment of Student Learning: Physical Education candidates select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students’ progress and guide decision making related to instruction and learning.
• Standard 6: Technology and Digital Citizenship: Physical education candidates exhibit technological fluency, model appropriate digital citizenship, and engage students in technology use to enhance learning.
• Standard 7: Professional Responsibility: Physical education candidates demonstrate behaviors essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education and expanded physical activity opportunities that support the development of physically literate individuals.

Program Guide (PDF)

1. Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge in the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries.
2. Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries. 
3. Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity. 
4. Students graduating from the program will demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions. 
5. Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the potential to succeed as professionals at supervisory or higher levels in park, recreation, tourism, or related organizations.

Program Guide (PDF)

• Outcome 1: An ability to demonstrate content knowledge. This includes the ability to establish and promote lifetime physical activity and wellness habits to whom they may engage. Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate the relevance of the underlying sub-disciplines of Health, Human Performance and Recreation integrating appropriate concepts into their work environment thereby encouraging lifetime physical activity and wellness.  
• Outcome 2: An ability to demonstrate curricular knowledge, in order that they can consistently articulate a value system base for selecting, planning and evaluating their work environment to meet student, client or consumer needs while promoting learning.
• Outcome 3: An ability to demonstrate equity, fairness and diversity. This includes modeling and promoting behavior appropriate in a diverse society by showing respect for and valuing all members of their communities and by having high expectations that their students or clients will treat one another fairly and with dignity. 
• Outcome 4: An ability to demonstrate sound work practices, in order that they comprehend the fundamental goals of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. Students will demonstrate the ability to carefully orchestrate the blending of relevant principles of pedagogical and clinical practice with the complex nature of the content. This gives their actions purpose and allows them to implement a flexible yet effective program responsive to students and clients’ interests, needs, and developmental levels.
• Outcome 5: An ability to demonstrate the use of a variety of authentic assessments aligned (when available) with national, state and local program goals to provide feedback to students and clients, report progress, shape instruction, and evaluate and program goals.
• Outcome 6: An ability to demonstrate high expectations for an active lifestyle. They will maintain a stimulating, productive learning and helping environment that holds all students and clients to the highest expectations for adopting an active lifestyle.
• Outcome 7: An ability to demonstrate methods of inquiry. Accomplished candidates know, understand, interpret, critique, and consistently use research to improve practice.
• Outcome 8: An ability to demonstrate collaboration, reflection, leadership, and professionalism. Accomplished candidates are lifelong learners who collaborate as members of a larger learning community to improve health and wellness for all students and clients and enhance the professional culture of their respective field.
• Outcome 9: An ability to demonstrate mentoring. Accomplished candidates contribute to the professional development and support of other current and/or future professionals in their fields.  

Program Guide (PDF)