Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance
Six undergraduate degrees are offered by the Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance: the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education-Teacher Education, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science- Pre-Athletic Training, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science- Pre-Occupational Therapy, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science- Pre-Physical Therapy, and the Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness and Wellness. The degree programs are uniquely designed to thoroughly prepare students in their chosen professions. The goals listed for each program will be fostered through a carefully arranged and diverse variety of educational and practical opportunities.
Students majoring in Physical Education-Teacher Education, Exercise Science, or Fitness and Wellness must earn a grade of “C” or better* in all major program requirements. Each major within the Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance (ESHP) has specific standards for admission and continuation in the respective program. Failure to maintain the requirements, including GPA, for each of the respective programs throughout the student’s enrollment will result in probation or suspension from the program. ESHP majors will be allowed to repeat courses if the following conditions are met:
1. A student may repeat courses classified as Program Requirements twice, including withdrawal attempts. A student who fails to complete a program requirement course successfully (“C” or better) within three attempts may not continue as a major in Exercise Science, Fitness and Wellness, or Physical Education.
2. A student may not repeat more than a total of two 300- and 400-level EXSC or PETE courses for a grade.
3. A student may not exceed a total of five withdrawals from major program 300- and 400-level courses. A student who exceeds this limitation will be dismissed from their major in the Exercise Science and Human Performance department.
*EXSC 490 and EXSC 491 – Internships for Exercise Science and Fitness and Wellness majors require a “B” or better to be considered as passing. Students in the Exercise Science major should maintain the required GPA (2.75) and be in good standing to enroll in EXSC 490.
Exercise Science Major
The Exercise Science program is designed to prepare students for careers in public, private, hospital, and corporate wellness programs, industrial and cardiac rehabilitation programs as well as fitness and conditioning programs. The student will also be well prepared for graduate study in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Curriculum
A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science consists of 35 hours of general education courses, 65 hours of major program requirements, and 20 hours of additional electives.
Program Goals
The goals of the Lander University Exercise Science Major prepare students to be able to
1. Identify and discuss major factors in the evolution of the field of exercise science from its early historical roots to its present position in exercise related careers;
2. Describe and apply bioscience (anatomical, physiological/biochemical, and biomechanical) concepts and changes occurring in the human organism to physical activity, conditioning, and health-related fitness across the lifespan;
3. Describe and utilize a variety of methods, techniques, and procedures to assess the health related components of fitness and subsequently develop appropriate exercise prescriptions that address physical activity, conditioning, and health-related fitness in diverse populations;
4. Understand the scientific method of conducting research and possess the ability to utilize discipline-based research in order to analyze the validity of health-related consumer information; and
5. Exhibit professional dispositions in the exercise-related community conducive to promoting healthy lifestyles.
Student Eligibility
A student may declare a major in Exercise Science (Level I/pre-professional) upon enrollment in the university. However, Exercise Science majors will not be allowed to enroll in 300- and 400-level (professional) exercise science courses until they have been formally accepted into Level II (professional) of the Exercise Science Program. Students may be admitted into Level II of the Exercise Science Program at Lander University provided the following criteria are met:
1. Submission of a completed Exercise Science Level II Program Application, which can be found on the Department website. Applications must be completed electronically.
2. Successfully complete the baseline knowledge inventory exam.
3. Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework including EXSC 175 (2 credits), EXSC 202 (3 credits), BIOL 215 (4 credits), BIOL 216 (4 credits), and EXSC 219 (3 credits).
4. A minimum cumulative Lander grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Students applying for admission must submit application materials before the last day of classes in each semester, prior to the semester taking upper-level courses. Those who are denied admission to Level II of the Exercise Science Program may re-submit their application materials upon successful completion of all admission requirements.
Transfer and Second Degree Students
Transfer and second-degree students will be considered for admission to Level II of the Exercise Science Program upon the completion of the above admission criteria. The Exercise Science Program screening committee reserves the right to determine what (if any) coursework from other colleges and universities will be accepted toward satisfaction of these requirements.
Program Requirements
Students who are admitted to Level II of the Exercise Science Program will be subject to ongoing evaluation. To continue in good standing, students must maintain a minimum cumulative Lander GPA of 2.75. A student who fails to maintain any of the above requirements will be given one semester (probationary period) and meet with their academic advisor to establish a plan to improve their GPA to re-establish compliance with the requirement(s) before being withdrawn from the program (suspension). Students withdrawn from the program as a result of suspension will not be allowed to enroll in any upper-level exercise science courses but will be allowed to repeat courses if the following conditions are met:
1. Courses classified as Program Requirements may be repeated only once. A student who fails to complete a EXSC course successfully (“C” or better**) within two attempts may not continue as a major in Exercise Science.
2. A student may not repeat more than a total of two 300- and 400-level ESHP courses.
3. Students should maintain the required GPA (2.75), successfully complete the internship screening documentation and be in good standing to enroll in EXSC 490.
4. Students must sit for an approved nationally accredited certification exam from the Exercise Science industry.
A student can only be on probation once and must meet with their academic advisor to develop an Action Plan to improve their GPA.
In the case that a student is suspended from the program and is then reinstated, a subsequent failure to maintain standards will result in suspension and not another probation.
**EXSC 490 and EXSC 491 (Internships) require a “B” or better to be considered as passing. Students should maintain the required GPA (2.75), successfully complete the internship screening documentation and be in good standing to enroll in EXSC 490.
Fitness and Wellness Major
The Fitness and Wellness program is designed to give students an in-depth knowledge of movement, physical activity programming, and nutrition. Students build their knowledge through projects and internships and graduates are prepared for a variety of certifications and careers in clinics, health and fitness clubs, community centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports organizations, and corporate settings.
Curriculum
A Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness consists of 50 hours of major courses, 35 hours of general education courses, and 35 hours of additional electives.
Program Goals
The goals of the Lander University Fitness and Wellness Major prepare students to be able to
1. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply important concepts related to health-related fitness across the lifespan;
2. Describe and utilize a variety of methods, techniques, and procedures to assess health-related fitness components and subsequently develop appropriate exercise programming for clients; and,
3. Demonstrate professional dispositions in the exercise-related community conducive to promoting healthy lifestyles.
Student Eligibility
A student may declare a major in Fitness and Wellness upon enrollment in the university. Fitness and Wellness majors will not be able to complete their internship until they meet all requirements for the internship courses.
Program Requirements
1. Courses classified as Program Requirements may be repeated only once. A student who fails to complete an EXSC or PETE course successfully (“C” or better**) within two attempts may not continue as a major in Fitness and Wellness.
2. A student may not repeat more than a total of two 300- and 400-level EXSC or PETE courses.
3. Students must successfully complete the Internship screening documentation and be in good standing to enroll in EXSC 490.
4. Students must sit for an approved nationally accredited certification exam from the Fitness and Wellness industry.
*EXSC 490 and EXSC 491 (Internships) require a “B” or better to be considered as passing. Students must successfully complete the internship screening documentation and be in good standing to enroll in EXSC 490.
Physical Education Teacher Certification
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education-Teacher Education (K-12) prepares a student for teaching careers in the public schools. The Physical Education-Teacher Education (K-12) is guided by the Society of Health and Physical Educators and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards for beginning physical education teachers and aligned with Lander University’s conceptual framework for teacher education.
Accreditation
The Physical Education-Teacher Education (K-12) major is recognized and accredited by SHAPE/CAEP.
Curriculum
A Bachelor of Science in Physical Education-Teacher Education (K-12) consists of 46 hours of major core courses, 21 hours of additional courses for the major, 18.5 hours of teacher certification requirements, and 35 hours of general education courses.
Program Goals
The goals of the Lander University Physical Education-Teacher Education Major prepare students to be able to
1. Identify and discuss major factors in the evolution of the field of Physical Education-Teacher Education from its early historical roots to its present position in the teaching profession;
2. Describe and apply bioscience (anatomical, physiological/biochemical, and biomechanical) concepts and changes occurring in the human organism to skillful movement, physical activity, conditioning, and fitness across the lifespan;
3. Identify, develop, and utilize a variety of instructional methods and assessment strategies that address the diverse cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning needs of all students;
4. Describe knowledge of and apply experiences in planning, implementing, and assessing/evaluating a total school program of physical education in accordance with approved national/state content standards and the state physical education assessment program; and
5. Exhibit professional dispositions in the physical education community that promote active, lifelong learners.
Student Eligibility
Students enrolled in Secondary (History, English, Chemistry, Mathematics) or PK-12 (PETE, Art, Music):
Provisional Status
1. Demonstrate professional behaviors and dispositions* at all times.
2. Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA on Lander coursework; achieve a grade of “B” or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all EDUC courses (see catalog for further details, including each department’s GPA requirements within the specific content area).
3. Pass ALL 3 sections of Praxis Core or have exempting SAT/ACT scores on file at Lander University and confirmed by the Department of Teacher Education.
4. Successfully complete other reviews as required by departments in specific content areas.
5. Apply for admission to the professional program in teacher education (see Department of Teacher Education section of catalog for requirements).
Candidate Status
1. Enter candidacy with formal admission to the professional program in teacher education.
2. Demonstrate professional behaviors and dispositions* at all times.
3. Maintain a 2.75 GPA on Lander coursework; achieve a grade of “B” or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all EDUC courses (see catalog for further details, including each department’s GPA requirements within the specific content area).
4. Take the Praxis II prior to the student teaching semester**
5. Take the PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) by the end of the student teaching semester **
6. Successfully complete other departmental requirements, reviews, projects, or milestones.
Students not meeting one or more of the requirements will not progress to Candidate Status.
*Lander University has high expectations for all teacher education majors. Teacher education majors who exhibit unacceptable dispositions may be removed from the program. Procedures for removal are outlined within the Department of Teacher Education handbook.
**Praxis II and PLT must be passed to apply for certification with the South Carolina Department of Education.
Failure to maintain the above requirements, including GPA, throughout the student’s enrollment will result in probation or suspension from the program. PETE majors will be allowed to repeat courses if the following conditions are met:
1. Courses classified as Program Requirements may be repeated only once. A student who fails to complete an EXSC or PETE course successfully (“C” or better*) within two attempts may not continue as a Physical Education major.
2. A student may not repeat more than a total of two 300- and 400-level EXSC or PETE courses.