Exercise Science, B.S.

The Exercise Science - no concentration major is open only to students currently enrolled in the program. Enrollment is closed to all new students and all transfer students. For many people, health and fitness are a way of life. They are driven by a passion not only for a personal pursuit of wellness, but for a desire to help others pursue that same sense of well-being. If this quest for health and helping others resonates with you, Indiana Tech will help you cultivate it with our Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Indiana Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is ideal for those inspired to help others pursue healthy lifestyles. Career opportunities for graduates from this program include personal trainer, exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, dietician or corporate employee wellness director. In addition, this degree track could prepare you to apply for more intensive study in athletic training, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Domain I: Health and Fitness Assessment
  • ​Demonstrate proficiency assessment in screening and readiness; Health-related components of physical fitness (Body composition, Cardiovascular endurance, Muscular strength, Muscular endurance, Flexibility); Skill-related components of physical fitness (agility, power, speed, balance)
  • Body composition: Conduct and interpret anthropometric and body composition assessments (e.g., Skinfolds, BodPod, Bioelectrical impedance, Circumference measurements)
  • Cardiovascular endurance: Conduct and interpret cardiorespiratory endurance assessments (e.g., Measue heart rate, blood pressure, Cycle ergometer and treadmill submaximal tests, Calculating/estimating V02max)
  • Muscular strength: Conduct and interpret muscular strength assessments (e.g., Grip strength, 1-RM, Submaximal RM)
  • Muscular endurance: Conduct and interpret muscular endurance assessments (e.g., Push-ups, Sit-ups, Partial curl-ups)
  • Flexibility: Conduct and interpret flexibility assessments (e.g., Sit-and-reach, Goniometry)
  • Agility: Conduct and interpret agility assessments (e.g., Pro-agility, T-test)
  • Power: Conduct and interpret power assessments (e.g., Vertical jump, Broad jump)
  • Speed: Conduct and interpret speed assessments (e.g., 40-yard dash)
  • Balance: Conduct and interpret balance assessments (e.g., Functional Movement Screen)
• Domain II: Exercise Prescription and Implementation
  • ​Demonstrate proficiency in developing safe and effective exercise programs based on the FITT principles, addressing all health-fitness related variables
  • General exercise prescription: Appropriate exercise program creation based on client health status, baseline fitness assessment data, and client goals
  • Cardiovascular exercise program prescription: Using the FITT-VP model in creation of a comprehensive cardiovascular exercise training program 
  • Muscular strength/endurance program prescription: Using the FITT-VP model in creation of a comprehensive muscular strength/endurance training program
  • Flexibility program prescription: Using the FITT-VP model in creation of a comprehensive flexibility training program
  • Exercise progression: Modifying the FITT-VP model in response to changes in cardiorespiratory, muscular strength/endurance, and flexibility exercise program participation
  • Exercise prescription for various populations: Appropriately modifies FITT-VP for each exercise component for various populations (individuals with chronic disease, youth, elderly, and pregnancy)
• Domain III: Apply appropriate strategies for promoting, initiating, and maintaining a physically active lifestyle
  • ​Effective interpersonal communication (e.g., open posture, eye contact, targeted praise, empathy)
  • Application of behavior change theories (e.g., transtheoretical model, health belief model, theory of planned behavior)
  • Application of behavior modification strategies (e.g., goal setting, planning skills) appropriate to clients’ situations (e.g., age, income, educational, environment)
  • Application of an epidemiological approach (individual, environmental, policy level) to promoting and implementing a physically active lifestyle
  • Application of approaches for incorporating and promoting phyisical activity within communities (According to Physical Activity Plan)
• Domain IV: Develop safe and effective exercise programming for improving athletic performance
  • ​Develop safe and effective exercise training programs to improve athletic performance
  • Appropriate assessment of performance factors and biomechanical screens for the purpose of improving performance and preventing injury
  • Appropriate training program periodization for the purpose of improving performance
  • Appropriate resistance training prescription for the purpose of improving performance and preventing injury
  • Appropriate metabolic conditioning prescription for the purpose of improving performance
  • Appropriate speed, agility, and plyometric prescription for the purpose of improving performance and preventing injury
• Domain V: Effective management of fiscal, physical, and human resources for health fitness facilities
  • ​Effective management of fiscal, physcial, and human resources for health fitness facilities
  • Creating an appropriate risk management plan
  • Creating an appropriate injury prevention program
  • Managing human resources in accordance with leadership organization and management techniques
  • Managing fiscal resources in accordance with leadership organization and management techniques
  • Developing an appropriate marketing plan to promote programs, services, and facilities