Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences (BS)

The undergraduate program in Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences (ESMS) provides a comprehensive exposure to the field of exercise science, with coursework in areas such as kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior and exercise programming. The program introduces you to the theoretical concepts and practical skills associated with preventive health, exercise and disease management, physical fitness, exercise program design and sports conditioning.

We provide an overview of mechanical aspects of human movement as well as physiological systems including anatomical, musculoskeletal, neural, cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory; inclusive of both lecture and laboratory experiences. The program includes a one-semester (240 hour) internship (final semester of senior year), in which you can select your area of focus to gain 'real world' work experience in your chosen field. An option to complete the internship within one of the many laboratories is available with permission/acceptance of the lab director. When substantially more ‘real world’ work experience/exposure is desired prior to graduate school training, one of the two-semester Cooperative Education options might be considered for either 1) pre-athletic training, 2) pre-occupational therapy, 3) pre-physical therapy or 4) pre-strength & conditioning.

Major: Health Studies
Concentration: Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Sheet (subject to change)

Post-grad + Careers

Students are well prepared to work in a variety of settings or to attend graduate school within the following areas:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medicine (medical doctor, physician assistant)
• Exercise science and associated disciplines (master's or PhD level)
• Bioenergetics
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Nutrition science
• Strength and conditioning

Note: Students should seek the guidance of the academic services coordinator, the pre-health professional advisor, faculty mentors and/or the school/college of interest with regards to needed prerequisite courses for Graduate School admission.

Students are also well prepared to begin employment within the following areas:

• Health/Medical research (master's degree typically required)
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist (master's degree typically required)
• Corporate wellness
• Health club facility management
• Personal training
• Group fitness instruction
• Fitness and wellness coaching
• Strength and conditioning coaching

 

We are endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP). The NSCA ERP recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.

 

For more information:
Dr. Melissa Puppa, Program Coordinator
mpuppa@memphis.edu

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ESMS Cooperative Education Program

Our Cooperative Education Program is an ideal option for students aspiring to enter graduate school in:

• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• athletic training
• strength & conditioning

The program is designed to provide you with early extensive exposure/experience in one of these clinical/professional fields to assist you in determining if the field is a good personal choice. This program also provides you with extensive networking opportunities and assists you in understanding the relevance of coursework you are taking in the ESMS program of study.

If you have completed all 1000- and 2000-level prerequisites for the ESMS concentration with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0, you may participate in this program that involves school/work rotations. Students are paid an hourly wage by the work site, so availability of sites may be limited. You are responsible for securing your own work sites. Cooperative education participation is an option, not a requirement.

For more information:
Dr. Lawrence Weiss, Program Coordinator
lweiss@memphis.edu