One student takes the blood pressure of another student that is on an exercise bike

Exercise Science

Program Overview
Courses

The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains by integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.

The Program will provide students with the didactic and experiential foundation in the study of human physiology and movement necessary to succeed whether pursuing a career, a professional field of study or engaging in advanced academic work. This mission is achieved through classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory instruction, scholarship, and service-learning opportunities designed to promote and develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. CAAHEP

The Exercise Science Program at Lipscomb University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org)

9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

Exercise Science Program Goals

Meet academic and professional standards and guidelines of CAAHEP (The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and CoAES (Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences).
Prepare graduates as exercise professionals for their distinct roles in medical, allied health, fitness and sports performance fields.
Prepare students to sit for NCCA approved professional certification examinations which align with their professional goals.
Prepare students for post-graduation placement into a graduate/professional program, or entry-level employment within six months of degree completion.

Selected Outcome Assessments

Students in the Exercise Science Program should be able to successfully pass oral, written and/or practical examinations and demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Closely analyze an individual’s medical history to assess any potential risks that exercise may pose
Appropriately measure and monitor an individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythms, etc.
Successfully educate an individual about their injuries and health conditions, such as lung disease and diabetes, and provide information about how to stay healthy
Be able to teach individuals how to perform exercises safely and effectively
Perform appropriate fitness assessment tests and prescribe exercise for a healthy population
Administer submaximal exercise tests using various laboratory ergometers
Demonstrate a basic understanding of electrocardiography and its application in the exercise science arena
Perform various body composition analysis tests and appropriately interpret test results
Apply Exercise Physiology knowledge and principles in the health and exercise setting
Demonstrate a knowledge of effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques in the fitness setting
Successfully pass an NCCA accredited certification exam (ie: ACSM or NSCA)
Successfully complete the required 200 hour externship experience

Admission Requirements

Students interested in pursuing a B.S. degree in Exercise Science must be admitted to the Exercise Science Program. There are no limits to the number of students admitted to the Program each year. Admission into the Program can occur in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Admission requirements include:

A declared major in Exercise Science (usually in the spring of the students sophomore year but no later than earning 57 credit hours)
A grade of ‘B' or better in 2 of the following courses: BY1134; BY1144; or CM1113 (lab CM1211)
A 3.0 cumulative GPA
A grade of ‘C' or better in all Kinesiology Department courses

NCCA Exam (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)

Courses

Specific courses required:

BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
BY 1144 - Principles of Biology: Diversity and Ecology
BY 3514 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BY 3524 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
KIN 2203 - Foundations in Kinesiology
KIN 1303 - Healthful Living
KIN 2023 - Sport and Exercise Psychology
KIN 2533 - Anatomical Kinesiology
KIN 3003 - Biomechanics
KIN 3303 - First Aid and Injury Care
KIN 3363 - Biostatistics
KIN 4113 - Exercise Physiology
KIN 4123 - Exercise Physiology Lab
KIN 4133 - Exercise Evaluation and Prescription
KIN 4323 - Administration of Exercise Related Programs
KIN 4153 - Strength and Conditioning Program Design
KIN 4163 - Applied Exercise Physiology
KIN 4224 - Externship in Kinesiology
KIN 4502 - Seminar in Kinesiology
MG 3503 - Leading and Managing People
MK 3503 - Principles of Marketing
NUTR 2613 - Principles of Nutrition

Note:

All students majoring in exercise science must achieve a "C" or above in all department courses required for the exercise science major.

Exercise Science Minor

Total hours required: 19

Specific courses required:

BY 2213 - Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology or
BY 3514 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and

BY 3524 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

KIN 2533 - Anatomical Kinesiology
KIN 4113 - Exercise Physiology
KIN 4133 - Exercise Evaluation and Prescription
KIN 4224 - Externship in Kinesiology
NUTR 2613 - Principles of Nutrition

Health Minor

Total hours required: 18

Specific courses required:

KIN 1303 - Healthful Living
KIN 3303 - First Aid and Injury Care
NUTR 2613 - Principles of Nutrition
PS 3513 - Drugs and Behavior

Elective courses include six hours chosen from the following:

PS 2313 - Behavior Modification
PS 2423 - Life Span Development
PS 3453 - Death and Dying
SO 1123 - Introduction to Sociology
SO 2103 - The Family

Coaching Minor

Contact Information

Kinesiology

Ruth Henry
Professor and Department Chair, Kinesiology
(615) 966-5757
ruth.henry@lipscomb.edu

Kinesiology

Kent Johnson
Professor and Professor, Exercise Science Program Director
(615) 966-5770
kent.johnson@lipscomb.edu

20:1

Student to faculty ratio

Internship

Become more competitive in the job market with an internship related to your interests. You’ll gain experience and boost your exposure. An internship will also help you learn whether you’ve chosen a career you’ll enjoy.

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Our Faculty

Ruth Henry

Professor and Department Chair, Kinesiology

Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise science, she teaches the statistics and research courses.
Meet Ruth Henry
David Bender

Assistant Professor

David Bender joined the Lipscomb faculty in 2020 as an assistant professor in nutrition and kinesiology. In 2002, Bender enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served from 2003 to 2011...
Meet David Bender
Rebecca Claypool

Assistant Professor

Dr. Rebecca Claypool brings more than twenty years of interdisciplinary industry experience in recreation, fitness, and health professions to her role as a faculty member at Lipscomb University. Her professional...
Meet Rebecca Claypool
Kent Johnson

Professor and Professor, Exercise Science Program Director

Cofounder of EXNS program Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise physiology, leads the cardiovascular laboratory, and is a fellow in the ACSM.
Meet Kent Johnson
Laurel Littlefield

Associate Professor

Laurel and her husband Brad are originally from West Texas, and moved to Nashville with their three sons in 2018. Laurel and Brad met while attending Lubbock Christian University (LCU)...
Meet Laurel Littlefield
Andrew Mauldin

Assistant Professor

Andrew was born in northeast Ohio and has lived in many states over his lifetime. Andrew attended Harding University where he received his B.A. in Kinesiology. After graduating from Harding...
Meet Andrew Mauldin
Matthew Ruiz

Director of Grad Studies EXNS and Professor

Professional expertise in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
Meet Matthew Ruiz
Jeremy Townsend

Associate Professor

Jeremy Townsend is currently an Assistant Professor in Exercise and Nutrition Science at Lipscomb University. He received his Bachelor's degree from Harding University where he was a captain of the...
Meet Jeremy Townsend

Career Paths

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Exercise Science

Program Overview

Exercise Science Program Goals

Selected Outcome Assessments

Admission Requirements

NCCA Exam (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)

Courses

Specific courses required:

Note:

Exercise Science Minor

Health Minor

Coaching Minor

Internship

Job placement

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Our Faculty

Ruth Henry

David Bender

Rebecca Claypool

Kent Johnson

Laurel Littlefield

Andrew Mauldin

Matthew Ruiz

Jeremy Townsend

Career Paths

Physical Therapists

Athletic Trainers

Occupational Therapists

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