Division of Exercise Sports Science

Division Overview

The mission of the Exercise and Sport Science Division is to enable students to pursue career goals in the fields of exercise, sport science, sports management, and leisure studies. Activity classes assist students in adopting a healthy lifestyle and developing life-long habits of fitness.

The B.S. and B.A. degrees are offered in Exercise and Sport Science. The student may choose from three concentrations within the Exercise and Sport Science major based on career goals. These options include Sports Medicine, Sport Science: Teacher Licensure, and Recreation and Sports Management. For information on teacher licensure, see the Teacher Education Handbook.

HEALTH

If a student majoring in Exercise and Sport Science elects a minor in health, courses must be added to include courses not required in the major.

CONCENTRATIONS IN THE EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE MAJOR

Sports Medicine Concentration
Core Courses 12 SH - First Aid and Basic Athletic Injury, Foundations of Exercise, Sport Science, PE for the Young Child, Exercise Physiology

Concentration Courses 29-30 SH - Exercise Leadership, Life Guarding, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Motor Learning, Kinesiology, Tests and Measurements for Exercise and Sports Science, Sports Medicine Internship, Therapeutic Exercise, Foundations of Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition and Metabolism.

Sport Science: Teacher Licensure Concentration

Recreation and Sports Management Concentration
Core Courses 12 SH - First Aid and Basic Athletic Injury, Foundations of Exercise, Sport Science, and Recreation, PE for the Young Child, Exercise Physiology

Concentration Courses 33 SH - Theory of Coaching Volleyball and Softball, Administration of Sports and Recreation, Individual and Dual Sports, Team Sports, Outdoor Recreation, Methods and Curriculum for PE K-12, Facility Design and Management, Recreation & Sports Management Internship, Principles of Management.

Certification

ESS majors concentrating in Sports Medicine will complete academic courses and internships which will prepare them for certification such as the American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Instructor or the Certified Personal Trainer.

Exercise and Sports Science Minor

Students desiring a minor in Exercise and Sports Science must first consult with the ESS Division Chair to develop a proposed plan of course work. This plan shall include a minimum of 18 SH of course work with at least 9 SH of classes at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Health Minor
Minor in Health: Human Sexuality, Nutrition and Metabolism, Stress Management, Seminar in Drug and Health Education, Special Topics in Health and one course approved by ESS Division Chair selected from ESS, SOC; PSY, BIO; or CHM.

Courses selected from sociology, psychology, or Exercise and Sport Science may be selected to replace one of the Health courses listed with permission of ESS Division Chair. HEALTH 128

Internships

Sports Medicine Internship
The student is placed in a clinical, hospital based, and/or wellness and fitness setting under the supervision of an exercise specialist, physical therapist, physician or other professional allied health worker. Observation and guided hands-on practice are provided in the conducting of physiologic assessments, exercise recommendations, and supervised exercise sessions. Textbook and classroom material will emphasize EKG interpretation, metabolic calculations, and applied exercise physiology concepts. This experience is designed to help prepare students for American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Instructor exam which students are strongly encouraged to take upon course completion. Placement is for 15 weeks.

Pro 1 Therapy Services – Students interested in pursuing a career in Physical or Occupational Therapy work under the tutelage of a licensed therapist to gain experiential learning of practical skills. Students are introduced to clinical procedures pertaining to a wide array of orthopedic and neurological impairments.

Bluefield Regional Medical Center – Internships available in the areas of Orthopedic Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Bluefield College Athletics – Internships available in Athletic Training.

Bluefield College Exercise Physiology Laboratory – Internship positions available in the areas of Health and Fitness Testing and Personal Training.

Greater Bluefield Community Center – Internships available in Personal Training.

Recreation & Sports Management Internship
This course involves placement of the student in a recreational setting under the supervision of recreation and college personnel. The student begins with observation and limited participation and ends by assuming major responsibility for the recreation program. Placement is for a period of 15 weeks. Prerequisites: ESS 2073, JR standing, and one semester prior approval by student's advisor.