Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Professional Competence: To utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate health behavior and risk factors; develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based exercise and wellness programs, and employ behavioral strategies to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. UO 3,4,5
- Professional Interaction and Communication: To interact and communicate effectively by presenting information in oral and written formats, collaborating with professionals and peers, expressing ideas clearly, and giving and receiving feedback. UO 1
- Professional Behavior and Involvement: To model professional behaviors (including preparedness, engagement, and appearance), and demonstrate professional involvement across the major. UO 5,7,9
- Ethical Reasoning: To make well-informed and unbiased decisions to enhance the well-being of others. UO 8, 10
- Critical Thinking: To demonstrate clear and accurate reasoning to make decisions and solve problems. UO 2
What are your options?
Pre-Physician Assistant SRU 3+2: Earn a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in five years rather than six. In the first three years, you complete your major courses and prerequisites for the SRU PA program. At the end of your second year, you apply for admission into the SRU PA program. If accepted, your first year in the SRU PA program meets the remaining requirements for your undergraduate degree. If not accepted, you continue to complete your undergraduate degree and can reapply to the program. The accelerated option is for incoming freshmen only.
Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU Traditional): Complete the requirements for your major and the prerequisites for the SRU PA program and apply to the SRU PA program in your senior year.
Academic Policies for Students in the Exercise Science Major
Effective for all Exercise Science Majors beginning Spring 2021
- Policy for earning acceptable grades in the Exercise Science program:
- A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in ALL Required Basic Courses (EXSC 100’s, EXSC 200’s, EXSC 300’s) and Required Upper Level Courses (EXSC 400’s, EXSC 410’s, EXSC 424, EXSC 450).
- A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in ALL Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements (BIOL 216/BIOL 217 or BIOL 209/BIOL 309, STAT 152, PHYS 201).
- The Exercise Science curriculum is structured with pre-requisites. A student must earn a “C” or better in the pre-requisite course to be able to take the next course. See course catalog for pre-requisites.
- If a student does not earn a “C” or better, they will be required to:
- Retake the course
- They will be dropped from any course(s) in the following semester that requires a “C” or better as a pre-requisite (see course catalog for pre-requisites)
- Students will need to meet with their Academic Advisor and change their schedule accordingly
- SRU has a Repeat of Courses Policy as follows and it can be found in the course catalog: Repeat of Courses < Slippery Rock University (sru.edu)
- Students may attempt to improve their grade point average by repeating courses. The most recent grade earned is used in calculating the GPA even if the earlier grade was higher. If a passed course is repeated and failed (or NC), the student will lose both the grade points and credits previously earned. However, all grades will appear on the transcript. Courses in which a grade was earned at Slippery Rock University may not be repeated at any institution. A grade of W (withdraw) does not count as an earned grade.
Students who repeat a course must do so using the same grading system under which they originally took the course. For example, a student who originally took a course graded A-F may not repeat the course on a P/NC, P/F, or audit basis. Students may not repeat a course by using any Credit by Examination program if they originally took the course on a graded A-F, P/NC, P/F, or audit basis.
Undergraduate students will be limited to a maximum total of six repeats during their entire SRU academic career, excluding withdrawal grades.
In addition, repeats of a single course will be limited to a maximum of two. This means, no single course may be taken more than three times (excluding withdrawal grades). The course repeat policy for post-baccalaureate students is the same as the undergraduate student policy.
- Students may attempt to improve their grade point average by repeating courses. The most recent grade earned is used in calculating the GPA even if the earlier grade was higher. If a passed course is repeated and failed (or NC), the student will lose both the grade points and credits previously earned. However, all grades will appear on the transcript. Courses in which a grade was earned at Slippery Rock University may not be repeated at any institution. A grade of W (withdraw) does not count as an earned grade.
- Once the student has exceeded the SRU Repeat of Courses Policy, the student will no longer remain in the Exercise Science major and all EXSC- Exercise Science Major courses will be removed from their schedule. The student should change their major as soon as possible and meet with the new major to register for classes.
- Policy for changing to the Exercise Science major:
- A Slippery Rock University student wishing to change their major to Exercise Science MUST have an overall GPA of 2.00.
- A transfer student who enters from another University must have an overall GPA of 2.00.
- Additional costs associated with the Exercise Science major:
- Lab fees will be collected for exercise science classes with a lab component. This fee enhances the department's ability to offer a high-quality program.
- A student in the Exercise Science major is required to maintain current CPR/AED, First Aid, and Student Professional Liability Insurance while enrolled in EXSC 412 and EXSC 450 at their own cost. More information will be provided to students in the upper level EXSC courses.
- EXSC 450 Internship: Certain sites may require one or more of the following: physical examinations, record of immunizations, TB test, criminal background checks, drug testing, specific certifications for CPR/AED (e.g., American Heart Association), and HIPAA training. These may require additional costs for students. Fulfilling these requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation is the responsibility of the student.
Updated March 15, 2023
RELATED LINKS
Exercise Science - Pre-Physician Assistant, BS Program Page
CURRICULUM GUIDE
GPA REQUIREMENT - EXERCISE SCIENCE
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher
Major GPA (includes Major Requirements and College-Wide Requirements): 2.00 or higher
SUMMARY*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 44 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 57 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements | 15 | |
| Additional Physician Assistant Prerequisite Courses | 28 | |
| Electives | 0 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
ROCK STUDIES 2 REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2,3 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 44 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
- 3
Additional Physician Assistant prerequisite courses may be fulfilled in a Thematic Thread.
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
- 29 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 29 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
- Students may choose to earn a BS in Exercise Science as preparation for graduate studies in many health care related fields. In this case, the student should learn what prerequisites are required for his/her intended graduate program and take those courses as electives while completing the Exercise Science Program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Basic Courses | ||
| Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses | ||
| EXSC 100 | Introduction to Exercise Science: Careers and Content 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 101 | Applied Anatomy/Lab 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 201 | Exercise Physiology with Lab 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 202 | Biomechanics with Lab 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 300 | Research Methods in Exercise Science 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 301 | Aerobic Exercise Leadership 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 302 | Exercise Leadership: Resistance Training 1,2 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Required Upper Level Courses | ||
| Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses | ||
| EXSC 400 | Wellness Coaching and Program Management 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 401 | Fitness Assessment 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 402 | Exercise Prescription 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 403 | Advanced Exercise Physiology 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 410 | Clinical Exercise Physiology 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 411 | Exercise Science: Special Populations and Conditions 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 412 | Exercise Science: Senior Synthesis 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 424 | Nutrition and Exercise 1,2 | 3 |
| EXSC 450 | Exercise Science Internship 1,2 | 6 |
| EXSC 450 | Exercise Science Internship 1,2 | 6 |
| Subtotal | 36 | |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
- 1
Course counts toward Major GPA
- 2
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
NATURAL SCIENCE AND MATH COLLEGE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses | ||
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab 1 | 4 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Course counts toward Major GPA
ADDITIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PREREQUISITE COURSES
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 210 | Medical Microbiology with Lab | 3 |
| or BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab | |
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| EXSC 250 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| or HCAM 250 | Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators | |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Physician Assistant Studies (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies)
Prerequisite Admission Requirements
For Application Requirements
Please refer to Slippery Rock University’s Physician Assistant Studies (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies) website for requirements: http://www.sru.edu/pa.
Rock Studies 2
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses - SRU Physician Assistant | ||
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 210 | Medical Microbiology with Lab | 3 |
| or BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab | |
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| EXSC 250 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| or HCAM 250 | Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators | |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Inferential Statistics Course | 3 | |
| Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab | ||
| Elementary Statistics I | ||
| Total Hours | 39 | |
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
Exercise Science - BS (6149)
PRE-PA (SRU Traditional)
Effective Summer 2022
Revised 06.10.2022
UCC 03.01.2022
RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Exercise Science: Careers and Content 3 | ||
| Applied Anatomy/Lab 3 | ||
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab 1,3 | 4 |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology 1,** | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 2 | 3 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Exercise Science: Careers and Content 3 | ||
| Applied Anatomy/Lab 3 | ||
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I 1,3 | 3 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab (or Rock Studies 2) | ||
| Computer Competency Course (only if needed) | 0-1 | |
| Hours | 15-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Exercise Physiology with Lab 3 | ||
| Biomechanics with Lab 3 | ||
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I 1,3 | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | ||
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Hours | 17-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Exercise Physiology with Lab 3 | ||
| Biomechanics with Lab 3 | ||
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| EXSC 250 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EXSC 300 | Research Methods in Exercise Science 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 301 | Aerobic Exercise Leadership 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 302 | Exercise Leadership: Resistance Training 3 | 3 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| EXSC 400 | Wellness Coaching and Program Management 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 401 | Fitness Assessment 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 402 | Exercise Prescription 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 403 | Advanced Exercise Physiology 3 | 3 |
| BIOL 210 | Medical Microbiology with Lab 4 | 3 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EXSC 410 | Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 411 | Exercise Science: Special Populations and Conditions 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 412 | Exercise Science: Senior Synthesis 3 | 3 |
| EXSC 424 | Nutrition and Exercise 3 | 3 |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 6 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| EXSC 450 | Exercise Science Internship 3,5,6 | 12 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours** | 130-133 | |
SRU Physician Assistant Program begins in the Summer.
- 1
Course satisfies majors and Rock Studies 2 requirements.
- 2
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 3
Must earn a grade of "C" or better
- 4
BIOL 330 is an option, but required an addtional prerequisite of BIOL 113 that will need to be added. Meet with your academic advisor to plan appropriately.
- 5
EXSC 450: Exercise Science Internship may be scheduled Only after all prerequisites are met. Also required are a valid First Aid, CPR/AED certification and proof of student professional liability insurance. EXSC 412 provides all necessary information pertaining to the internship registration process and is taken the semester prior to internship.
- 6
Students must complete this 12 credit requirement by registering for two sections of this 6-cr hour course in the same semester
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
- **
Students are encouraged to choose a Rock Studies 2 Thematic Thread that includes PSYC 105.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Students should review necessary prerequisite courses for targeted graduate programs at institutions other than Slippery Rock University. Students should meet with advisor to discuss how to add any additional classes to the recommended plan of study.
Major Code: 6149
Pre-Physician Assistant SRU Traditional (PA)
Revised: 06.05.2023