Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online Exercise Science Degrees: Program Information

Exercise science degrees examine the various ways in which the human body develops and maintains physical fitness. Online programs arm students with the information needed to customize exercise or diet programs.

Online Certificate Programs in Exercise and Health Science

Many people find their way into the fitness industry through short skill-based certificate programs. Certificates sometimes focus on a particular area of sport science, such as injury rehabilitation, corporate fitness programs and more.

Program Information and Requirements

Certificate programs in exercise science are not self-paced, and generally must be completed within 12-18 months. Admission requires only a high school diploma and qualifying entrance exam scores.
Courses are delivered through a combination of email, discussion forums and, in some instances, streaming media. While the bulk of courses are available online, some programs will require a coordinated exercise science internship as part of their graduation requirements.

List of Common Exercise Science Courses

Programs at the certificate level often focus on a particular exercise science career specialty, such as personal training. Most programs combine courses in general anatomy with exercise fundamentals and nutrition.

Exercise Science Fundamentals Course

This course examines the anatomical impact of exercise on muscles and joints. Students will study methods for measuring range of motion, biomechanics and other topics helpful to developing tailored exercise programs.

Introduction to Kinesiology Course

Kinesiology is the science of how the human body moves. This course provides an introductory look at the systems involved in basic and advanced human movements. Students will look at how different maladies can affect these systems.

Nutrition for Fitness Course

This course helps provides fundamental knowledge about human nutrition, and how this knowledge applies to different exercise needs. Topics will include weight loss, sports nutrition, performance enhancing supplements and more.

Exercise Assessment and Program Design Course

This course examines the methods involved in analyzing a client's specific needs and developing individual exercise programs. Special exercise populations will be discussed, including caveats for those with musculoskeletal problem, heart conditions, pregnancy and more.

Career Information for Graduates

Many positions into the fitness field are filled by graduates of targeted, certificate programs in exercise science. These positions include personal and group fitness instructors, athletic directors and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of fitness work is expected to grow significantly faster through 2008-2018, adding nearly 80,000 new jobs. As of 2008, the median salary for fitness workers was $29,210 (www.bls.gov)

Continuing Education Information

Advancement in the field of exercise science generally requires a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Few, if any, schools exist that provide these credentials entirely online.

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