Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

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

  1. Policy for earning acceptable grades in the Exercise Science program: 
    1. 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).
    2. 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).
    3. 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.
    4. If a student does not earn a “C” or better, they will be required to:
      1. Retake the course
      2. 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)
      3. Students will need to meet with their Academic Advisor and change their schedule accordingly
         
  2. 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)
    1. 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. 
       
  3. 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.
     
  4. Policy for changing to the Exercise Science major:
    1. A Slippery Rock University student wishing to change their major to Exercise Science MUST have an overall GPA of 2.00.
    2. A transfer student who enters from another University must have an overall GPA of 2.00.
       
  5. Additional costs associated with the Exercise Science major:
    1. 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. 
    2. 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.
    3. 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

 

Professional Licensure/Certification 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*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements44
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements57
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements15
Additional Physician Assistant Prerequisite Courses28
Electives0

* 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

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
Physical Science Inquiry
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 2,312
Total Hours44
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.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

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.
Required Basic Courses
Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses
EXSC 100Introduction to Exercise Science: Careers and Content 1,23
EXSC 101Applied Anatomy/Lab 1,23
EXSC 201Exercise Physiology with Lab 1,23
EXSC 202Biomechanics with Lab 1,23
EXSC 300Research Methods in Exercise Science 1,23
EXSC 301Aerobic Exercise Leadership 1,23
EXSC 302Exercise Leadership: Resistance Training 1,23
Subtotal21
Required Upper Level Courses
Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses
EXSC 400Wellness Coaching and Program Management 1,23
EXSC 401Fitness Assessment 1,23
EXSC 402Exercise Prescription 1,23
EXSC 403Advanced Exercise Physiology 1,23
EXSC 410Clinical Exercise Physiology 1,23
EXSC 411Exercise Science: Special Populations and Conditions 1,23
EXSC 412Exercise Science: Senior Synthesis 1,23
EXSC 424Nutrition and Exercise 1,23
EXSC 450Exercise Science Internship 1,26
EXSC 450Exercise Science Internship 1,26
Subtotal36
Total Hours57
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

Must earn a “C” or better in the following courses
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab 14
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I 13
Total Hours15
1

Course counts toward Major GPA

ADDITIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PREREQUISITE COURSES

BIOL 114Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab4
BIOL 250Genetics with Lab4
BIOL 210Medical Microbiology with Lab3
or BIOL 330 Microbiology/Lab
CHEM 107General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
CHEM 108General Chemistry II3
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab1
CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I3
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3

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

Prerequisite Courses - SRU Physician Assistant
BIOL 114Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab4
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 250Genetics with Lab4
BIOL 210Medical Microbiology with Lab3
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 201Organic Chemistry I3
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
Inferential Statistics Course 3
Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab
Elementary Statistics I
Total Hours39

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
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 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 2 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
 Hours17
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
 Hours15-17
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
 Hours17-18
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
 Hours17
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
 Hours16
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
 Hours18
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
 Hours18
Spring
EXSC 450 Exercise Science Internship 3,5,6 12
 Hours12
 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