EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE
Why Exercise and Sports Science?
One of the areas of human existence that all students have a responsibility to develop is that of physical and emotional well-being, including the development of skills and attitudes that maintain soundness of mind and body. The School of Education, Department of Exercise and Sports Science provides an activity course program that has a two-fold emphasis: (1) the teaching of total wellness concepts that include health-related fitness principles; and (2) the development of knowledge and skills in activities that can enhance personal fitness and lead to positive use of leisure time.
Three semester hours of credit in activity courses are required for graduation. EXSS 1112 – Concepts of Fitness, is required of all students. Students are encouraged to complete the three hour requirement during the freshman and sophomore years. Students who have served two or more years in the Armed Forces are exempt and a DD-214 may be required. Students may not repeat the same activity for credit. Because of the lifetime fitness emphasis of the curriculum, age does not exempt one from activity courses. Adapted physical education activities are provided for the physically challenged.
Careers in Exercise and Sports Science
The purpose of the professional program offered by the School of Education, Department of Exercise and Sport Science is the preparation of students to assume positions as teachers, coaches, community and recreational leaders, fitness and health specialists, and sports administrators. Courses of study offered through the school include the major, minor, and teaching field in physical education, as well as the minor in coaching. Additional coursework is available for students who are interested in becoming licensed athletic trainers. This plan requires courses from the Physical Education major and other specialized courses and experiences as specified by the Texas State Department of Health. Upon graduation, each student in the professional program must have sufficient skills to teach, perform, and assess a variety of physical and recreational pursuits; successfully complete a battery of personal fitness standards; participate each term in regular and varied physical activity; and successfully pass a knowledge-based exam covering all areas of the field. For more information, the student is directed to see the dean of the school .
Physical Education Requirements
Major:
The major requires 31 semester hours, of which 16 must be from upper-level courses.
The following courses (31 hours) are required for the Physical Education major
EXSS 1301 – Foundations of Physical Education and Sport
EXSS 2304 – Safety and First Aid
EXSS 3312 – Physiology of Exercise
EXSS 3315 – Kinesiology
EXSS 3401 – Sports Skills for Majors and Minors
Three hours of additional activity courses beyond the general education requirement
Twelve hours of upper-level electives in exercise and sport science
Minor:
The minor requires 19 semester hours of which 13 must be from upper-level courses.
The following courses (19 hours) are required for the Physical Education minor
EXSS 1301 – Foundations of Physical Education and Sport
EXSS 2304 – Safety and First Aid
EXSS 3401 – Sports and Skills for Majors and Minors
Nine hours of upper level electives in exercise and sport science – Students are encouraged to select courses which will broaden their expertise in all areas of physical education.