Fitness Development
What is fitness development? This program provides a theoretical and practical knowledge base for students who are interested in careers in health/fitness settings. As a prospective fitness and exercise professional, the essential theoretical information is acquired through a concentrated course program and then the application of this knowledge is demonstrated through an internship experience in exercise, wellness, health promotion, corporate fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, commercial fitness, and other related areas. Students in this program have the opportunity to prepare for careers in fitness management, health promotion, and other wellness-related programs. This program can lead to certification as a Health/Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, and/or certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
In the past three decades, the world has witnessed a phenomenal growth in interest and involvement in physical activity. More particularly, forms of exercise that promote physical fitness and favorably affect one’s health and overall functioning have become central to the lives of many people. Fitness and exercise professionals may work with many different subgroups, some of these groups could be: children and youth, the elderly as well as adults, people with coronary heart disease, obese individuals, and people with physical disabilities. Exercise and fitness can make a significant contribution to the health and quality of life for all types of people, and it is the fitness and exercise professional who can make this happen.
The
study of sports performance by exercise scientists involves a wide range
of diverse areas, which can include the growth and development of athletes,
nutritional needs of athletes, and movement analysis. While these are
just a few of the ways exercise scientists study human movement, there
are many more opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Many students are initially interested in a undergraduate program in fitness development because they enjoy sport and participation in all types of physical activities. The opportunity to study the scientific bases of athletics is often appealing. In fact, some students may even apply the knowledge they gain in this type of program to their own athletic performance or work with other athletes in various settings.
Other students who major in fitness development use their undergraduate program as a stepping stone to professional and graduate schools in a variety of different areas, such as health-related fields. In addition, a fitness development degree can lead to careers in corporate or agency fitness (YMCA, YWCA, Community Centers, etc.), and even private settings such as health clubs.
Some Potential Career Options for Students Concentrating in Fitness Development
| Agency and Corporate Fitness | Private Sector | Teacher, Researcher and/or Coach |
| YMCA & YWCA | Health club employee or owner | University or College professor |
| Community Centers | Personal Trainer | University or College strength conditioning coach |
| Corporate sponsored fitness and wellness centers | Strength and Conditioning Coach | High school/Club team coach |
Distribution of Courses for the B.S. in Kinesiology: Fitness Development
Required General Education and Liberal Arts Courses
CPN100:
Academic Writing I
CPN101: Academic Writing II
BIO110: Principles of Biology I (GE 8)
BIO111: Principles of Biology II (GE 8)
PSY101: General Psychology
BIO301: Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO302: Anatomy and Physiology II
CAP100: Computer Applications
General Education Courses
Quantitative Skills Requirement
*met by MAT121, MAT125, PSY201 or ECO221
Required Kinesiology Theory Courses
EXS
197: History/Philosophy of PED
EXS 287: Soc-Psych Aspects of Activity
EXS 297: Motor Behavior
EXS 351: Philosophy of Sport
EXS 387: Biomechanics
EXS 397: Exercise Physiology
EXS 420: Sport in American Culture
Fitness
Development Theory Requirements
ATR
421: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
EXS 357: Nutrition and Sport Performance
EXS 435: Neuromuscle Fitness Assessment
EXS 438: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment
HLH 120: Responding to Emergencies
HLH 210: Wellness and Health Promotion
HLH 301: Stress Management
HLH 323: Foods and Nutrition
MGT 250: Principles of Management
Required
Activity Courses
PED 181: Adventure Activities
PED 182: Health-Related Physical Fitness
PED 189: Aquatics or PED195: Water Exercise
PED 283: Racket Activities
PED 284: Self Defense
PED 288: Rhythms and Dance
Practica Required
EXS
196: Field Experience in Fitness Development I
EXS 296: Field Experience in Fitness Development II
EXS 470: Field Experience in Fitness Development III
EXS 371: Pre-Internship in Fitness Development
EXS 471: Internship in Fitness Development
Free Electives
Total Hours Required for Graduation 124-130
