Missouri State University – College of Health and Human Services
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation

Exercise and Movement Science Program – Pre-Professional and Health Studies Options, Bachelor of Science
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Academic Program:
The Exercise and Movement Science program offers students two options: Pre-Professional and Health Studies with both options leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.  The Pre-Professional track is designed for students interested in pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy,  pre-physician assistant studies, and pre-chiropractic track structured to align with admission requirements in those areas.  The Health Studies option is structured to prepare students for health-related graduate degrees, immediate employment in health education, health promotion, wellness, personal training, and sport performance.

Contact Information:
Dr. Rhonda Ridinger, Coordinator
E-mail: RhondaRidinger@MissouriState.edu
Office Location: McDonald Arena, Room 119
Office Phone: (417) 836-5346
Fax: (417) 836-5371

Students who will be served by this program:

• B.S. in Exercise Science – students who want to work in the diverse field of exercise or movement science but who do not want a teaching degree.
• Pre-Professional School - students who plan to enter professional schools, especially physical therapy and physician assistant, and want a bachelors degree that will enable them to be employed in the field immediately upon graduation should they not be immediately accepted into professional study.
• BSN students -  There are currently 293 BSN students competing for 40 positions. These are new students to campus. The proposed degree with the Health Studies track would be an attractive alternative for those who are not accepted into the BSN program.
• Sportsmedicine majors – Sportsmedicine majors often double major in physical education to have an alternative certification. Adding the Health Studies option would be very attractive to those who are not accepted into the Sportsmedicine program or those who wish to move from it. 
• Health Education Certification - Teacher certification could be an add-on option for those pursuing the Health Studies track. Students could pursue the MAT, post- baccalaureate certification, or go on to graduate school to teach in higher education.
• Accelerated Masters - The option of an accelerated masters to the M.S. in Health Promotion and Wellness Management degree program is in development.
• Allied Health Students– Rad Tech and Respiratory Therapy students and others who are not admitted to the respective schools may want to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in this area.                
• Electives – use in potential minors. Program electives could be in clinical experience, be applied to a nutrition minor (requires a total of 20 hrs.), to a psychology minor (requires a total of 24 hrs), toward a business minor, or could group as a leadership or developmental/special populations core, or could apply to teacher certification.

 B.S. EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT SCIENCE

B.S. in Exercise and Movement Science:   125 hours
General Education:   43-54 hours (Assume 51 hrs.)

COMPREHENSIVE MAJOR

A.  Exercise Science Core          34-36 hours

B.  Health Studies                      30 hours  (+14-16 hrs. guided electives*)
                                                        *Includes research requirement 

C.  Pre-Professional                  29-34 hours (+8-10 hrs. guided electives)
                                                        *Includes practicum or directed research

Exercise Science Core:   34-36 hours + (*12 hrs. counted in Gen Ed.)

General Education Requirements for Core

*BIO 102 or 121 (4) or BMS 110 (5)
*CHM 105 or 160 (5)
*PSY 121 (3) Intro to Psychology

Core Courses

PED 250 (3) or BMS 307 (4)   Human Anatomy
PED 252 (3) or BMS 308 (4)   Human Physiology
PED 360 (4) Kinesiology
PED 362 (4) Exercise Physiology
PED 569 (4) Health Appraisal and Exercise Testing Techniques
PED 361 (2) Motor Learning
ATC 222 (2) Athletic Injuries
BMS 240 (3) Intro to Nutrition
PSY  200 (3) Statistics
PED 485 (2) Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
PED 468 (4) Adapted Physical Education