Exercise Science

View/Print PDF

Daniel R. Swartz
CHAIRPERSON
Pelz Gymnasium
(203) 392-6080 – Fax (203) 392-6093
swartzd1@SouthernCT.edu
Department Secretary: (203) 392-6080

Robert S. Axtell, Professor
Catherine Berei, Assistant Professor
Charles F. Davis, Jr., Associate Professor
Marybeth Fede, Associate Professor
Robert Gregory, Assistant Professor
David S. Kemler, Professor
Joan Kreiger, Assistant Professor
Aukje Lamonica, Assistant Professor
Peter Latchman, Associate Professor
William Lunn, Associate Professor
Doris Marino, Associate Professor
Sharon P. Misasi, Professor
Gary E. Morin, Professor
Patricia Panichas, Professor
Marc Robertson, Assistant Professor
Matthew Rothbard, Associate Professor
Daniel Swartz, Professor
Jin Jin Yang, Professor

MAJOR PROGRAMS

The Exercise Science Department offers a B.S. degree in athletic training, and a B.S. degree in exercise science with concentrations in human performance and teacher education (required for certification).

B.S. DEGREE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING

The Athletic Training Education Program serves students who have an interest in the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment and disabilities to athletes and similarly active individuals. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the program is designed to prepare students to work as entry- level athletic trainers with athletic programs, hospitals and clinical settings, military, corporate, public safety, and performing arts. Those students completing this program receive a B.S. degree in athletic training. Students will also meet eligibility requirements established by the Board of Certification Inc. to sit for the national examination in the semester prior to graduation.

Athletic Training Admission Requirements

The program has a competitive admissions process. Students achieving an overall GPA of 3.0 and earning a B- or better in EXS 158, 185, and 281 will be accepted into the program provided all other entrance requirements are met.  If less than 18 students meet the previous requirements, students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher will be accepted, on a space available basis, provided all other program admission requirements have been met.  Student selection will be based on established criterion, which is available on the athletic training website or through contacting the program coordinator.  Up to 18 students will be selected for formal program admission unless more than 18 applications achieve the first condition.

Application materials are due by the third Monday of April. Candidates will be informed of their acceptance status in June. Depending on the number and quality of students applying, students should be aware that earning a GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 does not guarantee acceptance even if all other requirements have been met.

A student seeking admission must meet with or without reasonable accommodations technical standards established to insure graduates are capable of fulfilling physical and mental requirements for professional practice. These include abilities and skills in five categories:  observation, communications, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social. Students must verify their ability to meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations on a signed submitted technical standards form which is available on the Athletic Training Program website.  If there are any questions, please contact the Athletic Training Program Coordinator.  Candidates who require accommodations to fulfill the technical standards due to a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DCR) at (203) 392-6828.  Information regarding the process and policies can be found on the DRC website.

In addition, standard program admissions requirements include:

  • Minimum grade point average of 2.7 overall, which must be maintained until graduation.
  • Successful completion of EXS 158, 185, and 281 (C- or better).
  • Successful completion of entrance examinations (70% or better).
  • Admission Interview with Athletic Training faculty.
  • Successful completion of 15 athletic training observation hours.
  • Current certification in emergency cardiac care which includes education in Adult CPR and AED.
  • Three letters of recommendation.

Note: Online CPR courses are only acceptable if skills are demonstrated and tested in person by a qualified instructor.

Transfer students normally must follow the four year curriculum outlined in the plan of study. Transfer students who have previously attended an accredited athletic training program may be able to receive credit for certain didactic courses. These students will be handled on a case by case basis. Potential transfer students are encouraged to visit the program website or the Program Director, Dr. Gary Morin, for more information on the Athletic Training Program policy.

Athletic Training Retention

Student retention and timely progress through the curriculum requires that minimum standards are maintained.  In addition to maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7 through graduation, students must:

  • Successfully pass retention examinations (70% or better)
  • Earn a C- or better in all professional/major courses
  • Complete Professional Development Units
  • Maintain CPR certification

Professional Development Units (PDU) are earned through participation in professional organizations, volunteerism, and other activities beyond course requirements.  The number of PDUs vary by the student's year in the program and must be earned during a specific time period:

Sophomores 

 12 PDUs       June 1-May 31 (following acceptance into program)
Seniors 24 PDUs  

June 1-May 31 (end of sophomore year to end of junior year)
Seniors 12 PDUs  

June 1-December 31 (end of junior year to end of Fall semester of senior year)

Failure to meet retention or prerequisite course requirements may result in (a) increased time to graduation or (b) placement on probationary status and/or removal from the Athletic Training Program.  For additional information on these guidelines or any of the retention requirements, please consult the Athletic Training Student Manual, located on the Athletic Training program website.

Completion of extensive clinical observation and experiences are required for successful completion of the Athletic Training Program. The number of contact days per semester will vary according to the student's year in the program. Clinical contact days are primarily completed during the fall and spring semesters. Students not completing clinical contact days during the fall and spring semesters must finish requirements during the summer and/or winter. Clinical contact days may occur during weekends, holidays, early mornings, and/or late evenings.  Through these clinical contact days, students will complete a minimum of 600 to a maximum of 1800 hours of clinical experience after acceptance into the program. Students are recommended to see the catalog course descriptions for EXS 202, 203, 302, 303, 402, and 403 for information regarding clinical contact day requirements.

Students are responsible for any CPR, transportation, and/ or clothing costs involved with clinical experiences.

B.S. DEGREE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

Concentration In Human Performance

This concentration in human performance is a non-teaching Bachelor of Science degree option for exercise science majors. The curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and provides students with an understanding of the exercise sciences which include exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sport psychology, strength and conditioning, and exercise prescription. The required 6-credit practicum provides the student an opportunity to apply scientific coursework principles in an exercise, fitness, research, or clinical setting. Opportunities for employment following graduation include adult or youth fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning specialist, personal training, environmental physiology research, further schooling in physical therapy, and special population fitness such as the elderly or infirm.

In order to attract and hold a superior quality of major students, the faculty of the Exercise Science Department has established minimum admission and retention standards for all students who desire to major in Exercise Science—Human Performance.

Human Performance Application

All incoming freshmen and transfers majoring in Exercise Science with a concentration in Human Performance will be listed as Exercise Science-Pre-Human Performance majors.  Following application (see below) and having achieved acceptance into the Human Performance professional program, students will then become full Exercise Science-Human Performance majors once the program coordinator notifies the Registrar of accepted students.  Students are not allowed to register for 300- or 400-level Exercise Science-Human Performance courses, except EXS 380, until they have achieved full Exercise Science-Human Performance status through the Registrar.

Human Performance Admission Requirements

During the second semester of the sophomore year, the student must apply for admission into the Human Performance program. Transfer students should make this application during the first semester at Southern. Application forms will be distributed to students in one of their classes or from the department. Interviews are conducted every fall and spring semester.  Application packets, which include the essay, transcripts, recommendation letters, and resume detailed below, are due by October 1 for the fall semester and March 1 for the spring semester.  Applicants will be notified of the acceptance decision by letter over the winter or summer break.

The following criteria must be satisfied for acceptance:

  • Overall university GPA of 2.7.
  • Successful completion of the following courses:
    EXS 191 — Introduction to Exercise Science
    EXS 281 — Anatomy and Physiology I
    EXS 282 — Anatomy and Physiology II
    Choice of one of the following Biology courses: 
         BIO 100 — Zoology
         BIO 110 — Human Biology
         BIO 111 — Human Biology
         BIO 120 — Microbiology
    CHE 120 — General Chemistry
    PSY 100 — Introduction to Psychology
    MAT 122 — Precalculus
    PCH 200 — Introduction to Nutrition

*Note:  Successful completion is defined as a GPA of 2.7 or higher for these 8 courses with no single grade lower than C-.

  • Introductory typed essay presented to the faculty demonstrating a command of the English language. This essay MUST include long- and short-term career/professional goals, and a statement of justification for department entry.
  • Résumé
  • Letters of recommendation (2) from non-Exercise Science faculty
  • SCSU transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable)
  • Interview with faculty panel to express proper attitudes and dispositions for the professional Human Performance program.
  • Suggested involvement in Exercise Physiology Club, or other University club.
  • Suggested professional activity such as workshop or regional/national conference attendance.

Exercise Science Concentration in Teacher Education (K-12)

The concentration in teacher education is designed for students who want to teach physical education in public and private schools. The successful completion of this program fulfills the academic course requirements of the Connecticut Initial Educator Certificate K-12 in Physical Education and prepares the individual to teach physical education in both the elementary and secondary schools. Certification requirements include the following:

Students working toward Physical Education K-12 must pass through four gates. To pass through each gate, students complete a specific set of courses and submit a portfolio in a required format that provides evidence of acceptable progress in meeting the Society of Health and Physical Education standards, School of Health and Human Services and School of Education expectations, CALL (Collaborating, Applying, Leading, and Learning), and State of Connecticut requirements.

Exercise Science K-12 Requirements

Gate 1: Students apply for admission to the Physical Education K-12 program and the School of Education. Students must meet the State of Connecticut requirements for admission to a teacher preparation program (specified in the Admission section of this catalog).

In addition, students must have passed the following courses with the minimum grade indicated for the exercise science courses: EXS 191 (C-), 281 (C-), 282 (C-), 291 (B-), 292 (B-), and 293 (B-). Students must also pass ENG 112; GPA must be a minimum of 2.7; and students must take the ACT, SAT, or Praxis® Core.

Gate 2: Students in Gate 2 take the following physical education teacher preparation courses with the minimum grade indicated : EXS 131 (pass), 184 (C-), 350 (B-), 352 (B-), 383 (C-), 400 (B-), 480 (C-), 483 (B-), and 485 (C-). (GPA must be 2.7 in all courses).

Gate 3: Students in Gate 3 must complete all courses in the program with the exception of EXS 452, EDU 453, and EXS 442. The following courses must be passed with the minimum grade indicated: EXS 384 (C-), 394 (B-), 495 (B-). (GPA must be 2.7)

Gate 4: Students in Gate 4 take Student Teaching I and II (EXS 452and EXS 453 ) and a seminar course (EXS 442).

A passing score on Praxis® II is required for completion of teacher certification for most teacher candidates in the state of Connecticut. Students who are required to take this exam and who do not pass will not be recommended for certification.

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Care A.S.-to-B.S.R.T. curriculum provides students who hold an Associate’s Degree in respiratory care and the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential, with the necessary skills and knowledge to be fully prepared to further assume professional leadership roles in clinical practice, research, education, marketing, and management in the field of respiratory care. Students with an Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (minimum GPA 2.5) and a valid registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential complete a dual admission process to be considered for this program. 

Initially, students must apply to the University, via the Admissions Office.  Then, an application is made to the Respiratory Care Program. Students may elect either a Clinical Track (RSPC which includes a 6-credit clinical component) or a Leadership Track (RSPL completed through coursework); all students are required to meet the minimum credit requirements of the University including courses from the Liberal Education Program (LEP). Courses in this program are offered in a variety of formats to meet the needs of the respiratory care professional: traditional classroom format, accelerated 8-week classes, online courses, and in a hybrid format (combination of traditional classroom and online).

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Admission Requirements

  • Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy
  • Valid registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential
  • Overall university GPA of 2.5
  • Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses:

ENG 112 - Composition II (3 credits)
MAT 107 or 108 - Elementary Statistics or Math for Natural Sciences (3 credits)
BIO 110 - Human Biology I - Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
BIO 111 - Human Biology II - Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
BIO 120 - Microbiology (4 credits)
CHE 101 or CHE 120 - Chemistry in Contemporary Issues or General Chemistry I (4 credits)