Exercise Science and Wellness, A.A.S.
Entry Time
Fall
Award
Associate of Applied Science degree
2 years (4 terms)
Kirkwood Community College's Exercise Science program will provide the training necessary to become a nationally recognized fitness professional and/or to continue to an institution offering bachelor's degrees, or to further individual knowledge in order to serve the local community. Students within the exercise science program will attain skills in assessment and identification of health risks and fitness program design for general and special populations. Students would also gain knowledge and understanding of physical and physiological adaptations to the environment and exercise and be able to utilize that knowledge to educate others regarding proper exercise form, anatomy, physiology, and the nutrition required to meet health goals.
Graduates from the Exercise Science and Wellness program are eligible to take the Certified Personal Trainer examination offered by various organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Career Opportunities
- fitness centers
- health clubs
- physical therapy clinics
- sports teams
- hospitals
- build own business
Degree Requirements
| Term 1 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Nutrition 1 | ||
| Sports Nutrition 1 | ||
| ENG-105 or ENG-120 | Composition I or College Writing | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Human A&P for Exercise Sci | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy Physiology II | ||
| Math Course | 3 | |
| Program Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Activity Course | 1 | |
| Term Totals: | 16 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ENG-106 | Composition II | 3 |
| EXS-180 | Fitness Programming and Design 1 | 3 |
| PEH-170 | Principles of Weight Training 1 | 3 |
| PSY-111 | Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| Humanities or History/Culture Course | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| EXS-280 | Exercise Physiology 1 | 4 |
| PSY-121 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Math Course | 3 | |
| Program Elective 1 | 6 | |
| Term Totals: | 16 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| PEH-270 | Exercise Prescription for Special Populations 1 | 3 |
| EXS-285 | Personal Trainer Capstone 1 | 3 |
| SPC-101 or SPC-112 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Public Speaking | 3 |
| WBL-302 | Intern: STEM 1 | 2 |
| Humanities or History/Culture Course | 3 | |
| Activities Course | 1 | |
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Program Totals: | 62 | |
- 1
Minimum grade of C- to graduate
Program Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PEH-111 | Personal Wellness 1 | 3 |
| PEC-111 | Techniques and Theory of Coaching 1 | 2 |
| PEC-126 | Athletic Injury Prevention 1 | 2 |
| PEC-148 | Theory of Coaching Basketball 1 | 2 |
| PEC-160 | Sports Officiating 1 | 2 |
| PEH-155 | Exercise Psychology 1 | 3 |
| PEH-160 | Fundamentals of Health Coaching 1 | 3 |
| PEH-162 | Introduction to Physical Education 1 | 3 |
| PEH-165 | Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine 1 | 3 |
| PEH-191 | Sports Nutrition 1 | 3 |
| PEH-255 | Principles of Sports Management 1 | 3 |
| PEH-924 | Honors Project 1 | 1 |
| PEH-928 | Independent Study 1 | 1 |
- 1
Minimum grade of C- to graduate
Activities Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PEA-102 | Aerobic Fitness I | 1 |
| PEA-162 | Speed and Conditioning I | 1 |
| PEA-187 | Weight Training I | 1 |
| PEA-287 | Weight Training II | 1 |