Exercise Science B.S. / Applied Gerontology MS - Combined Program

http://www.uncw.edu/hahs

Mr. Barnes, Dr. Boyce, Dr. Dowd, Dr. Heijen, Dr. McDaniel, Ms. Shields, Dr. Sprod (exercise science program coordinator), Dr. Tseh, Ms. Van Meter, Dr Glass, (gerontology program coordinator), Dr. Fugate-Whitlock

The Exercise Science program is a competency-driven curriculum for students who are interested in applying the scientific principles of exercise, fitness, health and wellness within the clinical, government, corporate, industrial, private, commercial and academic venues. Exercise Science students must complete the exercise science core courses, and then choose one of two concentrations: the Allied Health concentration or Exercise Physiology Certification concentration. The Allied Health concentration provides a platform leading to careers such as, but not limited to, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy and clinical exercise physiology. The Exercise Physiology Certification concentration, when combined with nationally-recognized certifications, leads to careers such as, but not limited to, personal training, strength and conditioning specialist, commercial/corporate employee fitness director and exercise physiologist. Exercise Science complements other allied health professions and therapies to address client’s well-being and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

The purpose of the combination Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Master of Science degree in Applied Gerontology program is to offer an accelerated path toward a Master of Science degree that will prepare graduates to practice in health-care and community-based settings that serve older adults, and be leaders in the intersection of exercise science, gerontology, and wellness. The combined program prepares students to pursue further degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health-care related fields. It also prepares those students to work in wellness programs in retirement communities, recreation programs, and senior centers, or as an exercise physiologist or fitness trainer focusing on working with older adults. This preparation places a priority on the development of skills through in- and out-of class applied learning experiences, internships, and community engagement. Furthermore, student learning outcomes emphasize critical thinking and evidence-based practice as means of assisting older adult clients in reaching their goals, and maximizing their quality of life.

Program Admission

All students wishing to be admitted into the combined program must (a) be Exercise Science majors with > 75 credits of undergraduate courses, (b) have a GPA of > 3.0, (c) provide the name and email addresses of two full-time Exercise Science professors/lecturers who are familiar with the student’s academic performance in 300-/400-level classes and practical experience(s), and (d) apply to the Master of Science degree program in Applied Gerontology.

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.S. degree in Exercise Science, a student must successfully complete EXS 310 (3 cr.).

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.S. degree in Exercise Science, a student must successfully complete EXS 497 (3 cr.)

Requirements for the Combination B.S. Degree in Exercise Science and a M.S. Degree in Applied Gerontology Program:

Prerequisites:

Students wishing to declare a major in Exercise Science must:

Complete a minimum of 24 credits;
Acheve a cumulative UNCW GPA of 2.70 or better (transfer students should consult with an EXS advisor):
Attain a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each of the following courses:
BIO 201 Principles of Biology: Cells
CHM 101 General Chemistry I
EXS 210 Introduction to Exercise Science
MAT 111 College Algebra
Once admitted to the Exercise Science program, students are requred to complete the exercise science core requirements and one of the exercise science concentrations. The specific requirements are listed below.

Exercise Science Core Requirements (31 credits):

Exercise Science Concentrations (22 credits)

In addition to the exercise science core requirements, students are required to complete one of the following exercise science concentrations listed below: 1) Exercise Physiology Certification concentration, or 2) Allied Health concentration.

Exercise Physiology Certification Concentration

Allied Health Concentration

Select** a minimum of 22 credits from the following:
ATR 470 - Medical Terminology for Health Professions
BIO 202 - Principles of Biology: Biodiversity
BIO 335 - Genetics
BIO 465 - Biochemistry
BIOL 465 - Biochemistry Laboratory
CHM 102 - General Chemistry II
CHM 211 - Organic Chemistry I
CHML 211 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
PED 345 - Childhood Obesity
PED 415 - Adapted Physical Activity
PHY 101 - Elementary College Physics I
PHY 102 - Elementary College Physics II
PSY 220 - Child Psychology or
PSY 223 - Life Span Human Development or
PSY 247 - Abnormal Psychology or
PSY 324 - Psychology of Aging
**Selection should be chosen with student’s undergraduate academic advisor and based on graduate school prerequisites.

Total Credits: 67 Credits

Additional Information:

Students must provide current written documentation of adult first aid and CPR (including AED) certifications during the term in which students expect to graduate with B.S. Exercise Science degree.

Additional Information for Combination B.S. Exercise Science and M.S. Applied Gerontology Program:

In addition to the Exercise Science core and concentration requirements, students accepted into the combined B.S. EXS and M.S. Applied GRN combination program are allowed to take the following four graduate-level GRN courses during the student’s undergraduate senior year:

Total: 12 credits**

**These 12 graduate credits will be counted as general electives towards the B.S. Exercise Science, be counted towards the University’s graduation requirement of 124 credits, and meet core requirements for the M.S. Applied Gerontology.

In addtion to the four courses listed above, in order to fulfill the Combination B.S. Exercise Science and M.S. Applied Gerontology Program requirements, students must complete the following M.S. GRN core and elective requirements as displayed below.

Core Requirements (12 credits)

GRN 590 - Practicum in Gerontology (Credits: 3)
GRN 597 - Master’s Project Proposal Development (Credits: 3)
GRN 598 - Final Project in Gerontology (Credits: 3)
Research Methods Course (3 credits required) - choose from:
GRN 503 - Investigative Inquiry in Gerontology (Credis: 3)
GRN 500 - Social Research Methods (Credits: 3)
SOC 502 - Evaluation, Methods and Policy (Credits: 3)
SOC 504 - Data Analysis (Credits: 3)
PLS 501 - Quantitative Methods (Credits: 3)
PLS 506 - Program Evaluation (Credits: 3)

Elective Requirements (12 credits)

All students must complete 12 credits of electives approved by the Applied Gerontology program coordinator.

Electives include, but are not limited to, the following:

Additional Information:

Students who choose to take FOUR of these six courses as their electives can simultaneously earn a Post-Baccalaureate Business Foundations Cerficate from the Cameron School of Business:

Applicants must apply and be accepted into both programs, which requires two separate graduate applications: 1) M.S. Applied Gerontology degree and 2) Post-Baccalaureate Business Foundations certificate.

Total: 36 Credits

Student progression in the program is contingent upon the following:

Students must meet Graduate Collge GPA requirements.
Students found to have been in violation of the university’s Academic Honor Code will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the current Code of Student Life.