Contact Information

Location: 155 North Street, Exercise and Sports Science Building
Chairperson: Dr. Jeff Godin, 978-665-3716
Secretary: Cheryl Sarasin, 978-665-3304
Admissions Office: 978-665-3144 or admissions@fitchburgstate.edu  

SUMMARY

The Exercise and Sports Science major is both multi and interdisciplinary.  It is multidisciplinary in that it is the integration of anatomy, physiology, physics, psychology, and learning theory to describe and explain responses and adaptations to exercise and training and applies that knowledge to enhance physical potential for health, for sport and in rehabilitation.  It is interdisciplinary in that it draws from biology and business administration to provide a foundation in these disciplines to support exercise science applications as well as to enhance career preparedness. 

The Exercise and Sports Science major is comprised of two tracks:  Clinical Exercise Physiology and the Fitness Management track.  There is a common core of Exercise Science courses to ensure a solid foundation in the various disciplines that comprise this multidisciplinary field of study and applies this knowledge in a variety of practical experiences.  There is an opportunity also to develop breadth and depth in the field of Exercise and Sports Science as each track has specific requirements, as well as free electives.   Quantitative skills such as research, testing, and interpretation of testing are the foundation of Exercise Science courses.  Throughout departmental course work the students will learn to search the literature, develop and conduct surveys, collect physiological data, interpret data, and analyze the results of studies.  The capstone course, Senior Seminar in Leadership and Ethics, focuses on leadership skills needed in the fitness industry and the clinical environment and emphasizes ethical practice.  

Fitchburg State University's Exercise and Sports Science major (EXSS) places an increased focus on science-based academics. EXSS students take core courses in anatomy & physiology, biology, psychology, and  chemistry early on in the curriculum. This science background is necessary to understand the concepts inherent in EXSS courses like exercise physiology, functional anatomy, cardiovascular and electrophysiology, biomechanics and many others. Students who continue on to graduate school in exercise science, physical therapy or similar advanced degree programs may find additional coursework like organic chemistry, physics and calculus are commonly required.

Such a scientific approach has led to numerous advancements in areas such as: safe and effective training techniques for athletes; causes and prevention of accidental falls in the elderly; and physical rehabilitation for cardiac patients. Fitchburg State University EXSS majors have several possible avenues following graduation based on these various applications to the discipline. The Exercise and Sports Science major provides students with the training they'll need to pursue a career in an industry that offers a multitude of choices. 

internships

The Internship Program in the Exercise and Sports Science major is an experiential education program.  The student intern contracts with an organization to provide specific outcomes/services that meet the students' learning goals as well as the needs of the organization.  Using work as the foundation, the students actively engage in their own educational and professional growth through conscious reflection and analysis. They grow by relating to professionals in the field, practicing what they have been learning conceptually, striving for high but attainable expectations, and systematically reflecting on their experiences.  To be eligible to participate in an internship the student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the major.  The Internship is 6 credits and a total of 240 working hours at the internship site.

professional conferences

All students in the Exercise and Sports Science major are required to attend one professional conference during their tenure at FSU.  

FACULTY

All full-time faculty members in the Exercise and Sports Science Department hold terminal degrees (PhD/EdD), and have many years of experience in the varied disciplines that make up the field of Exercise and Sports Science. From basic survey courses through capstone courses in the major, Exercise and Sports Science faculty members are very involved in the development of their students. Every student is assigned a faculty advisor from the day they enter the department. The advisor does more than simply help choose courses; the advisor becomes a mentor, assisting with the acquisition of needed professional skills. Each student receives the kind of personal attention that’s only possible in a school of this size.

FACILITIES

Exercise and Sports Science Lab & Fitness Center

The Exercise Science Laboratory is primarily for teaching, where students can gain hands-on-experience utilizing a variety of basic high tech instruments that are commonly used for research and in clinical settings.  The Exercise Science lab is where students in the major take courses such as exercise physiology, functional anatomy, biomechanics, motor learning, and exercise testing and prescription.  Associated with the laboratory is a well-equipped fitness center where students interested in the fitness industry may obtain valuable practical experience.  We will provide an opportunity for student and faculty research utilizing a variety of basic equipment to answer questions related with the exercise sciences. 

Also of Interest

• Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration
• Fitness Management Concentration
• Four Year Plan of Study
• Catalog (PDF)
• Exercise and Sports Science Department Policies (PDF)
• Exercise and Sports Science Faculty