Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies

About this Composite Major

A Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies major is designed to prepare students for professional healthcare programs in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, cardiac rehab, dietetics, and other rehabilitative healthcare professions.

The courses are taught by certified healthcare providers and are hands-on and interactive. Students gain experience with state-of-the-art rehabilitative equipment in the classroom and in practical experience settings with healthcare professionals. The experiences and course content in the Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies (ESRS) program prepare students for a smooth and successful transition to their professional graduate degree.

As part of the ESRS program, students earn a Strength and Conditioning certificate. The combination of required courses and the strength and conditioning certificate prepares students to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. This is a highly sought credential for those interested in increasing marketability in their prospective professional setting. In addition, students have an opportunity to earn a Sport Nutrition Specialist credential, a High School Strength Coach Certified credential, and an Emergency Medical Responder certification. 

Career Opportunities

Use your Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies education for future career opportunities as an:

• Athletic Trainer
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Chiropractor
• Physician Assistant
• Cardiac Rehab
• Dietitian
• Other rehabilitative healthcare professions

Meet a Student

During my time in the Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies program, I truly got an understanding and a feel for what I was wanting to do with my future. Through all of the hands-on practical experience in each of the classes and the professors who were always willing to go over things again, or meet and explain things further, it was easy to feel out what types of careers would be good for myself.  Because of all of that, I finally found a profession that I can wholeheartedly say will make me happy. The professors in this program helped show what a day in your professional careers could look like, while still giving you so much knowledge and sharing their personal experiences to prepare you for it, and I think that is the biggest plus of this program. – McKenna Taylor - current Physician Assistant student

Get Involved in the Major

The Kinesiology and Human Performance Club empowers students by providing invaluable opportunities such as attending professional conferences, crafting resume materials, preparing for exams like the GRE and PRAXIS, navigating the application processes for professional graduate programs, and studying for certifications and credentialing exams. The club is dedicated to cultivating students' growth and achievement within their discipline, fostering success in both academic and professional environments.

Dr. Rachelle Hunt, rachelle.hunt@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7260

Department Location

Gaukler Family Wellness & Physical Education Center, 149

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I 1
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I 1
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems 2
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology 2
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Digital Literacy
Select one of the following:
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems 2
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology 2
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
ANTH 111	Introduction to Anthropology
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology 1
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
ART 182	Art With a Smartphone
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹

Required

²

CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.

 Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
BIOL 220	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 221	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I	5
HPER 127	Introduction to Kinesiology	3
HPER 128	Communication for Health Care Professionals	3
HPER 207	Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries	2
HPER 259	Kinesiology	3
HPER 260	Biomechanics	3
HPER 321	Recognition of Orthopedic Injuries I	3
HPER 326	Therapeutic Modalities	3
HPER 327	Recognition of Orthopedic Injuries II	3
HPER 328	Therapeutic Exercise	3
HPER 384	Fitness Assessment and Prescription	3
HPER 444	Exercise Physiology of Peak Performances	3
HPER 454	Evidence-Based Practice	3
MATH 321	Applied Probability and Statistics	3
or PSYC 330	Understanding Statistics
PSYC 250	Developmental Psychology	3
Directed Electives		15
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 310	Microbiology
BIOL 315	Genetics
BIOL 441	Cell Biology
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
HPER 109	Exercise Techniques and Program Design
HPER 210	First Aid & CPR
HPER 215	Motor Behavior
HPER 240	Principles of Nutrition
HPER 258	Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance
HPER 287	Field Experience
HPER 309	Sport Nutrition Concepts
HPER 311	Emergency Response Management
HPER 315	Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
HPER 332	Foundations of Clinical Medicine
HPER 350	Sport Ethics
HPER 382	Strength and Conditioning for High School Athletes
HPER 387	Field Experience
HPER 400	Current Issues in Community Health
HPER 438	Organization and Administration for Kinesiology
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PSYC 370	Psychological Disorders and Treatment
Total Credits		69

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement  69 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

Plan of Study - Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Occupational Therapy

*Plans of study are adjusted to prerequisite courses reflecting specific professional school requirements. 

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 150 (Gen Ed)	4	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 127	3	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 128	3	Math (Gen Ed)	3
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	Computer Science/Digital Literacy (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 109 (Directed Elective)	3	HPER 259	3
HPER 207	2	PSYC 250	3
PHYS 211	4	Directed Elective	3
Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3	Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Directed Elective (PSYC 370 for OT)	3	Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 220	4	BIOL 221	4
HPER 260	3	HPER 327	3
HPER 311 (Directed Elective)	3	HPER 309 (Directed Elective)	3
HPER 321	3	HPER 384	3
		Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	13		16
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CHEM 121	5	HPER 326	3
HPER 328	3	HPER 454	3
HPER 444	3	MATH 321 or PSYC 330	3
Electives	4	Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2
		Electives	3
	15		14
Total Credits 120

Please note:  This plan is intended for general information only.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Plan of Study - Pre-Physical Therapy

*Plans of study are adjusted to prerequisite courses reflecting specific professional school requirements. 

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 127	3	BIOL 151 (Directed Elective)	4
HPER 128	3	CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3
BIOL 150 (Gen Ed)	4	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 100 or 212 (Gen Ed)	2	Math (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 109 (Directed Elective)	3	HPER 259	3
HPER 207	2	PHYS 212 (Directed Elective)	4
PHYS 211 (Gen Ed)	4	PSYC 250	3
COMM 110 (Gen Ed)	3	Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Elective	2	Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3
	14		16
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 311 (Directed Elective)	3	HPER 327	3
HPER 321	3	HPER 384	3
HPER 260	3	BIOL 221	4
BIOL 220	4	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
PSYC 370 (Directed Elective)	3
	16		13
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 328	3	HPER 326	3
HPER 444	3	HPER 387 (Directed Elective)	2
CHEM 121	5	HPER 454	3
PSYC 330 or MATH 321PSYC 330 Fall only - MATH 321 Spring only	3	CHEM 122 (Directed Elective)	5
		Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2
	14		15
Total Credits 120

Plan of Study - Pre-Physician Assistant

*Plan of study may change based on prerequisite requirements for different professional programs

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 127	3	CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 128	3	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
BIOL 150 (Gen Ed)	4	Math (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	Directed Elective	4
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PHYS 211 (Gen Ed)	4	HPER 259	3
HPER 109 (Directed Elective)	3	PSYC 250	3
HPER 207	2	Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3	Directed Electives	6
Directed Elective	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 220	4	HPER 327	3
HPER 260	3	HPER 384	3
HPER 321	3	BIOL 221	4
Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Elective	3
	16		13
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 328	3	HPER 326	3
HPER 387 (Directed Elective)	2	HPER 454	3
HPER 444	3	Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2
CHEM 121	5	Electives	5
PSYC 330	3
	16		13
Total Credits 120

Plan of Study - VCSU-NDSU Accelerated Master's in Athletic Training

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 127	3	HPER 128	3
CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 207	2
PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3	BIOL 150 (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	Math (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2	Directed Elective	3
Directed Elective	3
	18		18
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 109	3	HPER 259	3
HPER 311	3	HPER 384	3
PHYS 211 (Gen Ed)	4	CHEM 121	5
Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2	PSYC 250	3
Directed Elective	3	Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 210	1
	18		18
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
HPER 260	3	BIOL 221	4	HNES 780 - NDSUVCSU Directed Elective	3
HPER 328	3	MATH 321 or PSYC 330MATH 321 (spring only) PSYC 330 (fall only)	3	HNES 720 - NDSU	3
HPER 444	3	HPER 309 (Directed Elective)	3	Start on NDSU's Campus
BIOL 220	4	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3	Directed Elective	5
Directed Elective	2
Apply to NDSU Graduate AT Program
	18		18		6
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HNES 770 - NDSUVCSU HPER 454	2	HPER 778 - NDSU	3
HNES 781 - NDSU VCSU HPER 226	4	HNES 782 - NDSUVCSU HPER 227	5
HNES 794 - NDSUVCSU - HPER 487	2	HNES 794 - NDSU	3
		Graduate from VCSU with an ESRS undergraduate degree
	8		11
Fifth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HNES 774 - NDSU	3	HNES 772 - NDUS	2
HNES 775 - NDSU	3	HNES 773 - NDSU	2
HNES 776 - NDSU	3	HNES 794 - NDSU	5
HNES 794 - NDSU	2
	11		9
Total Credits 153

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology principles.

2. Students will assess, critique, and analyze the appropriate knowledge and educational foundation to interpret evidence-based research.

3. Students will accurately evaluate orthopedic and non-orthopedic injuries and illnesses. Develop and implement therapeutic strategies for rehabilitation.

4. Students will develop communication skills using verbal, written, and electronic documentation appropriate for health care professions.