Major in Exercise Science

The major in Exercise Science is intended to examine the relationship between exercise and human performance and the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Exercise Science consists of several overlapping disciplines, including biomechanics, exercise physiology and biochemistry, growth and development, exercise nutrition, measurement and evaluation, and exercise psychology. The program of study is designed to provide an effective blend of classroom instruction and practical experience. The program is intended to prepare qualified individuals for careers in clinical, corporate, commercial, and/or community exercise/wellness settings as well as to prepare students for graduate study in related fields.

The requirements for the Exercise Science major include a minimum of 39 units of KNES courses and 26-27 units of courses outside of KNES for a total of 65-66 units. A minimum of 21 units of Kinesiology courses (KNES), out of the 39 KNES units required for the Exercise Science major, must be completed at Towson University.

Requirements
Required Exercise Science Courses
KNES 265FUNDAMENTALS IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT3
KNES 297FOUNDATIONS OF EXERCISE SCIENCE3
KNES 313PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE3
KNES 361EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY3
or KNES 355 PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT
KNES 364CLINICAL EXERCISE ASSESSMENT AND PRESCRIPTION3
KNES 367QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS3
KNES 469ADVANCED WRITING FOR RESEARCH IN EXERCISE SCIENCE3
Select one of the following courses:3
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
BIOMECHANICS
CONCEPTS OF MOTOR LEARNING
Electives, Select from the following: 115
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
RESISTANCE TRAINING: TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES
BIOMECHANICS
CARE AND PREVENTION OF ATHLETIC INJURIES
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF STRENGTH TRAINING AND CONDITIONING
TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FITNESS AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
CONCEPTS OF MOTOR LEARNING
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT INJURY
EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
NUTRITION FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT
CLINICAL COMPETENCIES AND FIELDWORK IN EXERCISE SCIENCE
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE 2
INDEPENDENT STUDY 2
INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE SCIENCE 2
EXERCISE PRESCRIPTIONS AND PROGRAMMING FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS
ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING: PROGRAM DESIGN
CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY, DISEASE PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION
ADVANCED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: INFANTS TO ADULTS
PHYSIOLOGY OF AGING
SELECTED TOPICS IN EXERCISE SCIENCE
Additional Required Courses
BIOL 191
191L
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS [LECTURE]
and INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS [LAB]
4
BIOL 221
221L
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I [LECTURE]
and HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I [LAB]
4
BIOL 222
222L
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II [LECTURE]
and HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II [LAB]
4
Select one of the following:4
ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LECTURE
and ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LECTURE
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
HLTH 101WELLNESS FOR A DIVERSE SOCIETY3
PHYS 202GENERAL PHYSICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES4-5
or PHYS 211 GENERAL PHYSICS I; NON CALCULUS-BASED
PSYC 101INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY3
Total Units65-66
1

Electives cannot be satisfied by courses counted elsewhere in the curriculum.

2

No more than 9 units total of KNES 371, KNES 396, and KNES 398 can be taken toward the 15 units of elective coursework.

Sample Four-Year Plan

The selected course sequence below is an example of the simplest path to degree completion. Based on course schedules, student needs, and student choice, individual plans may vary. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices and to ensure that they have completed the required number of units (120) to graduate.

Freshman
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
BIOL 191
191L (Core 7)
4BIOL 221
221L
4
PSYC 101 (Core 6)3HLTH 101 (Core 11)3
Core 1 (or Core 2)3KNES 2973
Core 43MATH 115 (Suggested Core 3)3
Core 53Core 2 (or Core 1)3
 16 16
Sophomore
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
BIOL 222
222L
4Select one of the following:4
KNES 2653
Core 123
Core 133KNES 355 or 3613
Elective3Core 143
 Elective3
 16 13
Junior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
EXSC Elective3Select one of the following:3
KNES 3133
PHYS 202 or 211 (Core 8)5
Elective3
 EXSC Elective 3
 Core 103
 Elective3
 Elective3
 14 15
Senior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
EXSC Elective3EXSC Elective3
KNES 3643EXSC Elective3
KNES 3673KNES 469 (Core 9)3
Elective3Elective 3
Elective3Elective 3
 15 15
Total Units 120
  1. Demonstrate extensive content knowledge from across the discipline of Exercise Science, including exercise psychology, biomechanics and exercise physiology (Information Literacy Competency).
  2. Demonstrate skill in using technology necessary for conducting fitness assessments, interpreting fitness data, and developing appropriate exercise prescriptions (Technological Competency).
  3. Demonstrate discipline-specific competencies in critical thinking/problem solving.