Exercise/Sport Science & Athletics Department
Major- For an individualized major, the guidelines are available from the Associate Dean of the College
Minor- Exercise/Sport Science
For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.
1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?
There are two courses, which provide the basis of our Exercise/Sport Science curriculum, which allow students to explore the field. PHED 210-Kinanthropology, Kinesiology and Physical Education: An Introduction - this course provides students with an overall view and experience of the many varieties of studies within the field. PHED 244-Basic Athletic Training – this course is the first step into understanding the science of sport, the physiological basis of injury and is a good starting point if the student is interested in a sports medicine career.
2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?
Minors:Many courses are offered on an every other year basis and it is important to begin the course work early to fulfill all requirements. By the end of the first year, students should begin to meet prerequisites for more advanced courses. Students should consider Biology 141 or 120 and Chemistry 115 or 120 to meet the prerequisites of Human Anatomy and Physiology (Biology 234). Students should consider PHED 210, the introductory course also.
During the second year students may take, if offered, Human Anatomy and Physiology (Biology 234) and Basic Athletic Training (PHED 244). These two courses are essential to continue to the upper level courses in the program. The student must concentrate on one of the four tracks of concentration within the minor during their junior and senior year.
3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?
Minors:Students can actually complete the minor during the last two years of education, although we highly advise against it. During the first year it is important to meet the minimum requirements for Biology 234 and during the second year to take Basic Athletic Training. This will enable the student to enter upper level courses within the program.
4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?
This is the single most important factor to the Exercise/Sport Science minor. Students interested in the minor in Exercise/Sport Science should contact the program coordinator during their first year or early in their sophomore year for course listings and planning. Students interested in any of the certifications offered should meet with the program coordinator early in their first year.
5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?
Not meeting with the program coordinator to discuss the course-offering schedule.
Program Description: The minor curriculum in Exercise/Sport Science provides students the opportunity to explore and experience a wide range of areas in fields such as sports medicine, human performance, sports administration and sports psychology. The program is designed for students who may pursue a career or have a genuine interest in working with physically fit athletic or healthy minded individuals and groups or in allied sports medicine health careers. Completion of the minor may lead to certification a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Students who have completed the program have pursued graduate studies in many of the areas mentioned above.
Students interested in the Exercise/Sport Science minor or pursuing the above mentioned certifications should contract Jim Johnston, coordinator for the program (x5351). Many courses are offered every other year, therefore students are encouraged to begin the program early in their college career to ensure proper sequencing of the courses. Although not required, students are urged to perform an internship in the emphasized area of their choosing