Department website: https://www.atu.edu/krs

The Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science at Arkansas Tech University (ATU) prepares students for careers in health promotion, fitness, strength and conditioning, public health, and allied health professions. This program provides a comprehensive education in human movement, exercise science, and wellness, emphasizing the development of skills to enhance health, physical performance, and overall quality of life.

Students gain hands-on experience through lab-based coursework, practical fieldwork, and certification opportunities, ensuring they graduate with the expertise to assess, design, and implement effective health and fitness programs.

Program Highlights

• International Accreditation by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA)
• Hands-on learning in exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength training, and health promotion
• Opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications (e.g., ACSM, NSCA, NASM, ACE)
• Four specialized degree tracks to tailor the program to students’ career goals:
  1. Kinesiology – Prepares students for careers in strength and conditioning, sports science, and graduate studies
  2. Pre-Allied Health Studies – Designed for students pursuing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other healthcare professions
  3. Coaching Athletics and Physical Activity – Includes a K-12 Health & Physical Education teaching license with a coaching endorsement
  4. Public Health – Focuses on disease prevention, health education, and policy development

Program Requirements

• Students must pass at least three out of five physical competency tests, ensuring a foundation in fitness and movement proficiency
• Completion of a Capstone Certification or Examination, such as a nationally accredited certification or a comprehensive program exam

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in healthcare, fitness, athletics, and public health, including:

• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Health and Wellness Coach
• Public Health Specialist
• Personal Trainer
• Rehabilitation or Allied Health Professional (with further education)
• K-12 Physical Education Teacher and Coach

The B.S. in Health and Exercise Science at ATU equips students with the scientific knowledge, practical experience, and professional certifications to excel in health, fitness, and sports performance careers or to continue into graduate-level healthcare programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science Basic (HES-B) prepares students for immediate entry into the fitness industry workforce. Graduates are equipped for positions in corporate health and fitness, exercise/sport equipment sales, group exercise instruction, health and wellness coaching, health club management, personal training, public/community health, and tactical fitness instruction.

Health and Exercise Science graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to:

• Assess and test the health and fitness levels of various populations.
• Contribute to the improvement of societal health.
• Utilize field and laboratory testing equipment.
• Develop safe and effective exercise and fitness plans and programs.
• Provide clear, safe, and effective exercise instruction.

The Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences' internationally accreditied (International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association- IUSCA) Health and Exercise Science Program prepare students for the trends in the profession as established by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Club Industry, International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association, American College of Sports Medicine, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Plan of Study Grid

Freshman
Fall		Hours
BIOL 1014	Introduction to Biological Science 2	4
ENGL 1013	Composition I 1	3
HES 1003	Introduction to Exercise Programming 2	3
MATH 1113	College Algebra (or higher)	3
PE 1201	Orientation to Kinesiology 2	1
PE Elective 2		1
	Hours	15
Spring
COMM 2173	Business and Professional Speaking	3
ENGL 1023	Composition II 1	3
HLED 1513	Lifetime Health and Fitness 2	3
PHSC XXXX	Physical Science with Laboratory 1	4
PSY 2003	General Psychology	3
	Hours	16
Sophomore
Fall
COMS 1003	Introduction to Computer Based Systems	3
HES 2003	Field-Based Experience in Health and Exercise Science 2	3
PE 2513	First Aid 2	3
PE 2653	Anatomy and Physiology 2	3
PE Elective 2		1
USHG 1XXX	U.S. History and Government 1	3
	Hours	16
Spring
ECON 2003	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
FAH 1XXX	Fine Arts and Humanities Courses 1	6
HES 2013	Weight Training for Personal Trainers, High School Athletics and Strength Coaching 2	3
PE 3661	Laboratory Experiences in Anatomy/Physiology and Kinesiology 2	1
PE 3663	Kinesiology 2	3
	Hours	16
Junior
Fall
AHS 2013	Medical Terminology	3
HES 2023	Endurance Programming and Conditioning 2	3
HES 2043	Applied Fitness Assessment and Development 2	3
PE 3573	Prevention and Care of Activity Injuries 2	3
PE 4033	Exercise Physiology 2	3
	Hours	15
Spring
HES 3003	Exercise Prescription 2	3
HES 3023	Exercise Behavior and Adherence 2	3
HLED 3203	Consumer Health Programs 2	3
MGMT 3003	Principles of Management	3
MKT 3043	Principles of Marketing	3
	Hours	15
Senior
Fall
HES 4003	Senior Seminar 2	3
HES 4013	Health and Exercise Science Practicum 2	3
HES 4023	Principles of Strength and Conditioning 2	3
HES 4063	Health and Fitness Programming 2	3
HLED 4403	Sport and Exercise Nutrition 2	3
	Hours	15
Spring
HES 4012	Health and Exercise Science Internship 2	12
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	120

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".

²

Must earn a grade of "C" or better.

Students who complete the program will:

1. Know and apply discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to the development of physically educated individuals.
2. Administer fitness/performance tests and interpret the results to facilitate effective programming.
3. Develop effective training plans and programs for clients, classes, and/or teams.
4. Develop and maintain physical variables related to health, fitness, and performance.
5. Prepared to attain nationally accredited personal trainer and/or strength and conditioning coach certifications.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php