Bachelor of Science in Human Performance

(Emphasis Area Exercise Science) 

Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance with a specialization in Exercise Science are prepared for careers in Clinical Exercise Physiology working in:

cardiac rehabilitation

hospital based wellness programs

program leaders/health fitness instructors at health clubs

YMCAs or in corporate wellness settings

strength and conditioning coaches in high schools, universities,

elite performance sport training programs or professional teams.

 

Numerous other students choose Exercise Science as Pre-Professional Degree preparation for professional programs such as:

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy or Medicine while other students choose to

Apply for graduate school

Receive post- baccalaureate degree

An advanced graduate degree in Exercise Science prepares students for a variety of careers, such as those previously mentioned. Additionally, a number of Exercise Science students choose to go onto advanced study and get involved with various aspects of research.

Typical Job Responsibilities

Exercise Science professionals typically assist clients/patients with obtaining their specific goals through the use of exercise modalities including:

aerobic/cardiorespiratory exercise

resistance training

flexibility training

weight loss

Exercise Science professionals typically evaluate, design, implement, and train individuals in a variety of exercise programs. Pre-professional students typically go on to professional school programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Medicine.

Typical Facilities/Agencies

Exercise Science professionals work in a variety of settings including hospitals, wellness centers, community or corporate fitness centers, strength and conditioning programs, or elite training centers.

Pre-professional students typically work in clinical, hospital or private practice settings. Additionally, Exercise Science graduates can pursue employment in clinical research settings.

 Market Outlook

The employment outlook in Mississippi for Clinical Exercise Science professionals is good. Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs are growing in size as southern Mississippi is growing as a retirement area for senior populations.

Additionally, with the recent listing of obesity as a clinical disease the call for Exercise Science professionals is likely to increase. The interest and desire for athletes of all ages to perform at their optimal level will only fuel the need for well-trained Exercise Science professionals to provide the advanced training these high-level athletes demand.

Admission into Exercise Science Program

A student must have a 2.0 grade point average with a C or better in each of the following pre-requisite courses:

HPR 202 Introduction to Exercise Science

Chemistry 106 and 106lab

Biology 110 and 110lab (or Chemistry 107 and 107lab or Chemistry 251 and 251lab)

Biology 250 (Anatomy and Physiology I) and 250 lab

Biology 251 (Anatomy and Physiology II) and 251lab

Nutrition 362.

Additionally, students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and obtain a C or better in all HPR core and specialization courses.

 Internship Requirements

The final semester of the Exercise Science program is a formal internship. Students earn either 9 or 12 semester credit hours while working with an approved Exercise Science supervisor.

Prior to beginning their internship students are required to have completed all coursework and have obtained an overall minimum grade point average of 2.0 along with a C or better in all HPR core and specialization courses.

Certification Opportunity

Upon completion of all degree requirements, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance with a specialization in Exercise Science. Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Instructor or the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist is highly encouraged and desired by potential employers.

Exercise Science students will receive the necessary coursework and preparation to sit for either or both certifications at the time they begin their internship.

Salary Ranges

Salaries for Exercise Science professionals in Mississippi range from $20,000 to above $60,000, depending on level of degree and experience. Benefits may vary with employers (school-based or non-school-based). These may include vacations, sick leave, hospital and group insurance, pensions, and other incentives.

Placement of Graduates

Recent placement of Southern Miss graduates includes clinical and hospital settings, wellness centers, strength and conditioning centers and a variety of post-baccalaureate academic programs throughout Mississippi and the Eastern and Southeastern United States.

University Core

English: ENG 101, ENG 102, ENG 203

Humanities: HIS 101 & 102 or HIS 101 & PHI 151 or REL 131

Fine Arts: ART 130 or DAN 107 or MUS 365 or THE 100

College Algebra: MAT 101

Social Studies: SOC 101

 Pre-requisite Classes (Student must obtain a “C” or better)

HPR 202 Introduction to Exercise Science

CHE 106 & 106L General Chemistry I & Lab

BSC 110 & 110L Principles of Biological Sciences I & Lab or CHE 107 & 107L

General Chemistry II & Lab or CHE 251 & 251L – Elementary Organic Chemistry & Lab

BSC 250 & 250L Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab

BSC 251 & 251L Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab

NFS 362 Nutrition

Exercise Science Required Classes (Student must obtain a “C” or better)

CSC 100 Introduction to Computing

PSY 110 General Psychology

HPR 301 & 301L Kinesiology & Lab

HPR 302 Techniques for Evaluating Fitness

HPR 304 Nutrition for Performance

HPR 308 & 308L Exercise Physiology & Lab

HPR 217 First Aid

HPR 310 Pre Internship

PSY 360 Statistics

HPR 370 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries

HPR 402 Physiology of Exercise II

HPR 406 Physiology of Aging and Chronic Disease Management

HPR 409 Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Human Performance

HPR 411 Adapted Activities and Techniques for Therapeutic Recreation

HPR 420 Practicum

HPR 423 & 423L Biomechanics and Lab

HPR 470 Development of Strength and Conditioning Programs

HPR 496 Internship (9 SCH - 400 contact hours; 12 SCH - 520 contact hours)

Plus General Electives: 7-12 credit hours*

 

Additional Pre-Physical Therapy Required Classes

Physics: PHY 111 & 111L – General Physics I & Lab

PHY 112 & 112L – General Physics II & Lab

Mathematics: MAT 103 (prerequisite course for PHY 111/111L

2 Advanced Physical or Biological Science Courses (300 level or above)

 

Additional Pre-Occupational Therapy Required Classes

Biology: BSC 111/111L – Principles of Biological Sciences II

Psychology : PSY 436 – Abnormal Psychology

PSY 375 – Developmental Psychology

Speech: SCM 111 – Oral Communication

Sociology: ECO 255 or PS 101 or ANT 101 or GHY 101

Mathematics: MAT 103 (prerequisite course for PHY 111/111L)

Physics: PHY 111 & 111L – General Physics I & Lab

* The additional required classes for the Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy options fulfill this general elective requirement.

For course descriptions, please click on Course Descriptions.