Exercise Physiology: Health and Fitness (B.S.)

The West Liberty University Exercise Physiology Program is designed to impart students with a foundation of knowledge concerning the human body’s immediate and long-term response to physical activity that will serve graduates in a variety of careers, especially those that concern human movement (for example, clinical exercise physiologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician’s assistant, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and many others). The program is accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), and its learning objectives are aligned with ASEP’s. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking skills, effective writing, clear articulation and presentation, and analytical skills that transcend the subject matter. Students are also encouraged to participate in, and learn to appreciate the application of scientific research to real world problems and/or service for the benefit of the community, with consideration of the moral and ethical issues involved.

Exercise physiology students learn by doing. Learning experiences include lectures, laboratories for the development of essential skills and the elucidation of fundamental principles, research, professional development, and field internship wherein students gain practical experience with one or more of the program’s regional partners. Upon graduation, students will have been prepared to challenge the ASEP board certification exam and become board certified exercise physiologists with the EPC credential.

Each student has the choice of a concentration, either Clinical, which is designed to meet many if not all of the prerequisite requirements of popular graduate studies programs in clinical fields; Health and Fitness, which is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into career fields; or Pre-Athletic Training, which is designed to prepare students for entry into the Master’s in Athletic Training program. In addition to courses within the program, students also gain valuable knowledge from the fields of health, psychology, the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science.

Admission Process

Any individual who has been admitted to WLU as a student is eligible for admission into the program. In order to graduate, students must have a 2.5 overall and a minimum grade of “C” in all EP major component classes. To be eligible for an internship, students must have an overall GPA of 2.5.

Requirements

Required Courses

BIO 105Life Science for Non-majors

3

BIO 106Life Science for Non-majors Lab

1

CHEM 100Foundations of Chemistry

3

CHEM 101Foundations of Chemistry Lab

1

EP 125Introduction to Exercise Physiology

1

EP 299Basic Strength & Conditioning Principles

3

EP 325Exercise Physiology I

3

EP 326Exercise Physiology I Lab

1

EP 333Exercise Metabolism & Nutrition

3

EP 352Sport Rehabilitation

3

EP 448Exercise Physiology II

3

EP 449Exercise Physiology II Lab

1

EP 450Biomechanics

3

EP 454Cardiac Rehabilitation

3

EP 455Modification of Exercise

3

EP 460Theory of Exercise Testing, Prescriptions, & Programs

3

EP 480Exercise Physiology Internshp

6

HE 300Nutrition & Physical Fitness

3

MATH 160Introduction to Statistics

3 or 5

PE 240Anatomy & Physiology

3

PE 326Tests, Measurements & Research Design

2

PE 395Kinesiology

3

PHYS 190The Physical World

3

PHYS 191The Physical World Lab

1

PSYC 101Introduction to Psychology

3

Choose 3 hours from the following:

SDE 232First Aid-Emergency Service

3

SDE 252EMT

3

Choose 20 hours from the following:

PSYC 252Life Span Development

3

CIS 271Practical Computer Applications

3

SPED 241Introduction to Exceptionalities

3

EDUC 201Human Development

3

PE 258Motor Development

2

PE 211Group Fitness Leadership

2

HE 320Mental Health & Drug Use & Abuse

3

HE 340Human Sexuality & the Family

3

HE 360Community & Environmental Health

3

CIS 271Practical Computer Applications

3

GBUS 140Introduction to Business

3