Majors/Minors


The Department of Health & Exercise Science offers five majors and three minors:

Allied Health Sciences Major

A major in Allied Health Sciences consists of 45 credits. This major is very important in preparing students for a future in a number of allied health programs including education in occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation just to name a few. A student completing this major will be qualified to sit for certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, American Counsel on Exercise and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

A major in Allied Health Sciences consists of the following courses:
Biology 305--Introduction to Human Anatomy
Biology 314--Human Physiology
Chemistry 125--Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
Exercise Science 201--Health Concepts and Strategies
Exercise Science 215--Research Methods
Exercise Science 249--Nutritional Concepts in Exercise Science
Exercise Science 260--First Aid and Safety
Exercise Science 300--Personal and Community Health
Exercise Science 320-- Kinesiology
Exercise Science 325--Princlples of Health and Physical Fitness Assessment
Exercise Science 329--Practicum in Allied Health Sciences I
Exercise Science 335--Physiology of Exercise
Exercise Science 356--Management Concepts in Health Care
Exercise Science 427--Health Promotion and Wellness
Math 200--Introduction to Statistics

Athletic Training Major

The Athletic Training Major is designed for individuals looking to prepare for an allied health career in athletic training. In addition, the Athletic Training Major provides an added avenue for students wishing to pursue a post graduate degree in physical therapy or occupational therapy.

The Athletic Training Major consists of 51 credits from the following courses:

Exercise Science 249--Nutritional Concepts in Exercise Science
Exercise Science 250--First Aid and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
Exercise Science 251--Basic Concepts in Athletic Training
Exercise Science 252--Clinical Affiliation I: Introduction to Athletic Training
Exercise Science 300--Personal and Community Health
Exercise Science 320-- Kinesiology
Exercise Science 335--Physiology of Exercise
Exercise Science 351--Athletic Injury Evaluation
Exercise Science 352--Clinical Affiliation II: Lower Extremity
Exercise Science 353--Clinical Affiliation III: Upper Extremity
Exercise Science 354--Therapeutic Modalities
Exercise Science 355--Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation
Exercise Science 356--Management concepts in Health Care
Exercise Science 450--Advanced Clinical Evaluation Training I
Exercise Science 451--Clinical Affiliation IV: Equipment Intensive
Exercise Science 452--Clinical Affiliation V: General Medical
Exercise Science 453--Counseling and Pharmacology
Biology 305--Introduction to Human Anatomy
Biology 314--Human Physiology


Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and complete the application process to the Department of Health and Exercise Science prior to spring term sophomore year. Additionally, students must complete 1000 clock hours of clinical experience under the supervision of an approved clinical instructor. Following successful completion of this program, a student will be eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) exam.

Admission Standards

Admission to the Athletic Training Major is regardless of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin or disability. Only applicants who have meet the minimum requirements established below will be considered for a position. The admission process will be competitive for limited positions. Admission packets may be requested from the Curriculum Director, Athletic Training Program.
  • Understand and sign the Technical Standards Form for the athletic training program.
  • A complete application--submitted before January 15th following the third semester on campus.
  • Three letters of reference--stipulating academic and leadership potential and overall character of the applicant--from the faculty at Bridgewater College.
  • Completion of a minimum of 200 "pre-placement" hours with intercollegiate athletics at Bridgewater College. These hours are used to familiarize the student with the athletic training profession and the practical requirements of the program.
  • Successful academic performance resulting in a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  • Self-direction essay (500 words).
  • Successful completion of ES 250, BIOL 305 and ES 249 (final grade of C or above).
  • All students meeting established minimum requirements will be interviewed by the Curriculum Admission Committee.

The Curriculum Admission Committee will interview and rank qualified applicants based on the above criteria--a democratic consensus will decide admission. Admission will not exceed a ratio of more than 8 students per Certified Athletic Trainer. Letters of admission will be sent to applicants prior to February 1.

For more information about the Athletic Training Program please visit the BC Athletic Training page or contact Barbara H. Long, MS, VATL, ATC at (540) 828-5771.

Health and Exercise Science Major

A major in Health and Exercise Science consists of not less than 48 credits, including three activity courses of which one must be swimming. The following additional courses are also required:
Biology 305--Introduction to Human Anatomy
Biology 314--Human Physiology
Chemistry 125--Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
Exercise Science 201--Health Concepts and Strategies
Exercise Science 215--Research Methods
Exercise Science 249--Nutritional Concepts in Exercise Science
Exercise Science 260--First Aid and Safety
Exercise Science 300--Personal and Community Health
Exercise Science 320-- Kinesiology
Exercise Science 325--Principles of Health and Physical Fitness Assessment
Exercise Science 329--Practicum in Health and Exercise Sciences
Exercise Science 335--Physiology of Exercise
Exercise Science 345--Motor Behavior
Exercise Science 356--Management concepts in Health Care
OR
Exercise Science 360--Organization and Administration of Health and Exercise Science
Exercise Science 368--Psychological Principles of Physical Activity
Exercise Science 427--Health and Promotion of Wellness

Health and Physical Education Major

A major in Health and Physical education is offered for the student pursuing a career in teaching health and/or physical education and consists of 48 credit hours, including three activity courses of which one must be swimming and 3 credits in Teaching & Coaching Methods, in the following courses:
BIOL 100--The Nature of the Biological World
OR
BIOL 208--Organisms II
CIS 103--Introduction to Computing
Exercise Science 260--First Aid & Safety
Exercise Science 318--Human Anatomy & Physiology
Exercise Science 300--Personal and Community Health
Exercise Science 320--Kinesiology
Exercise Science 335--Physiology of Exercise
Exercise Science 340--Health & Exercise Science Methods
Exercise Science 345--Motor Behavior
Exercise Science 350--Tests and Measurements
Exercise Science 360--Organization & Administration of HES
Exercise Science 368--Psychological Principles of Physical Activity
Exercise Science 370--Teaching Methods for Secondary P.E.
Exercise Science 385--Adapted Physical Education and Recreation
Exercise Science 426--Teaching Methods for Elementary P.E.
Exercise Science 427--Health Promotion and Wellness

In addition to the above requirements, students seeking teaching certification in Health and Exercise Science must complete the following:
Education 140--Introduction to Foundations of American Education
Education 200--Psychology of Education and Development
Education 201--Field Experience I
Education 215--The Exceptional student in the Classroom
Education 302--Field Experience II
Education 303--Field Experience III
Education 370--Classroom Management
Education 380--Practicum in Current Teaching Techniques
Education 450--Seminar in Special Topics
Education 470--Professional Student Teaching

Nutrition and Wellness Major

A major in Nutrition and Wellness consist of 40 credit hours and includes the following courses:
Biology 305--Introduction to Human Anatomy
Chemistry 250--Fundamental Organic Chemistry
Family & Consumer Science 240--Contemporary Nutrition and Wellness
Family & Consumer Science 350--Lifespan Nutrition and Wellness
Family & Consumer Science 355--Nutrition for the Athlete
Family & Consumer Science 455--Community Nutrition
Exercise Science 300--Personal and community Health
Exercise Science 320--Kinesiology
Exercise Science 325--Principles of Health and Physical Fitness Assessment
Exercise Science 335--Physiology of Exercise
Exercise Science 427--Health Promotion and Wellness
Math 200--Introduction to Statistics
Sociology 355--Counseling and Personal Development

Nutrition and Wellness Minor

A minor in Nutrition and Wellness consists of the following courses:
FCS 240--Contemporary Nutrition and Wellness
FCS 355--Nutrition for the Athlete
BIOL 305--Introduction to Human Anatomy
CHEM 250--Fundamental Organic Chemistry
ES 300--Personal and Community Health
ES 325--Principles of Health and Physical Fitness Assessment
ES 335--Physiology of exercise
ES 427--Health Promotion and Wellnes

Coaching Minor

 A minor in coaching consists of the following courses:
ES 310--History and Principles of Health and Exercise Science
ES 335--Physiology of Exercise
ES 360--Organization and Administration of Health and Exercise Science
ES 368--Psychological Principles of Physical Education and Sport
ES 440--First Aid and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
Three courses from ES 371-380
ES 480--Internship

Equine Studies Minor

This minor is designed as an excellent adjunct for students in several majors including business, biology and pre-veterinary science. In addition, students interested in pursuing further study and/or careers in various equine fields will benefit from the addition of this minor to their curriculum. Facilities that will be used in support of the Equine Studies minor include the Bridgewater College stables located on the eastern edge of the campus and Oak Manor farms, located several miles southeast of campus and the home stable for the Bridgewater College Equestrian Program.

Required Courses:
Four core courses are required for all students minoring in Equine Studies.
Biol 205--Biology of the Horse
ES 200--Equine Development and Behavior
ES 305--Equine Health and Disease
ES 480--Internship (to be completed towards the end of the minor program as a "capstone" experience)

Required Electives:
In addition to core course requirements, students must also take three of the following courses to complete the Equine Studies minor.
ES 210--Equine Farm and Stable Management
ES 220--Theories of Riding
ES 330--Conformation: Form and Function
ES 400--Training and Schooling