A Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science provides exciting opportunities for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in any of the diverse fields in the discipline. The curriculum is designed to provide academic content and hands-on training and is delivered through classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as applied practical experiences. Community interaction may occur in various settings, including health and sports medicine clinics, corporations and industrial settings, health clubs, rehabilitation centers, and other nontraditional settings.

Program Objectives

  1. Prepare graduates to work in a variety of health, fitness, and rehabilitation settings
  2. Educate students to work with diverse populations and various health and fitness backgrounds
  3. Foster strong interpersonal and communication skills that promotes professional and personal citizenship in students
  4. Develop scientific and practical skills that enable graduates to pursue post-baccalaureate degrees
  5. Provide graduates for the Illinois allied health workforce, especially in central Illinois

Student Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program a graduate will be able to:

  1. Incorporate foundational knowledge and skills related to the respective content areas in developing, implementing, managing and evaluating human performance programs.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of communication methods and in human relations/interpersonal skills, such as motivating, counseling, and working effectively in a team environment.
  3. Understand the scientific method and its application together with critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems related to kinesiology, health promotion, physical activity, disease management, and professional healthcare programs.
  4. Understand and analyze the clinical and epidemiological evidence linking physical activity and exercise to human health, and various approaches to the delivery of physical activity and health programs in diverse settings.
  5. Identify and portray ethical considerations and behaviors and engage in social justice related to the sub-disciplines within the field of exercise science.
  6. Implement research as a process of inquiry and critical thinking; identify and evaluate suitable sources; conduct searches strategically; use and communicate information appropriately; and recognize that information has value.

EXR Curriculum Map

In 2019, the EXR Faculty mapped out the curriculum in an effort to align instruction with the program’s learning outcomes.