Sport Science and Health Education

Exercise Science Program

Class learning computerized anerobic threashold methodsThe Exercise Science program is designed to help students prepare for graduate school or a variety of careers in the field of exercise and sport science. Students are prepared for graduate study in exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation or health promotion as well as careers in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, strength and conditioning and management of health and fitness programs in corporate and clinical settings.

This program can be combined with other academic programs, such as athletic training, education, management, psychology or communication studies. Each student majoring in Exercise Science must complete two internships. One involves working with our strength and conditioning program on campus, while the other is off-campus in a setting that best reflects the professional interests of the student. A minor in Exercise Science will complete one internship, either on or off campus.

Exercise Science Major
Required: (Hours)

  • SpSc 151 Foundations of PE (3)
  • SpSc 239 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations (3)
  • SpSc 240 Kinesiology (3)
  • SpSc 251 Contemporary Health (3)
  • SpSc 255 Exercise Techniques/Weight Training (3)
  • SpSc 312 Public Community Health and Safety (3)
  • SpSc 340 Program Design and Exercise Prescription (3)
  • SpSc 310 Exercise Physiology (3)
  • NaSc 107 Nutrition (3)
  • Bio 104 Human Biology with lab (4)
  • Chem 150 Consumer Chemistry with lab (4)
  • SpSc 319 2 Internships (one on and one off campus) (6)

Total (41)

(Bio 225, Human Physiology and Soc 210, Stats for Social Sciences, are recommended for students wanting to pursue graduate studies in Exercise Science)

Exercise Science Minor
Required: (Hours)

  • SpSc 239* Exercise Prescription for Special Populations (3)
  • SpSc 255 Exercise Techniques/ Weight Training (3)
  • SpSc 340 Program Design & Exercise Prescription (3)
  • NaSc 107 Nutrition (3)
  • SpSc 240 Kinesiology (3)
  • SpSc 310 Exercise Physiology (3)
  • SpSc 319 Strength & Conditioning Internship (3)

Total (21*)

*For a stronger background in the sciences, the Department strongly recommends these additional courses:

  • Human Physiology
  • Contemporary Health
  • Public and Community Health & Safety

If you have questions please contact either Nicolle Whalen, 515-961-1753 (email: nicolle.whalen@simpson.edu) or Mike Hadden, 515-961-1751 (email: mike.hadden@simpson.edu)

Last Updated: 6/12/09