Exercise Science Major

• Prepare graduates for transition to entry-level roles within a dynamic health and physical fitness industry or to professional degree programs in exercise science (e.g. personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, etc.). 

• Prepare students to sit for nationally recognized certification examinations including but not limited to those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). 

• Provide students with a comprehensive didactic curriculum with a focus on evidence-based practice in Exercise Science.

• Provide students with diverse, high-quality internship, and research experiences via hands-on learning opportunities that will translate theory into practical application. 

• Prepare graduates to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and ethical understanding consistent with Merrimack College community standards and nationally recognized accrediting organization ethical guidelines.  

• Develop lifelong learners who are analytical problem solvers and contributing leaders in their profession and the broader community. 

• Prepare students to pursue graduate study including but not limited to Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT),  Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning etc.

Program Goals Specific to Strength and Conditioning

• To prepare graduates to sit and pass the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) certification exam.

• To prepare graduates upon completion of the program to gain employment in the strength and conditioning sector.

• To prepare graduates to conduct themselves with a sense of integrity, professionalism, and ethical understanding by following the NSCA Code of Ethics.

• To provide students with a comprehensive didactic curriculum with a focus on current strength and conditioning research/trends with an emphasis on evidence-based coaching.

• To provide students with quality field experience opportunities across diverse athletic/client populations/settings.

Exercise Science Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Exercise Science degree, students will possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

• Demonstrate mastery of foundational knowledge in Exercise Science to include: Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Health Behavior, Nutrition, and Exercise Testing and Prescription for Healthy/Special Populations.

• Understand the physiological adaptations to exercise and its impact on human health and well-being.

• Apply knowledge/principles of strength and conditioning and exercise prescription to develop individualized exercise prescriptions to optimize performance, health and injury prevention for healthy/special populations.

• Demonstrate proficiency in performing laboratory techniques following standard safety guidelines and subsequent analysis of relevant exercise science data.

• Demonstrate competency in selecting, administering, and interpreting pre-exercise and physical fitness testing for generally healthy populations and special populations in compliance with nationally recognized guidelines.  

• Demonstrate proficiency in effectively communicating knowledge of exercise science to diverse populations as well as healthcare professionals.

• Employ critical thinking and innovation to evaluate challenges, concepts, research literature, and performance outcomes and apply analytic conclusions to evidence-based professional practice. 

Rehabilitation Science Track Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Rehabilitation Science Track students will possess the necessary additional knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

• Apply principles of Rehabilitation Science to understand normal human movement patterns

• Implement evaluation methods and measurement systems to identify pathologic movement patterns.

• Demonstrate knowledge in theory, principles, indications and contraindications of associated therapeutic interventions across clinical settings.

• Develop strategies for teaching and progressing therapeutic interventions and activity using the principles of motor learning.
• Understand the role of physical therapists, occupational therapist and other associated allied health professionals in the healthcare delivery system and the ICF (International Classification of Function).

Strength and Conditioning Track Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Strength and Conditioning Track students will possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

• Use effective communication skills to enhance individual learning, group success, and enjoyment in the strength and conditioning experience.

• Knowledge and understanding of the physiological adaptations to resistance and aerobic/anaerobic training pertaining to the field of strength and conditioning

• Ability to evaluate and apply various periodization models and recovery strategies to optimize athletic performance while reducing the risk of injury.

• Demonstrate proficiency in coaching proper aerobic and anaerobic exercise techniques with the ability to modify exercises as needed.