Interdisciplinary program in Biology and Business Administration
Well-equipped fitness center
State-of-the-art exercise science laboratory
Hands-on experience begins freshman year
Numerous opportunities to be an apprentice beginning junior year
Internship senior year
High job placement rate for graduates
The Exercise and Sport Science major at Fitchburg State College provides students with the training they'll need to pursue a career in an industry that offers a multitude of choices. Graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science.
Four-Year Undergraduate Program
Students majoring in Exercise and Sport Science choose one of two concentrations: clinical exercise physiology or fitness management. Both tracks integrate anatomy, physiology, physics, psychology, and learning theory to describe and explain responses and adaptations to exercise and training, and apply that knowledge to enhance physical potential for health, for sport, and in rehabilitation. The programs also draw from Biology and Business Administration to provide a foundation in these disciplines to support exercise science applications as well as to enhance career preparedness. Career opportunities are numerous and varied for Exercise Science graduates in both tracks. Students may elect to work in an entry-level position immediately
upon graduation, or they may choose to further their education. The Exercise and Sport Science major prepares them for either option.
Facilities
Fitchburg State College offers access to a well-equipped fitness center and a dedicated
exercise science laboratory, where majors in such courses as exercise physiology,
functional anatomy, biomechanics, motor learning, and exercise testing and prescription gain valuable, practical experience related to their field of study.
Equipment in the Exercise Science lab:
Isokinetic dynamometer
Anaerobic testing system
Metabolic measurement system
Ergometers
Stress test monitor
Anthropometrical instruments
Goniometers
Blood pressure equipment
Cardiovascular equipment
Free weights
Icarian strength system
Faculty
All full-time faculty members in the Exercise and Sport Science Department hold terminal degrees, and have many years of experience in the varied disciplines that make up the field of Exercise and Sport Science. From basic survey courses through capstone courses in the major, Exercise and Sport Science faculty members are very involved in the development of their students. Every student is assigned a faculty advisor from the day they enter the department. The advisor does more than simply help choose courses; the advisor becomes a mentor, assisting with the acquisition of needed professional skills. With an average student to faculty ratio of less than 20 to one, every student receives the kind of personal attention that’s only possible in a school this size.
Internships and Apprenticeships
Qualified Exercise and Sport Science students are required to complete an off-campus internship in their senior year to sharpen their real-world skills outside the classroom. We have established relationships with several area clinical and fitness facilities as well as local school systems for work with athletic teams.
Some of these internship facilities include:
Better Body Enterprises
Burbank Hospital
Cushing Academy
Gardner High School Track Team
Global Fitness
Pfizer Corporation
Orchard Hills Fitness Club
Nashua Fitness Club
Walt Disney World
Joslin Diabetes Clinic
United States Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
Local college athletic departments
All students are provided the opportunity to be mentored by faculty in apprenticeships that include work in fitness testing, personal training, designing conditioning programs, and research.
Results
Whether you’re interested in a career immediately, or want to pursue graduate school, the Exercise and Sport Science program will prepare you for success in the real world.
Clinical Physiology Track
Cardiac rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pediatric rehabilitation
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Corporate rehabilitation centers
Industrial rehabilitation centers
Physical therapy
Occupational physiology
PT/OT centers
Higher education
Fitness industry
Health/fitness clubs
Equipment design
Health laboratory technician
Research in health and exercise
Physician aides
Chiropractic
Resident care facilities
Spas/resorts/cruise lines
Fitness Management Track
Commercial health/fitness clubs
Corporate/employee wellness programs
Fitness equipment marketing/sales
Fitness equipment installation
Technological support for centers
Fitness equipment design
Hospital-based wellness programs
Personal trainer
Small business owner
Management consultant
Municipal fitness/recreation programs
Equipment sales
Resident care facilities
Spas/resorts/cruise lines
Contact
For more information about the Exercise and Sport Science Department at Fitchburg State College, please contact the Admissions Office for open house and visit options.
Exercise and Sport Science Department: 978-665-3304
