Exercise Science Major

1. Prepare graduates for transition to entry-level roles within a dynamic health and physical fitness industry or to professional degree programs in the human performance field (e.g. personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, etc.).
2. Prepare students to sit for nationally recognized certification examinations including
   those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National
   Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Academy of Sports
   Medicine (NASM).
3. Provide students with a comprehensive didactic curriculum with a focus on evidence-
   based practice in the exercise science field.
4. Provide students with diverse, high-quality internship, experiential, and/or research
   experiences via hands-on learning opportunities that will translate theory into practical
   application.
5. Prepare graduates to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and ethical
   understanding consistent with Merrimack College community standards and nationally
   recognized accrediting organization ethical guidelines.
6. Develop lifelong learners who are analytical problem solvers and contributing leaders in
   their profession and broader community.

Upon completion of the Exercise Science major, students will possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

1. Demonstrate mastery of foundational Exercise Science knowledge including general
   scientific principles associated with the neuromuscular, anatomical, metabolic, and
   biomechanical basis of human performance.
2. Apply principles of strength and conditioning and exercise program design to develop
   and implement exercise prescriptions encompassing safety and injury prevention for
   healthy general populations.
3. Administer and interpret physical fitness testing for healthy individuals and special
   populations in compliance with nationally recognized guidelines.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in performing laboratory techniques following standard safety
   guidelines and subsequent analysis of relevant human performance data.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in professional preparation and delivery of organized, articulate, and accurate oral, written, and visual communication in Exercise Science to a diverse population of clients and health professionals.
6. Employ critical thinking and innovation to evaluate challenges, concepts, research literature, and performance outcomes and apply analytic conclusions to evidence-based professional practice.