Exercise Science
Exercise Science Specialists are knowledgeable in the areas of human performance assessment, fitness, and strength and conditioning. As members of the health care community, exercise science specialists are dedicated to health enhancement and are responsible for the development and coordination of exercise programs as well as the training and education of patients and clients. Using exercise as a preventative measure or a rehabilitative tool, jobs in exercise science include a variety of settings including professional athletics, public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, fitness centers, universities and research institutions.
Lasell College’s Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine as a program that covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health Fitness Specialist; the program is also endorsed for strength and conditioning education by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Coursework for a degree in exercise science focuses on the study of the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, human metabolism, and behavioral sciences. Concepts, theories and practices learned in the classroom and the clinic are reinforced in our exercise physiology laboratory.
The final year of the exercise science degree program consists of a capstone course and two clinical practicum/internships that offer students the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest through guided independent research and off-campus practicum. These Connected Learning experiences enrich the degree in exercise science and allow students to apply their knowledge to real work settings in hospitals, clinics, and research centers. Lasell’s affiliation with nationally known institutions in the Boston area provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience while working with leaders in the field and increasing their connections for future jobs in exercise science.
In order to be admitted initially into the Exercise Science Major, students need to have completed the following coursework with grades of C or better: two years of high school math (preferably algebra and geometry) and one year of lab science (preferably biology). Students may substitute a year of college algebra and biology with grades of C or better in place of the high school coursework.
Students will be prepared to take one of the certification examinations offered by the American College of Sports Medicine upon graduation. This course of study also fulfills most of the prerequisites for graduate study in the health professions, including physical therapy. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the Athletic Training and Exercise Science Department.
Students with associate degrees in allied health can enter the Exercise Science program and complete their degree in two years.
Transfer applicants may be accepted into the Exercise Science at Lasell College based upon their previous record of academic performance. Transfer students will only be considered on a space-available basis, as admission is competitive in nature, and need to be aware of the possibility of additional time beyond eight academic semesters of college work in order to complete all of the program requirements due to the sequencing of courses and their prerequisites.
Exercise Science Major Curriculum
Major Requirements*
58 credits
| AHLT 101 |
Introduction to Allied Health & Sports Studies | 1 |
| AHLT 104 |
Professional Interactions and Ethics AI (ME)/AI(MC) | 3 |
| AHLT 107 |
Lifestyles and Human Behavior | 3 |
| AHLT 201 |
Medical Pathology | 3 |
| AT 103 | Techniques of Emergency Care | 3 |
| AT 201 |
Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| SPSC 203 |
Motor Learning | 3 |
| SPSC 205 |
Strength Training & Conditioning | 3 |
| SPSC 211 |
Introduction to Personal Training | 3 |
| SPSC 222 | Kinesiology | 4 |
| SPSC 302 |
Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| SPSC 401 |
Sports Science Seminar | 1 |
| SPSC 403 |
Exercise for Special Populations | 3 |
| SPSC 405 |
Organization and Administration of Exercise Programs | 3 |
| SPSC 410 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| SPSC 420 | Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| SPSC 430 | Sports Science Capstone | 3 |
Choose two SMGT electives
6 credits
Additional Requirements
33 credits
| BIO 205 & BIO 205L |
Anatomy and Physiology I AI(S) | 4 |
| BIO 206 & BIO 206L |
Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 210 |
Human Nutrition | 3 |
| MATH 203 |
Pre-calculus *** | 3 |
| MATH 208 | Introduction to Statistics AI(Q)*** | 3 |
| PHYS 111 & PHYS 11 1L | Physics I | 4 |
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology AI(PS) | 3 |
| PSYC 240 | Sport Psychology | 3 |
| SCI 340 | Research Methods | 3 |
Choose one of the following three
3 credits
| PSYC 221 | Developmental Psychology — Child | 3 |
| PSYC 225 | Psychology of Adjustment | 3 |
| PSYC 223 | Developmental Psychology —Adolescence | 3 |
Minimum credits required for graduation - 120
General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives**
29 credits
* In order to qualify for Clinical Education, students must obtain certificates in First Aid/ CPR. Students will receive training in the prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens prior to clinical affiliations. Some clinical sites may require a CORI check of students.
** Courses marked with an AI code fulfill Area of Inquiry requirements in the General Education Core. See page 16 for all General Education Core requirements as well as the key for Area of Inquiry (AI) codes.
*** May require prior coursework depending upon Math placement.
**** Courses marked with a WI code are writing intensive courses within the program.
.jpg)
