Why study Exercise Science at MC?

Are you fascinated by the human body and how it works? Are you passionate about helping people and making an impact on society? Do you like exercise/physical activity? An Exercise Science student studies the immediate and long-term effects of physical activity on the body. The Exercise Science Major provides a challenging educational experience for students who wish to pursue health/fitness careers and further their education at the graduate level.

If you wish to pursue a health and/or fitness career and further your education at the graduate level, Maryville College’s major in Exercise Science will provide you with a challenging curriculum that teaches you the immediate and long-term effects of physical activity on the body. Through internships and class activities, this major provides hands-on experience in the health/fitness industry tied to core academic preparation in the science of exercise and health. The American College of Sports Medicine, through its Exercise is Medicine on Campus® initiative, has ranked our program at the gold level.

Exercise Science provides a foundation to prepare you for a variety of careers, such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. Many careers require graduate study; however, several entry-level positions are available while you pursue further education.

ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES

Students who are interested in gaining valuable experience in sports medicine are encouraged to apply for the program and work in the MC Training Room. Unlike programs at larger colleges and universities, our students work with each varsity sport and help with student-athletes’ rehabilitation and injury prevention. Graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in athletic training, physical therapy and various other areas of health care.

Maryville College believes in the evidence linking fitness, sustainability, happiness and high academic performance — so much so that the College trademarked the term “Fit. Green. Happy.® to describe the on-campus initiative that provides strong connections between the Mountain Challenge outdoor adventure program, academic departments, courses and the College’s location.

Photo of Audrey Sanders

Audrey Sanders

Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee

Originally attracted to Maryville for its athletic programs, Audrey quickly realized that the College had much more to offer being near the mountains, as well as offering a close-knit community and culture that have given her a chance to grow as an individual.

“I enjoy Exercise Science because it combines the knowledge of science with the holistic approaches to public health,” she said, adding that the major provides in-depth learning about “the human body and how it responds to movement, exercise, and activities of daily living.” She plans to eventually earn a master’s degree in business or healthcare and work in a public health or rehabilitative setting.

 

Photo of Robin Bannow

Robin Bannow ’23

Currently: Pursuing Doctor of Physical Therapy at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana

Robin came to MC knowing she wanted a career in the medical field and that she wanted to work with children. The Exercise Science major stood out as a way to explore a variety of career opportunities incorporating both of Robin’s interests.

Currently enrolled in an accelerated program for a DPT, Robin credits MC for preparing her for graduate school. “I received a variety of hands-on experiences using tools that I am now using in my graduate classes. I also benefitted from the strong foundation I got from the advanced science classes. Not only did I learn information that I am applying in my graduate studies, but it taught me how to study and tackle difficult information.”

Chair, Division of Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies, Professor of Exercise Science
Dr. Traci Haydu
Chair, Division of Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies, Professor of Exercise Science
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Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Dr. Jennifer Flynn Oody
Associate Professor of Exercise Science
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Adjunct Instructor in Exercise Science
Sharon Wood
Adjunct Instructor in Exercise Science
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  • Aerobics Instructor
  • *Athletic Director
  • *Athletic Trainer
  • Coach
  • *Commercial Wellness Center Director
  • *Community Fitness Director
  • Community Health Director
  • Corporate Health Advisor
  • Director of Recreation
  • Employee Fitness Director
  • Exercise Facility Manager
  • *Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Center Director
  • Group Fitness Exercise Leader
  • Health Educator
  • *Occupational Therapist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Pharmaceutical Salesperson
  • *Physical Therapist
  • *Physicians Assistant
  • *Professor
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • *Sports Agent
  • Sports Manager
  • *Sports Nutritionist
  • *Sports Psychologist
  • *Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Wellness Coordinator
  • Adapted Physical Education
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Development
  • Motor Learning

*Some careers require advanced education/training

Graduate School Placements

Columbia University
East Tennessee State University
Texas Tech University-Lubbock
University of Alabama-Birmingham
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Western Carolina University

Blount Memorial Hospital
Clover Hill Senior Living
Foothills Physical Therapy
Results Physiotherapy
University of Tennessee Student Health

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning
outcomes:

  1. Understand and apply fundamental concepts of Exercise Science
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying anatomical concepts and principles
      relating to Exercise Science for both the enhancement of long-term health and
      wellbeing and for enhancing athletic performance.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying physiological concepts and
      principles relating to Exercise Science for both the enhancement of long-term health
      and wellbeing and for enhancing athletic performance.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the biomechanical concepts and principles relating
      to Exercise Science for both the enhancement of long-term health and wellbeing and
      for enhancing athletic performance.
    4. Demonstrate basic concepts and principles relating to motor behavior enabling them
      to know how humans best learn motor skills.
    5. Communicate the benefits and risk of physical activity in the general population
    6. Design a safe and effective exercise prescription to improve health and performance.
    7. Apply knowledge in a real world setting, integrating ethical standards and an
      appreciation of diversity in their professional lives.
  2. Communicate effectively through oral and written means, in both one-on-one and group
    settings.

    1. Develop professional skills, necessary to enhance scholarly pursuits and become
      lifelong
    2. Demonstrate proficiency in writing research reports.
    3. Demonstrate proficiency in communication through presentations in a classroom
      environment.
    4. Develop critical thinking necessary to enhance scholarly pursuits and become
      lifelong learners
    5. Develop statistical skills necessary to enhance scholarly pursuits and become lifelong
      learners
    6. Develop reflective skills necessary to enhance scholarly pursuits and become lifelong
      learners
  3. Respect persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
    1. Demonstrate the ability to modify and adapt exercise programming for inclusion of
      all peoples in the promotion of lifetime health and wellness.
  4. Demonstrate commitment to open-minded inquiry and lifelong learning to maintain
    best practice in the profession.

    1. Participate in adequate level of physical activity
    2. Create a plan to pursue certification or advanced training in exercise science and
      related fields.
    3. Participate in professional/student organizations and meetings.

The Major in Exercise Science consists of 69 credit hours.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

PHR 101: Human Health and Wellness(3 hrs)
PHR 177: Community CPR & First Aid(1 hrs)
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
EXS 217: Human Anatomy and Physiology I(4 hrs)
EXS 218: Human Anatomy and Physiology II(4 hrs)
EXS 219: Principles of Human Nutrition(3 hrs)
PHR 231: Motor Development and Motor Learning(3 hrs)
PHR 321: Physical Education and Recreation for Special Populations(3 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
EXS 311: Athletic Training(3 hrs)
EXS 332: Kinesiology(3 hrs)
EXS 337: Internship in Exercise Science(0-15 hrs)
EXS 342: Research Methods in Physical Activity(3 hrs)
EXS 345: Physiology of Exercise(3 hrs)
EXS 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
EXS 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
PHY 101: College Physics I(4 hrs)
PHY 102: College Physics II(4 hrs)

Either of the following courses:

BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
Or
BIO 412: Animal Physiology(4 hrs)

American Red Cross certifications in Standard First Aid and Community CPR are required as a part of the major.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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