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Exercise and Nutritional Science

The Major

Physical education is a study of the processes through which individuals obtain optimal health, physical skill, and fitness. The physical educator, whether in a laboratory, school, medical or business setting, is ultimately concerned with improving the health and well-being of people.

The uniqueness of the academic area known as physical education is the study of human movement. The academic foundation for the study of human movement is covered by courses that explore movement as it affects and is affected by physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and mechanical parameters. Application of movement concepts evolves from an academic foundation and is covered by courses that study how movement is quantified, how learning experiences are sequenced to modify movement behaviors, and how movement is modified for special needs.

While many students think of physical education only as preparation for coaching and teaching, today's physical educator is prepared for a wide range of exciting career opportunities beyond the traditional paths. Some of the typical fields open to physical education majors include:

Athletic Training. The purpose of this specialization is to prepare students to meet the academic requirements necessary for a career in athletic training and completion of the degree requirements for national certification in athletic training. Athletic training specialists work in such diverse areas as injury prevention and rehabilitation, fitness testing, and as athletic trainers for sports teams. Students wishing to meet all requirements for national certification by the National Athletic Trainers Association must also complete a minimum two years clinical internship under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students interested in completing an internship should meet with the undergraduate adviser in the department. Selection is competitive and limited in number. Applications are accepted in spring for fall selections.

Prephysical Therapy. This specialization prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for physical therapy, chiropractic, and podiatry. Students find employment in a broad range of medical, commercial, and educational environments. Students wishing to meet all requirements for postgraduate education for a professional degree should meet with the undergraduate adviser as well as contact potential postgraduate education sites to obtain specific entry requirements.

Fitness, Nutrition, and Health. Persons majoring in physical education often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This specialization prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to: (1) evaluate and program exercises for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) pursue certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Physical education graduates work as fitness experts and managers in adult and corporate fitness programs of business, industry, public agencies, and schools. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness clubs, cardiac rehabilitation, and human efficiency research.

Movement Studies. This program may be used by students as an undergraduate major for the B.S. degree in physical education when their degree objective is best served by an individualized program composed of courses from more than one specialization. The breadth of courses available to students in this program requires that each student meet with the Undergraduate Adviser to identify specific courses that best meet the program objectives.

Teaching. The graduate in physical education may find employment in public and private schools, specializing at either the elementary or secondary level. Physical education majors teach activities and sports skills, health and fitness classes, and act as physical education resource specialists. Students may also prepare for careers in athletic coaching. The athletic coach works to improve individual and team sports skills, enhance opportunities for social and personal development of team members, develop the health and fitness of participants, and promote public awareness concerning the benefits of sports participation. Opportunities for both men and women exist at the interscholastic level as well as with community and commercial sports clubs.

Physical Education Major

With the B.S. Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences
(Major Code: 08351)

All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."

A minor is not required with this major.

Specialization in Athletic Training

Preparation for the Major. Exercise and Nutritional Sciences activities (2 units), Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 104A or 104B, 210, 265, 265L; Biology 150, 202; Chemistry 130, 200; Communication 103; Information and Decision Systems 180; Nutrition 204; Physics 180A, 180B; Psychology 101; Sociology 101; and one of the following: Biology 215, Economics 201, Mathematics 119, Psychology 270, or Sociology 201. (47 units)

Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Major. A minimum of 49 upper division units to include Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 314, 363, 365, 366, 366L, 388 (1 unit), 401A, 401B, 461, 462, 463, 463L, 464; Biology 336. Biology 336 will also satisfy three units of the General Education requirement (IV.A). Recommended: Students should take Sociology 355 to satisfy the General Education requirement (IV.B).

Specialization in Prephysical Therapy

Preparation for the Major. Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 104A or 104B, 210, 265, 265L; Biology 150, 201, 202; Chemistry 200, 201; Communication 103; Mathematics 121 or 150; Physics 180A, 180B, 182A, 182B; Psychology 101; Sociology 101; and one of the following: Biology 215, Economics 201, Mathematics 119, Psychology 270, or Sociology 201. (50-52 units)

Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Major. A minimum of 39 upper division units to include Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 314, 363, 365, 388 (1 unit), 401A, 401B, 460; Biology 336, 436, Psychology 350. Biology 336 will also satisfy three units of the General Education requirement (IV.A.). Recommended: Students should take Sociology 355 to satisfy the General Education requirement (IV.B.).

Specialization in Fitness, Nutrition and Health

Preparation for the Major. Exercise and Nutritional Sciences activities (2 units), Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 104A or 104B, 210, 265, 265L; Biology 100, 100L, 150; Chemistry 100; Communication 103; Gerontology 101; Nutrition 202; Psychology 101; Sociology 101; and three units selected from Biology 215, Economics 201, Mathematics 119, Psychology 270, or Sociology 201. (37 units)

Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Major. A minimum of 54 upper division units to include Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 314, 347A, 347B, 363, 365, 388 (1 unit), 401A, 401B, 412, 431, 432, 432L, 433; Biology 336; Community Health Education 301; Nutrition 309, 311; Biology 336 will also satisfy three units of the General Education requirement (IV.A). Recommended: Students should take Sociology 355 to satisfy the General Education requirement (IV.B).

Specialization in Movement Studies

Preparation for the Major. Exercise and Nutritional Sciences activities (2 units), Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 104A or 104B, 210, 265, 265L; Biology 150; Communication 103; Psychology 101; Sociology 101; and three units selected from Biology 215, Economics 201, Mathematics 119, Psychology 270, or Sociology 201. (23 units)

Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Major. A minimum of 48 upper division units to include Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 314, 347A, 347B, 401A, 401B; Biology 336; plus 18 upper division units selected from the following: Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 348, 352A, 352B, 352C, 352D, 352E, 352F, 363, 365, 388 (1 unit), 412, 431, 432, 432L, 433, 441A, 441B, 441C, 441D, 442A, 442B, 445, 461. Biology 336 will also satisfy three units of the General Education requirement (IV.A). Recommended: Students should take Sociology 355 to satisfy the General Education requirement (IV.B).