How does the human body respond to exercise? What are the limits of human performance? How can exercise training impact chronic disease, quality of life, and sport success?
These are some of the questions the study of exercise and sport physiology investigates. Exercise physiology is the study of the acute and chronic adaptations to the stress of physical activity. While the study of exercise physiology can inform us how exercise can improve physiological function in general; its sub-discipline, sport physiology, helps us understand and improve athletic performance specifically.
This major provides a strong science-based curriculum of advanced courses in exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, strength and conditioning, and research methodology with an emphasis on the improvement and understanding of human performance. Laboratory activities, research, and clinical applications are components of this program. Majors will be prepared for careers in clinical research settings, strength and conditioning, and the health/fitness industry. The major also provides a strong foundation for future graduate studies in Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and other allied health related fields. In addition, the program prepares students to challenge select certification examinations such as the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
3+2 BS/MS Degree Option
Students interested in graduate study in exercise science who have completed all prerequisite courses at the end of the 3rd year of study can apply to the MS degree program for their 4th year of study. Students who complete all requirements will earn the BS in Exercise & Sport Physiology at the completion of their 4th year and the MS in Applied Exercise Physiology & Human Performance at the completion of their 5th year.
Our comprehensive curriculum comprises courses designed to enhance your knowledge across a broad range of exercise science topics including strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, and exercise psychology. The coursework is complemented by extensive laboratory and applied experiences including research and practicum work.
Curriculum & Requirements
Exercise & Sport Physiology
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| EX 2755 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 3580 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| EX 3750 | Physiology of Exercise Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 3860 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| EX 3865 | Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4520 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| EX 4525 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4760 | Exercise Physiology for Special Populations | 3 |
| EX 4840 | Research Methods in Exercise Science (WRCO) | 3 |
| BI 2110 & BI 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I | 4 |
| BI 2120 & BI 2140 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II | 4 |
| CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
| CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HE 2500 | First Aid and CPR/AED | 1.5 |
| HE 3220 | Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living (TECO) | 3 |
| MA 2300 | Statistics I (QRCO) | 3 |
| PE 3570 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| PE 3720 | Motor Learning | 3 |
| Professional Skills - choose two: | 3 | |
PE 2428 | Flexibility, Core, and Balance Training | |
PE 2640 | Burdenko Conditioning | |
PE 2831 | Resistance Training Techniques | |
| Psychology Choice | ||
| CC 3860 | Psychological Aspects of Sports | 3-4 |
| or PBH 3200 | Social and Behavioral Health Psychology (INCO,INCP) | |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| INCO | Integration Connection | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Option Requirements | ||
| Complete one from the following required options | 27.5-33.5 | |
| BS in Exercise & Sport Physiology | ||
| 3+2 BS to MS in Applied Exercise Physiology & Human Performance | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Exercise and Sport Physiology.
BS in Exercise & Sport Physiology Option
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EX 4820 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EX 4825 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| Capstone Experience - Complete one: | ||
| EX 4830 | Applied Research in Exercise Science | 4-12 |
| or EX 4880 | Exercise & Sport Physiology Internship | |
| Electives | 19.5-21.5 | |
| Total Credits | 27.5-37.5 | |
3+2 Option
BS year four requirements for students planning to continue on to the MS are listed here. Additional details and full requirements of the MS in Applied Exercise Physiology and Human Performance can be found here.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EX 5210 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EX 5220 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 5500 | Graduate Seminar in Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 5610 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 4 |
| EX 5410 | Applied Research in Exercise Science | 4 |
| EX 5520 | Advanced Exercise Testing & ECG | 4 |
| EX 5730 | Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| EX 5700 | Advanced Practicum in Exercise Science I | 4 |
| Electives | 4.5-6.5 | |
| Total Credits | 31.5-33.5 | |
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
BS Option
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EX 2755 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| BI 2110 & BI 2130 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I |
4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Professional Skills Course | 1.5 | |
| MA 2300 | Statistics I (QRCO) | 3 |
| BI 2120 & BI 2140 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II |
4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 14.5-16.5 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| PE 3570 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Professional Skills Course | 1.5 | |
| Credits | 14.5-16.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 3580 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| EX 3750 | Physiology of Exercise Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HE 2500 | First Aid and CPR/AED | 1.5 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 0-4 | |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 12.5-20.5 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| PE 3720 | Motor Learning | 3 |
| EX 3860 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| EX 3865 | Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory | 1 |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 0-4 | |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| HE 3220 | Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living (TECO) | 3 |
| Credits | 13-21 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 4520 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| EX 4525 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4760 | Exercise Physiology for Special Populations | 3 |
| CC 3860 or PBH 3200 |
Psychological Aspects of Sports or Social and Behavioral Health Psychology (INCO,INCP) |
3-4 |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| EX 4820 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EX 4825 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4840 | Research Methods in Exercise Science (WRCO) | 3 |
| Electives | 6-8 | |
| INCO | Integration Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 16-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 4830 or EX 4880 |
Applied Research in Exercise Science or Exercise & Sport Physiology Internship |
4 |
| Electives | 9-12 | |
| Credits | 13-16 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Exercise and Sport Physiology.
3+2 Option
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EX 2755 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| BI 2110 & BI 2130 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I |
4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Professional Skills Course | 1.5 | |
| MA 2300 | Statistics I (QRCO) | 3 |
| BI 2120 & BI 2140 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II |
4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 14.5-16.5 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| PE 3570 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Professional Skills Course | 1.5 | |
| Credits | 14.5-16.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 3580 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| EX 3750 | Physiology of Exercise Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HE 2500 | First Aid and CPR/AED | 1.5 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 0-4 | |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 12.5-20.5 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| PE 3720 | Motor Learning | 3 |
| EX 3860 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| EX 3865 | Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory | 1 |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 0-4 | |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| HE 3220 | Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living (TECO) | 3 |
| Credits | 13-21 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 4520 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| EX 4525 | Principles and Theories of Strength and Conditioning Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4760 | Exercise Physiology for Special Populations | 3 |
| CC 3860 or PBH 3200 |
Psychological Aspects of Sports or Social and Behavioral Health Psychology (INCO,INCP) |
3-4 |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| EX 5210 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EX 5220 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 4840 | Research Methods in Exercise Science (WRCO) | 3 |
| EX 5500 | Graduate Seminar in Exercise Science | 3 |
| EX 5610 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 4 |
| INCO | Integration Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| EX 5410 | Applied Research in Exercise Science | 4 |
| EX 5220 | Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| EX 5730 | Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| EX 5700 | Advanced Practicum in Exercise Science I | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- Demonstrate knowledge of general overall physiological principles associated with metabolic processes; musculoskeletal system; cardiovascular system; aerobic and anaerobic program design.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology and risk factors associated with exercise and disease.
- Demonstrate the ability to administer and interpret health appraisals, fitness and clinical exercise testing.
- Demonstrate the ability to administer and interpret electrocardiography and other diagnostic techniques associated with physiological processes.
- Describe and understand issues involved with patient management and medications.
- Design and monitor exercise prescriptions and fitness programming.
- Assess and evaluate nutritional intake and demonstrate the ability to design weight management programs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety, injury prevention, and emergency procedures associated with laboratory activities and general exercise.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, pulmonary physiology, metabolic processes and associated pathophysiology and risk factors for disease.
- Demonstrate knowledge of orthopedic/musculoskeletal issues including pathophysiology and risk factors for injury.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing laboratory techniques and subsequent analysis of data commonly used in a Human Performance Laboratory.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and show ability to carry out the research process in a collaborative environment.
Exercise and Sport Physiology prepares you for careers in the fitness industry, strength and conditioning field, human performance laboratory research, clinical exercise physiology, and others, such as the pharmaceutical industry. The degree prepares you for future graduate studies in Exercise Science and is designed to allow you the flexibility to complete prerequisites that may be required for professional post-baccalaureate programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Chiropractic, etc.
- Demonstrate knowledge of general overall physiological principles associated with metabolic processes; musculoskeletal system; cardiovascular system; aerobic and anaerobic program design.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology and risk factors associated with exercise and disease.
- Demonstrate the ability to administer and interpret health appraisals, fitness, and clinical exercise testing.
- Demonstrate the ability to administer and interpret electrocardiography and other diagnostic techniques associated with physiological processes.
- Describe and understand issues involved with patient management and medications.
- Design and monitor exercise prescriptions and fitness programming.
- Assess and evaluate nutritional intake and demonstrate the ability to design weight management programs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety, injury prevention, and emergency procedures associated with laboratory activities and general exercise.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, pulmonary physiology, metabolic processes and associated pathology and risk factors for disease.
- Demonstrate knowledge of orthopedic/musculoskeletal issues including pathophysiology and risk factors for injury.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing laboratory techniques and subsequent analysis of data commonly used in Human Performance Laboratory.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and show ability to carry out the research process in a collaborative environment.
A B.S. degree in Exercise and Sport Physiology prepares you for careers in the fitness industry, strength and conditioning field, human performance laboratory research, clinical exercise physiology, and others, such as the pharmaceutical industry. The degree prepares you for future graduate studies in Exercise Science and is designed to allow you the flexibility to complete prerequisites that may be required for professional post-baccalaureate programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Chiropractic, etc.
Carl Jean Baptiste ’23
Carl Jean Baptiste graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport physiology and he received the program’s Outstanding Senior Award. He served as president of PSU’s Black Student Union. Carl began working with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Center because he “wanted to create a diverse culture on campus for everyone” in the PSU campus community. Diversity to him is unity in the different voices and perspectives we have in the world.
When Carl had free time, you could find working out or at the BSU meetings that happen every week. Carl’s favorite part about working at the center was “being able to unite with others,” especially those that he didn’t get to connect with on a normal basis.
If Carl was featured in a movie, you’d find him in Glory Road.
Our IDEA ambassadors work hard to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across our campus and beyond.
Visit the inclusion, diversity, equity, and access site for more information
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