Exercise Science

Department Chair - Paul W. Petersen

Professor - Mary Ann Erickson, Melissa Knight-Maloney, Paul W. Petersen and Bob Stremba
Associate Professors - James S. Cross and Cathy M. Simbeck
Assistant Professors - Lee Frazer, Marcelyn B. Jung Alan Lephard, and Carrie Meyer
Visiting Instructors - Wayne Barger, Mark Dutro, Megan Pales Kruft, Anna Shoolroy, Tim Thomas and Andrew Vanous

Departmental Mission

The Exercise Science department aims to meet the needs of our graduates to function as critically thinking professionals within our disciples. 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. Students acquiring this knowledge will be prepared to pursue opportunities in adventure education, athletic training, exercise specialist, physical education teaching, sport administration, and coaching 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, and well as teach, commitment, critical thinking, life-long learning and physical activity.

Objectives

The professional preparation of knowledgeable and skilled educators of human movement and exercise forms as well as qualified practitioners in adventure education, athletic training, sport administration, health, personal training and fitness.
To foster a meaningful program promoting the value of a lifetime of physical activity for all students.
To provide practical experiences through internships, practica, field courses, clinical education, and service learning.
To develop professional leadership development for all the department’s students.

Programs of Study

The Exercise Science department has developed four options within the Exercise Science major and majors in Adventure Education and Athletic Training . The major options provide concentrated study in many of the disciplines associated with the Exercise Science major. The options are as follows:

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, and body composition. This option will provide students with the requisite knowledge to pursue a career in a health care area which has seen tremendous growth. Students will graduate with a certification by the National Council on Strength and Fitness Certification.
The Exercise Physiology option prepares individuals for graduate school in the field of exercise physiology or for employment in the different clinical areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and diabetes education. With careful advising, this is also a good option for those who want a career in the allied health professions such as physical therapist or physician assistant.
K-12 Teaching option for those interested in becoming physical educators in the school system. It is strongly advised that all students interested in the K-12 Teaching option consult with an advisor in the Teacher Education Department to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
Sport Administration option studies the business and administrative aspects of sport and recreation. The students in this option will study in both the Exercise Science department and the School of Business Administration.

As with all majors, the Exercise Science faculty encourage strong contact with Exercise Science advisors to ensure timely completion of the major.