/Institutions/Gardner-Webb-University/json/2024-2025/Academic-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Gardner-Webb-University/json/2024-2025/Academic-Catalog.json

Department of Exercise Science

Department Chair: D. Granniss

Faculty

Professor: J. Hartman

Associate Professor: D. Granniss

Assistant Professor: J. Ahearn

The Exercise Science program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Recognized through the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP) as an Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning Program with standardized, approved strength and conditioning curricula designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.

Overview

The Exercise Science major prepares undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work as professionals in the exercise science and health professions. Exercise science professionals are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risks factors, conducting fitness assessments, developing and implementing safe and effective exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. Exercise science professionals perform these activities in medical, commercial, university, corporate, or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion, fitness, sports performance, and rehabilitation activities.

The Carolina Chiropractic Plus Human Performance Laboratory offers Gardner-Webb University students the opportunity to work with equipment and learn the techniques designed to measure cardiopulmonary, metabolic, anthropometric, and strength assessments integral to the studies of health and human performance.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Exercise Science major at Gardner-Webb University is to develop competent and contributing entry-level professionals in the field of exercise science in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains, with a Christian foundation grounded in the liberal arts tradition. This is accomplished by providing quality academic preparation that incorporates both classroom and supervised practical experiences.

Major Field of Study

Exercise Science

Minor Field of Study

None

Student Learning Outcomes

1. PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION

   To interact and communicate effectively by presenting information in oral, written, and technology formats; collaborating with professionals and peers; expressing ideas clearly; and giving and receiving feedback;

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

   To utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate health behavior and risk factors; develop, implement, and evaluate exercise and wellness programs, and employ behavioral strategies to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors;

3. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT

   To demonstrate behavior, grounded in Christian faith and the liberal arts tradition, that preserves the integrity of a profession, prevents misrepresentation, and protects the consumer;

4. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

   To continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities and to uphold a professional image through actions and appearance; and

5. PROFESSIONAL DECISION MAKING (PROBLEM SOLVING)

   To demonstrate critical thinking by making decisions based on multiple perspectives and evidence-based practice.

Admission Requirements

University acceptance to pursue the Exercise Science major does NOT guarantee admission into the Exercise Science major. Formal application to the Exercise Science major must be completed by the student according to the following procedures.

1. It is the student’s responsibility to submit an Application to the Major form to the Exercise Science Administrative Assistant in the semester in which s/he is enrolled in at least 48 credit hours.
2. By the beginning of the semester following application, students will receive notification of acceptance or denial to the major according to the following.
   1. Acceptance: The student has fulfilled all major requirements in the section Prerequisites to the BS Major Core in the Exercise Science Major (see WebbConnect Audit), and has a minimum overall and intended major GPA of 2.7. Once the student has been accepted into the Exercise Science Major, it will take the student at least four semesters to complete the curriculum, plus a six-credit summer internship.
   2. Denial: Not fulfilling the requirements as stated above will result in a first denial. Students who are denied for the first time are not permitted to take required upper-level courses. Students must reapply for a second time the following semester.
   3. Second Denial: If students do not meet the requirements again, they are denied the second time. Failure to submit an application will also result in a second denial. In the case of a second denial, students are not retained in the intended major and their major is changed to Undecided. Students are not permitted to reapply to the Exercise Science Major for one year following a second denial. If after one year the student has a minimum overall and major GPA of 2.7, s/he may reapply and repeat the application process as stated previously.