Exercise Science

Department Chair: Melissa Knight-Maloney
Email: Knightmalo_M@fortlewis.edu fortlewis.edu

Professors: Melissa Knight-Maloney and Cathy Simbeck
Associate Professors: James Cross and Carrie Meyer
Assistant Professor: Emily Houghton and Melissa Thompson
Senior Lecturer: Mark Dutro

Departmental Mission

The Exercise Science Department aims to meet the needs of our graduates to function as critically thinking professionals within our disciplines. We strive to have our students ready to compete in the current job market by providing students with a variety of opportunities to develop a scientific knowledge base, engage in practical experiences; and learn, develop, and master social and leadership skills. A student acquiring this knowledge will be prepared to pursue opportunities as an athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, exercise specialist, physical education teacher, sport administrator, and coach as well as other clinical, recreational, wellness, and fitness careers. The department also endeavors to provide the students of Fort Lewis College with opportunities to learn and experience the components of healthy living, life-long learning and sport competition. Exercise Science faculty model, as well as teach, commitment, critical thinking, life-long learning, and physical activity.

Learming Outcomes

Apply best practices when solving problems of real-world scenarios.
Analyze the scholarly research in the field.
Communicate effectively (orally and in written form) the issues and concerns of the field.
Evaluate the process of research design including problem identification, control of threats to scientific validity, experimental design, sampling procedures, and thesis development.

Programs of Study

The Exercise Science faculty encourage students to maintain frequent contact with their departmental advisors to ensure timely completion of the major.

The Exercise Science Department houses two majors, Athletic Training and Exercise Science. The Exercise Science major has four options: Exercise Physiology , Exercise Specialist , K-12 Teaching and Sport Administration .

The Exercise Physiology option is for those students planning on attending graduate school in Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Physical Therapy, or Motor Learning.

Students who are planning on pursuing a career in Personal Training should register for the Exercise Specialist option . An Exercise Specialist is a fitness professional who guides another person in developing physical fitness. The basic components of fitness include muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, motor ability, and body composition. This option will provide students with the requisite knowledge to pursue a career in the area of health and fitness which has seen tremendous growth. Students have the option of sitting for the National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer certification exam in their senior year.

The K-12 Teaching option gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become K-12 physical education teachers licensed by the State of Colorado. This option is extremely demanding and requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing this option should consult an Exercise Science Department advisor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section of this catalog for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program and requirements for completing the program.

The Sport Administration option is designed for students who are interested in working with professional, collegiate or community sport and athletic organizations. Students take courses in the Exercise Science department as well as in the School of Business Administration. In order to fully prepare our students, this option combines both an academic foundation and practical experience, including two field placements.

Major in Exercise Science and Options

Exercise Science Major - Exercise Physiology Option

Exercise Science Major - Exercise Science K-12 Teaching Option

Exercise Science Major - Exercise Specialist Option

Exercise Science Major - Sport Administration Option

Minors in Exercise Science

Exercise Science - Coaching Minor

Exercise Science Minor