Exercise Physiology Major (M)

The Exercise Physiology major at Concordia University prepares students to understand how the body responds and adapts to the stress of physical exertion. A thorough knowledge of exercise physiology enables one to understand the physiological mechanisms responsible for the acute and chronic response to physical activity. This knowledge can be used by students as they enter the workforce in health and fitness industries, strength and conditioning programs, clinical exercise physiology settings or entry into professional/graduate studies such as Concordia's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, Master of Occupational Therapy program, or master’s/doctoral work in the exercise sciences.

Coursework in the Exercise Physiology major includes a strong foundation in the sciences plus significant hands-on laboratory work assessing cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and pulmonary responses in Concordia's Exercise Physiology Laboratory.  Emphases in this major include both clinical exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. Students will be prepared to sit for nationally recognized certification exams offered through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Opportunities are available to participate in developing and conducting research projects in the exercise physiology laboratory and/or to pursue internships to gain additional practical experiences in their preferred field.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of applied anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology in healthy populations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applied anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology in clinical populations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advocate for healthy lifestyles in diverse populations (eg. culture, literacy, age, gender, disability) using physical activity and exercise.
  • Demonstrate Exercise Physiology skills and abilities by providing clear and accurate written assessments of human performance
  • Demonstrate Exercise Physiology skills and abilities by providing clear and accurate verbal assessments of human performance.
  • Apply current movement science research to guide evidence based practice.
  • Identify and utilize appropriate means of health screening and disease classification in exercise programming.
  • Student will evaluate the integration of Christian faith and ethical practice.

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements48
Electives27
Minor: Optional
Total Hours120

 Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
Weight Training (Human Beings and Being Human)
Advanced Weight Training
Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Natural World)
Statistics I (Natural World)
General Psychology (Human Beings and Being Human)
Required Courses
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIO 285Pathophysiology3
HHP 280Psychology of Sport3
HHP 342Nutrition for Wellness and Performance3
HHP 373Motor Development3
HHP 375Biomechanics3
EXPH 225Introduction to Exercise Science3
EXPH 442Exercise Testing and Prescription4
EXPH 470Exercise Physiology4
EXPH 471Advanced Exercise Physiology4
EXPH 475Seminar in Exercise Physiology2
EXPH 480Program Design and Application of Strength and Conditioning Principles3
EXPH 494Exercise and Chronic Disease3
EXPH 495Senior Seminar3
or EXPH 460 Internship
PHIL 350Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society (Human Beings and Being Human)3
Recommended Electives
Human Physiology
Elements of General and Biological Chemistry
General Chemistry I 1
General Chemistry II 1
School and Community Health
Healthy Lifestyles
General Physics I 1
General Physics II 1
Life Span Development
Abnormal Psychology
Advanced Anatomy
Total Hours48
Course List
 
 
1

 Although CHEM 141 General Chemistry I/CHEM 142 General Chemistry II, and  PHYS 151 General Physics I/PHYS 152 General Physics II are recommended for all Exercise Physiology majors, only Pre Physical Therapy are required to take them for admittance into a Physical Therapy program. Students should check with their advisor for further information on options within the Exercise Physiology curriculum.