Exercise Science Major and Minor Requirements
Franklin College > Academics > Majors, Minors and Programs > Exercise Science > Exercise Science Major and Minor Requirements

Department Chair: K. Noerr 
Department Members: M. Britner, K. Eiler, A. Heavrin, K. Noerr 

Major: Exercise Science 
Minors: Fitness; Coaching 

Exercise science is the study of physiological and functional adaptions to movement. The exercise science major at Franklin College provides unique hands-on opportunities to be involved in clinical and community programs which provide exercise-related services to a variety of populations. Through the curriculum, students will develop the knowledge to describe the relationship among physical activity, functional capacity, health and disease across the life span. It will also prepare students for positions in exercise testing and prescription or in clinical settings, such as health clubs, corporate fitness facilities or cardiac rehabilitation centers. An exercise science degree will provide a solid foundation for entry into graduate school in related disciplines such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise physiology, sports medicine, chiropractics, or other healthcare fields. 

Admission to Exercise Science Program 
The application process for admittance to the Exercise Science will begin in April of each year. After final grades are received in the spring, all application materials will be reviewed by the Exercise Science review committee. A decision is reached on each candidate’s acceptance/declination into the Exercise Science Program by June 1st. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance/declination by email. Candidates will be asked to send e-mail notification confirming acceptance into the Exercise Science Program. The maximum number of students accepted into the program each graduation year will not exceed 25. 

Admissions Process for 1st Year Students 

1. Receive a grade of “C” or higher in EXE 234 and EXE 244 

a. Each candidate must have taken or be currently taking EXE 234 Introduction to Exercise Science and EXE 244 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Methods. A grade of ‘C’ or higher in each course is required. If taking either of the courses during the spring semester, admission into the Exercise Science Program is contingent on a grade of ‘C’ or higher at the end of the course. 

2. Obtain an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 (A = 4.00) 

a. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (A = 4.00) must be achieved and maintained upon admittance to the program. Admission into the Exercise Science Program is contingent on an overall GPA of 2.5 (A = 4.00) at the completion of the spring semester. Students must receive a 2.0 GPA or above by the end of immersive term to be offered an interview. 

3. Complete at least one job observation within the health field for a minimum of two hours 

a. Each candidate is required to complete one job observation within the health field. The job observation should be a minimum of two hours in duration. Candidates should observe the skills needed to be a dedicated professional. Documentation forms to confirm observations may be obtained from the Exercise Science lab and must submitted as part of the application materials. Students will be expected to answer questions regarding the job observation during the interview. The observation should be completed no earlier than September 1 and must be completed prior to submitting the application. 

4. Submit an application, resume and personal statement 

a. As part of the process for acceptance into the program, each candidate must submit an application, up-to-date resume, and a personal statement. Professionalism and written communication skills in these materials will be part of the assessment by the Exercise Science Review Committee. 

5. Complete an interview and demonstrate understanding of the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (abilities) competencies needed to become a strong professional in the health field 

a. Upon receipt and review of all proper application materials (application, resume, personal statement, and job observation documentation form), candidates will be asked to sit for an interview with the Exercise Science Program Review Committee. As part of the interview, candidates will be asked to demonstrate awareness and understanding of cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (abilities) competencies needed within the field of Exercise Science as identified by the job task analysis domains produced by the American College of Sports Medicine. 

6. Demonstrate ability to perform clinical skills specifically associated to the health-related components of fitness 

a. Candidates should be able to demonstrate clinical health assessments on a subject to display interpersonal skills and confidence to work with clients or patients within the profession. These assessments will occur during the interview portion of the application process. Candidates will be asked to perform skill(s) learned in the prerequisite courses, EXE 234 and EXE 244. 

Admissions Process for 2nd Year and Transfer Students 

1. Meet the minimum admission standards for 1st year students 

a. 2nd year or transfer student candidates will need to meet the minimum standards by the time of application in spring. 

2. Students must have completed ANAT 210 Applied Human Anatomy and ANAT 220 Applied Human Physiology with a “C-” or above by the end of sophomore year to graduate within the intended four year plan of study. ANAT 210 and ANAT 220 are prerequisite courses for junior-level exercise science courses. Sophomore level students and above who have not successfully completed ANAT 210 and ANAT 220 may apply but graduation may be extended by a minimum of 1 semester. 

Please refer to the Transfer Student section of this catalog for the College’s requirements. 

3+2 Program in Exercise Science and Athletic Training 
Franklin College offers an accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) track in the form of a combined Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Athletic Training, with the potential to complete both degrees in five years. This cooperative program consists of common core and specific courses required for each particular program, in addition to specific pre-requisites for application to the MSAT program. Students may apply to the exercise science and MSAT programs simultaneously in the spring of their freshman or sophomore year for early admittance. Students admitted to the exercise science program may also apply to the MSAT program in the fall of their junior or senior year through the non-early admit route. Students accepted to the MSAT in their fourth year are considered graduate students and take primarily MSAT graduate courses, while also finishing any required undergraduate courses. After completing three years of undergraduate courses and one year in the MSAT program, students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science from Franklin College. After completing the second year in the MSAT program, students graduate with their Master’s in Athletic Training. 

Students interested in this option should apply to the MSAT program by December 31st of their junior year to meet the early admission deadline for the MSAT program. Please refer to the Master of Science in Athletic Training section of this catalog for more details. 

Continuance in Exercise Science Program 
Students in the Exercise Science Program are expected to maintain the following minimum program standards: 

  • cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 (A = 4.00) at the end of each academic semester/term 
  • no grade below a “C” in Exercise Science core required courses 
  • no grade below a “C-“ in related field required courses 
  • a grade of “S” in all field practicums, experiences and internships 

Final grades will be reviewed for each student in the Exercise Science Program at the end of every semester. 

Probation within Exercise Science Program 
If a student does not meet the program standards, the student will be placed on probation. 

  1. If probation is due to not meeting the GPA minimum program standard, the student will have one semester to improve GPA to the minimum program standard. Upon completion of the subsequent semester, students must submit an application for reinstatement to the program. If the GPA does not improve by the end of the subsequent semester, the student will be dismissed from the Exercise Science Program. The student will not be able to participate in a field practicum, experience or internship until probationary status has been removed. 
  2. If probation is due to receiving a grade lower than “C” in an Exercise Science core required course or a grade lower than a “C-“ in a related field required course, the student will have one opportunity to retake the course. The student will remain on probation until completion of the course with a satisfactory grade meeting minimum program standards. Departmental consent is required if the student is retaking the course from an institution other than Franklin College. The student will not be able to participate in a field practicum, experience or internship until probationary status has been removed. If a student is placed on probation for a grade lower than a “C” in one of the core sequenced courses (EXE 372, EXE 372L, EXE 375, EXE 425), the ability to progress through the curriculum within 4 years will be impacted. A student who is required to retake a core sequence class will delay graduation by a minimum of 1 semester. If the student does not improve the grade after the 2nd attempt, the student will be removed from the Exercise Science Program. 
  3. If probation is due to receiving a ‘fail’ in a field practicum, experience or internship, the student will be placed on probation. The student will have one opportunity to retake the field practicum, experience or internship and receive a satisfactory grade. If the student does not receive the satisfactory grade within one year, the student will be removed from the program. 
  4. Students who are placed on probation a second time, for any reason, will be automatically dismissed from the Exercise Science Program. 
  5. Students who receive a “C-“ or below in the related-field courses of ANAT 210 or ANAT 220, or a “C” or below in EXE 372, EXE 375, or EXE 401 and placed on probation may not continue through the sequenced courses. If a student receives a “C-” or below in any other non-sequenced EXE courses, the student may continue to take EXE classes for one year. If the EXE grades do not improve to a “C-“ or above in ANAT 210 or ANAT 220 or “C” or above in the sequenced courses within one (1) year, the student will be removed from the Exercise Science Program. 

Transportation to Engaged Learning Sites 
The Exercise Science Program will include service learning, experiential learning and internships. Many engaged learning opportunities will be off-campus for more varied experiences. Students in the Exercise Science Program are expected to have access to transportation to engaged learning sites and partnerships. 

Exercise Science Program Expenses 
The students within the Exercise Science program will incur additional expenses outside of the typical college costs. Please see below for expected costs within the Exercise Science Program:

Type of Expense
Expected Time of Expense
Approximate Fee
TB test and flu shot*If required by specific engaged learning sites, typically hospital settings$5 – $70
Professional attire specifically FC Exercise Science poloDuring entire programVaries
Background check*If required by specific engaged learning sites, typically school systems$7 – 25
Transportation to off-campus engaged learning sitesDuring entire programVaries
First Aid and CPR recertificationBi-annually for CPR and First Aid$35-40 for each certification
Exercise Science basic clinical equipment: stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, pedometer, tape measure, heart rate monitor, and skinfold caliperTransfer students who transfer in credit from another institution for EXE 234 will be expected to have the equipment used in EXE 234. Students in the Exercise Science Program are expected to keep the equipment from EXE 234 throughout the duration of the program in functioning condition.$110-175
NSCA CSCS or ACSM EP-C certification examination*Spring of graduation yearNSCA $260-445
ACSM $219-279

*Some expenses may be optional based upon the career goals of the student. 

Exercise Science Major 

All core requirements for the major must be completed with a grade of C or better. All related field requirements for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or better. 

Core Requirements 
EXE 119 Concepts of Wellness 
EXE 208 Basic Principles of Nutrition 
EXE 222 First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer 
EXE 234 Introduction to Exercise Science 
EXE 244 Introduction to Strength and Condition Methods 
EXE 251 Muscles and Movement 
EXE 341 Organization and Administration of Health Programs 
EXE 372 Exercise Physiology 
EXE 372L Exercise Physiology Lab 
EXE 375 Exercise Testing and Prescription 
EXE 382 Motor Learning 
EXE 385 Sport and Exercise Psychology 
EXE 387 Biomechanics 
EXE 387L Biomechanics Lab 
EXE 401 Research Methods in Exercise Science I 
EXE 402 Research Methods in Exercise Science II 
EXE 425 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations 
EXE 499 Senior Competency Practicum and Professional Development Course 

One of the following courses 
BIO 310 Immunology 
EXE 321 Advanced Strength and Conditioning Methods 
EXE 322 Pediatric Exercise Physiology 
EXE 323 Diagnostic and Laboratory Testing 
KIN 310 Diversity and Inclusion in Sport 
PHY 355 Ultrasonography 
PHY 357 Radiation and Health 

Professional Development Requirements 
EXE 489 Professional Development Experience 
EXE 498 Professional Development Portfolio 
PDP 200 Preparing for Your Internship 

Related Field Requirements 
ANAT 210 Applied Human Anatomy 
ANAT 210L Applied Human Anatomy Lab 
ANAT 220 Applied Human Physiology 
ANAT 220L Applied Human Physiology Lab 
KIN 315 Health/Wellness Issues & Trends in Society 
MAT 224 Basic Applied Statistics 
PSY 117 General Psychology  

MSAT Substitutions 
MSAT 543 fulfills EXE 401 requirement 
MSAT 544 fulfills EXE 402 requirement 
MSAT 553, 551, & 550 fulfills EXE 489 requirement 

Fitness Minor 

Core Requirements 
EXE 119 Concepts of Wellness 
EXE 208 Basic Principles of Nutrition 
EXE 222 First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer 
EXE 244 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Methods 
EXE 372 Exercise Physiology 
EXE 372L Exercise Physiology Lab 

One of the following courses 
EXE 480 Fitness Internship 
EXE 483 Fitness Practicum 
KIN 480 Fitness Internship 
KIN 483 Fitness Practicum 

Related Course Requirements 
ANAT 210 Applied Human Anatomy 
ANAT 210L Applied Human Anatomy Lab 
ANAT 220 Applied Human Physiology 
ANAT 220L Applied Human Physiology Lab 

Coaching Minor (not a licensure area) 

Core Requirements 
Students must earn at least a ‘C’ 
EXE 119 Concepts of Wellness 
EXE 222 First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer 
EXE 244 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Methods 
EXE 385 Sport and Exercise Psychology 
PED 234 Introduction to Teaching and Coaching Physical Activities 
PED 480 Coaching Practicum 

Four hours from the following courses 
Students must earn at least a ‘C’ 
EXE 208 Basic Principles of Nutrition 
LEA 100 Introduction to Personal Leadership Skills 
PED 110 Lifeguard Training 
PED 112 Water Safety Instructor 
PED 115 Officiating in Volleyball 
PED 116 Officiating in Basketball 
PED 333 Coaching Baseball and Softball 
PED 334 Coaching Basketball 
PED 335 Coaching Football 
PED 336 Coaching Volleyball 
PED 337 Coaching Track and Field 
PED 338 Coaching Soccer 
PED 339 Coaching Swimming 
PED 490 Independent Study (other coaching classes by student interest) 

revised 11-22-21