The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Health Education program offers a blend of classroom instruction and clinical experience designed to prepare students for entry into the fitness industry as a personal trainer, strength coach, health and fitness instructor or exercise leader. The exercise science degree program can lead to eligibility for certification in any of several areas with the American College of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (or any of the national aerobics instructor certifications).
GCU‛s exercise science degree program will also provide competency in personal and group health instruction to prepare students as health and wellness educators. This career path is for anyone who wants to work directly with students/clients in the areas of disease prevention, physical fitness, wellness and health enhancement.
The curriculum for the exercise science degree explores what fitness entails, examines how to evaluate an individual‛s fitness needs, and provides guidance on how to develop customized fitness programs. Future physical education teachers, fitness instructors and recreational leaders will be prepared with the skills necessary to teach physical education to groups. Nutrition theory is studied, with a focus on food components, exercise and weight control. Students will also investigate the principles of sports medicine, including the care and treatment of athletic trauma.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| BIO-155 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - Lecture | A study of the basic structure and function of the major systems of the human body, this course focuses on an in-depth exploration of the musculoskeletal and neurological systems for athletic training, health, and exercise science majors. This course also compares normal and abnormal function for more comprehensive understanding of the human body. Co-requisite: BIO 155L. | 3 |
| BIO-155L | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - Lab | This lab is designed to complement and support the principles taught in BIO 155. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to identify and describe functions, structures, and classifications of the skeletal, muscular, and organ systems along with related disorders. Co-requisite: BIO 155. | 1 |
| PED-200 | Lifetime Personal Wellness and Teaching of Fitness | This is an introductory course in exercise and wellness. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of knowledge regarding what fitness entails, self-evaluation of each student‛s present fitness needs, and development of personalized fitness programs. A special emphasis is placed on a review of nutritional principles and producing a personalized nutrition plan. Students also receive instruction and practice opportunities in the theoretical and practical aspects of flexibility, stretching, and weight training activities. This includes lesson planning, teaching techniques, evaluation, and proficiency in skills by means of lecture, demonstration, and participation. | 4 |
| EXS-214 | Care, Treatment, and Prevention of Athletic Injuries - Lecture | This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of sports medicine, the care and treatment of athletic trauma, and the use of proper conditioning principles for the prevention of injury. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 214L. | 3 |
| EXS-214L | Care, Treatment, and Prevention of Athletic Injuries - Lab | This lab is designed to complement and support the principles taught in EXS 214. The course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of sports medicine; the care and treatment of athletic trauma; safety and its importance in related settings; and the use of proper conditioning principles of the prevention of injury. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 214. | 1 |
| PED-247 | Teaching Strategy in Physical Education and Exercise Science | This writing-intensive course is designed to prepare future physical education teachers, fitness instructors, and recreational leaders in the skills necessary to teach physical education activities to groups. Included is the development of lesson plans and course goals/performance objectives that can be applied to the teaching of any skill or activity. Becoming aware of the place of physical education and exercise science globally and perspectives on human diversity in all areas of sport and physical activity is included. | 4 |
| EXS-340 | Physiology of Exercise - Lecture | This course is a study of the effects of exercise on the body. Topics include nutrition as the basis for physical activity; how energy is produced and utilized during physical activity; the energy delivery and vital functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems during exercise; how these systems can be enhanced through training; the impact of ergogenic aids and environmental stress on performance; and the effect of exercise on body composition, weight control, aging, and disease prevention. The body‛s responses and adaptations to exercise at the systemic, as well as the subcellular level, are also discussed. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) HLT 253 or BIO 160 or BIO 201 and BIO 202; or 2) one of these combinations: (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 340L. | 3 |
| EXS-340L | Physiology of Exercise - Lab | This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the basic principles learned in the lecture course. Skills of measurement and evaluation, including computerized methods employed to facilitate testing, are applied to physiological and systemic principles of exercise. Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) none; or 2) one of the following combinations (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 340. | 1 |
| BIO-319 | Applied Nutrition | This course provides a foundation of basic nutrition theory, with a focus on assessment, food components, exercise, nutrition, weight control, community programs, and resources. Application of these aspects is used to promote health and prevent illness. | 4 |
| PED-251 | Teaching of Team Sports and Individual Activities I | This course is intended to provide students with the general technical and physical skills required to teach selected outdoor sports. Students learn how to plan and organize the team sports of soccer, flag football, and speedball for educational settings; conduct classes while ensuring participants‛ health and safety; and work with a variety of age and skill levels. This course is also designed to acquaint students with knowledge and experience of outdoor living and outdoor leadership skills. The individual/group activities of camping, backpacking, orienteering, and desert survival skills are discussed and practiced. Field trips to outdoor facilities are taken. Prerequisite: PED 247. | 4 |
| HLT-380 | Principles of Public and Environmental Health | This course is a study of the public agencies and their contribution to the health of the community and health risks related to the environment on personal, community, regional, national and global levels. Topics include fundamentals, philosophy, history, and functions of public health services, air, water, waste, disease, toxicology, and occupational health and environmental health planning. Emphasis is placed on the student‛s personal health and how it is affected by public and environmental health factors. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. | 4 |
| EXS-458 | Theory & Practice of Strength and Conditioning | This course is the study of the physiological responses to exercise, exercise technique, program design for anaerobic and aerobic exercise, exercise prescription principles, and organization and administration of strength and conditioning facilities. This course provides students information on the design and implementation of a successful strength and conditioning program. Emphasis is placed on assessment, description, and analysis of sport movement, and designing weight training programs to enhance performance variables. Workshops reinforce these goals, focusing on assessment of athletic performance, as well as the development of musculoskeletal flexibility, speed, agility, quickness, strength, and power. This course assists those students who desire to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association‛s Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) Exam. Prerequisites: EXS 340 and EXS 340L. | 4 |
| EXS-335 | Kinesiology - Lecture | This course is an analysis of human movement, integrating knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems with the effects that gravity, friction, internal and external forces, and the laws of motion have on their functions. Topics presented include biomechanics of human bone, joint, and skeletal muscle; structure and function of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine; concepts of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics as applied to human motion; equilibrium and stability on land; and motion through a fluid medium of air or water. Included is the application of these factors to various types of physical skills. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 160 or BIO 201; or 2) one of these combinations (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 335L. Recommended: PHY 101 or PHY 111 (may be taken concurrently). | 3 |
| EXS-335L | Kinesiology - Lab | This laboratory course is designed to apply the anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles learned in the lecture course to human body movement. Movement of all of the major joints of the body is analyzed by relative and absolute joint position and muscle action, and biomechanical terms—such as linear and angular kinematics, friction, work, power, energy, and torque—are applied to human motion. Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) none; or 2) one of the following combinations: (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 335. Co-requisite: EXS 335. | 1 |
| HLT-302 | Spirituality and Christian Values in Health Care and Wellness | This course explores the concepts of spirituality and Christian values as they relate to the role of the hospital or health care facility, the health care provider, and the patient. Since illness and stress can amplify spiritual concerns and needs, health care professionals are in a unique position to assist the patient/client in meeting those needs. Students explore and document the spiritual components of health care and wellness that permeate both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as a foundation of understanding pain, suffering, health care, and wellness. From this foundation, students evaluate and reflect upon concepts such as a healing hospital/health care facility, the caregiver‛s role in giving care, the caregiver‛s need to care for self, dealing with grief, the role of prayer in health care, and the spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with chronic and acute illnesses. | 4 |
| EXS-420 | Management in Athletic Training, Health and Athletics | This course deals with the organization and administration tasks and techniques required in an athletic training program, the commercial health industry, and interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics. Topics include program and human resource management; budgeting; inventory and finance management; insurance; organizing and promoting health; and legal considerations, ethics, decision making, and communication in athletic training, health, and athletic settings. | 4 |
| EXS-370 | Pharmacology: Drug Use and Abuse | This course examines current theories and practices of pharmacology and epidemiology of drug use as related to athletic training and sports medicine. Additional topics include drug abuse issues, such as: performance-enhancing substances; psychological, legal, social, and cultural implications; and approaches to solving drug abuse problems. Prerequisites: EXS 214 and EXS 214L. | 4 |
| HLT-485 | Methods of Teaching Health and Measuring in Exercise Science | This course is a study of the methods and procedures of teaching health. Resources, aids, and agencies are studied in an attempt to determine how they may best assist the teacher. Practice teaching is included. Tests and measurements in health, physical education, and exercise science are presented. Emphasis is placed on producing valid and reliable tests, data analysis techniques for test evaluation, test construction assessment, and interpretation of test results. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484, and PED 247. | 4 |
| HLT-305 | Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care | This course provides a broad understanding of professional ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities as they relate to health care administration. The course introduces students to major ethical theory, principles, and models for the recognition, analysis, and resolution of ethical dilemmas in health occupations. This course also includes a review of classic cases in health care ethics and how they have shaped health policy. Students learn how to approach ethical dilemmas using theoretical frameworks and decision-making processes. Throughout the course, students are given the opportunity to evaluate real-life scenarios and arrive at calculated decisions, thereby developing the critical thinking skills needed for the moral decisions encountered in the health care environment. In addition to learning about the ethical principles in health care, students are introduced to the relationship between law and ethics, and the consequences and impact on individuals and the health care field. This course addresses the concerns of every health care professional regarding legal responsibility, workplace safety, and the health care facility‛s obligation to provide protection from injury for patients, their families, and staff. Through the use of case studies, students are exposed to real-life scenarios dealing with the development, understanding, and execution of the law; employee rights and responsibilities; and patient rights and responsibilities, thereby developing the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate the right and wrong courses of action when faced with complicated legal problems. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 60 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 60 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 20 - 26 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
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Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.