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B.S. in Exercise ScienceAwarded Initial
accreditation
from the CAAHEP

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Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Physical exercise and health are vital to our livelihood. And now more than ever, professionals are needed who are ready to care for those who experience injuries, deficiencies or disorders to help them take proactive measures for their health. As Christians, we understand that God created our bodies as temples to be given the utmost care. As an exercise science major, you can make that a reality for people around the world.

Cornerstone University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program has been awarded an industry-leading initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Science

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Find Purpose In
Your Vocation

The human body is complex and awe-inspiring. In order to keep it healthy, we need professionals in both the clinical and non-clinical field with the expertise to care for it. The exercise science program at Cornerstone University will teach you best practices for exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training and more.

Our graduates go on to work at doctors offices, clinics and fitness centers across the country doing important work for people’s wellbeing. They have the knowledge to perform their job well but they also approach their work with humility. All that we do should always point back to God, and exercise science is no different. When you graduate, you will be prepared to enter the workforce with a servant’s heart and a Christ-centered focus.

Careers

Our graduates go on to serve in clinical and non-clinical offices around the country and around the world. Find out where an exercise science degree can take you.

Opportunities

  • Health clubs
  • YMCA
  • Cardiac rehabilitation programs
  • Corporate and community fitness programs
  • Careers in sales or marketing of medical, fitness and sports-oriented equipment

Internships

An internship is built into your exercise science degree to offer you more experience before you graduate. We’ve partnered with several clinics and offices around West Michigan to provide our students with the best hands-on application possible.

Opportunities

  • Agility Sports Medicine
  • Spectrum Health
  • The Center for Physical Rehabilitation
  • Comprehensive Physical Therapy
  • Orthopedic Associates of Michigan
  • YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

92%

Of exercise science graduates from the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Courses and
Learning Outcomes

The exercise science program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom. Concentrations are also available in cardiovascular rehabilitation, pre-occupational therapy and pre-physical therapy.

Program Outcomes:

National credentialing exam pass rate: 100%

Program retention rate 2017–2022: 83%

BIO-151 General Biology

This course is designed to provide a natural science foundation for all science majors and minors. Foundational concepts in zoology, cell biology, botany, genetics (classical and molecular), energetics and systems biology will be stressed in both lecture and lab.

BIO-241 Anatomy and Physiology I

A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the body of Christ, the church.

BIO-242 Anatomy and Physiology II

A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction, along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and reproductive systems. Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the body of Christ, the church.

KIN-341 Anatomical Kinesiology

This course is designed as a functionally specific approach to the musculoskeletal system. Emphasis will be placed on the qualitative analysis and description of human movement. The course will also serve as an introduction to the biomechanical basis of human motion. Students will then learn how to apply the basic concepts of human motion to exercise and sport.

BIO-347 Introduction to Nutrition

This course is designed to study foods and their effects upon health, development and performance of the human body. Students will develop an understanding of nutrition as it relates to optimal health and physical performance. Also, students will study energy pathways in the body and the six basic nutrients related to performance. Additionally, students will investigate body composition and weight control.

KIN-211 History and Principles of Kinesiology

A study of physical education, sport, and fitness in the context of their historical development and how they have been an integral part of culture pertaining to the psychological, sociological and philosophical factors that have affected these topics. Vocational opportunities related to the field of kinesiology will be explored as well as preparation for these vocations. This course includes learning techniques such as tests, informational interviews, readings and presentations.

KIN-251 Motor Development and Learning

A study of childhood growth and development patterns as it relates to motor learning and motor skill acquisition. This course is designed to enhance the understanding of growth and motor behavior/development of children from conception through adulthood. Principles of motor development and learning are explored along with an opportunity to apply them in a lab setting.

KIN-342 Exercise Physiology

A study of the physiological responses of the healthy human body to exercise. This course includes topics such as energy systems, nutrition, conditioning, exercise testing and exercise prescriptions.

KIN-345 Measurement and Evaluation

A study of methods for evaluating cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning in physical education. The course provides opportunity for practical experience in test construction and administration as well as evaluation of the results. Topics such as statistics, fitness testing, grading procedures and affective checklists will be covered.

KIN-346 Exercise Testing & Prescriptions

This course will explore theory and practices related to exercise testing and prescription. It will include practical experience in body composition techniques, electrocardiography, muscle strength and endurance testing, flexibility testing and cardiovascular endurance testing. The results of the testing will be used to form appropriate exercise prescriptions according to the American College of Sports Medicine guideline.

KIN-362 First Aid and Injury Prevention

Basic principles of injury prevention and care, first aid principles of prevention, injury evaluation and current rehabilitation methods are taught. The student will have active participation in caring for various injuries. The student will receive American Red Cross certifications in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation as well as Blood Borne Pathogen Training and Concussion Training.

Math Elective

Choose one of the following mathematics courses.

MAT-110 College Math

College Mathematics is intended for students majoring in liberal arts or other fields that do not have a specific mathematics requirement. Its purpose is to give students a broad exposure to a variety of applications of mathematics in the real world and to understand related spiritual foundations. Topics include reasoning, voting methods, apportionment, mathematics of finance, logic, shapes and patterns in geometry, networks and directed graphs, probability and statistics. Computational skill, spatial reasoning, calculator usage and logical analysis abilities are developed.

MAT-121 College Algebra

College Algebra introduces the study of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, in addition to the quadratic formula, geometric series, binomial series, systems of equations and probability.

MAT-122 Pre-Calculus

This course serves as a collection of topics relevant to calculus based courses. Focus will be given on exponential and logarithmic functions in addition to properties, graphs and applications of the sine, cosine and tangent functions, along with their reciprocals and inverse functions. Connections are made with right and oblique triangles, polar coordinates and equations concerning polar coordinates and conic sections.

MAT-131 Calculus I

The study of rates of change for polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, tangent lines, graphs, maximum values and areas. Applications of calculus will be modeled with graphing calculators.

Program Learning Outcomes

The exercise science program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a sound foundational knowledge of the principles of biology and nutrition and an advanced understanding of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the human body.
  • Understand the physiological basis for exercise and physical activity in application to lifelong physical fitness and the reduction of lifestyle-related diseases.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of nutrition and the role of diet and exercise on body composition and weight management.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

  • Apply your knowledge base and laboratory skills to create smoothly functioning movement experiences in a range of environments.
  • Collect, manage and critically analyze data relevant to the improvement of health and/or human performance.
  • Foster relationships with colleagues and clinicians and community agencies to support your professional growth as well as serve as an outreach to the community.
  • Successfully gain employment and/or admittance to graduate school in your chosen field of study.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

  • Articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
  • Articulate ways in which your chosen vocation may be used as a ministry to bring glory to God.

Want to Learn More About CU?

I chose to go to Cornerstone because I wanted more than just a college education. Cornerstone not only had the major I was interested in but learning about everything, especially science, through a Christian perspective was a game changer.

Brooke Tester (B.S. ’24)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

Our passion for kinesiology doesn’t end with exercise science. Take a look at some of the other related programs in our Science & Kinesiology Division.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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