Exercise Science

History

The Department of Exercise Science was created in 1991 from a split in the former Department of Physical Education into two departments: the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies and the Department of Exercise Science. Faculty with expertise related to biomechanics of movement, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, adult fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, and measurement and evaluation, and the courses they taught, with the exception of courses related to physical fitness in the Basic Physical Education Program, were included in the Department of Exercise Science. At that time, the Department had six faculty and was housed in the Physical Education Building. The existing Major in Exercise and Sport Science was also included in the new Department, but there were only three exercise science courses (biomechanics, exercise physiology, measurement and evaluation). In 1994, a new undergraduate major curriculum was implemented that included six new courses (Exercise Epidemiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, Exercise Physiology II, Biomechanics II, Scientific Principles of Fitness and Conditioning, and Fitness Programs). Because there was no graduate major in Exercise Science, new graduate degree programs had to be proposed. In 1996, a new graduate major in Exercise Science under the M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ph.D. degrees was approved by the Board of Regents. In 1996, the Department moved into the new Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, greatly expanding and improving the quality of classroom and laboratory facilities. In 1998, a new undergraduate area of emphasis in athletic training was approved by the University, an athletic training curriculum director was hired, and six new courses in athletic training were added to the undergraduate curriculum.