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Exercise Science and Wellness Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement

The Department of Exercise Science and Wellness (formerly the Department of Physical Education) offers a solid academic foundation for further study in the field of exercise science, kinesiology and/or physical education. The primary emphasis of the Exercise Science and Wellness major program is to prepare students for successful transfer to baccalaureate (four-year) institutions as well as for entry-level jobs within the fitness industry. The course package for majors is modeled on the preparation for major at San Diego State University, and allows for an emphasis either in Fitness, Nutrition and Health in line with SDSU. The package may also satisfy many requirements for most other California State University institutions as well, but students should check the catalog of the school being considered for its specific requirements.

This department also offers a Fitness Specialist Certificate program which is designed to prepare students to take nationally recognized certification examinations offered throughout the fitness industry. Refer to Fitness Specialist Certification, Certificate of Proficiency in Associate Degree Programs and Certificates. For more details, contact the Exercise Science Department.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Athletic Trainer1
Fitness Professional (personal trainer, aerobic dance instructor, fitness club instructor, etc.)
Instructor, fitness club instructor, etc.
Physical Therapy1
Recreational Sports Coach1
Secondary School Coach1
Teacher1

1

Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and appreciation of exercise science principles.
  2. Identify the basic principles for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

ES-005ABeginning Cardio Fitness and Resistance Training1.5
or ES-005B Intermediate Cardio Fitness and Resistance Training
or ES-005C Advanced Cardio Fitness and Resistance Training
ES-250Introduction to Kinesiology3
ES-255Care and Prevention of Athletic and Recreational Injuries3
ES-290Teaching Techniques and Methods in Exercise Science1.5
BIO-140Human Anatomy4
CHEM-115Fundamentals of Chemistry4
or CHEM-120 Preparation for General Chemistry
COMM-122Public Speaking3
NUTR-158Nutrition for Fitness and Sports3
or NUTR-255 Science of Nutrition
PSY-120Introductory Psychology3
SOC-120Introductory Sociology3
Select one of the following:3-4
Statistics for Life Sciences
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Elementary Statistics
Select one of the following:1-1.5
Beginning Fitness Circuit
Intermediate Fitness Circuit
Advanced Fitness Circuit
Beginning Indoor Cycling
Intermediate Indoor Cycling
Advanced Indoor Cycling
Beginning Aerobic Dance Exercise
Intermediate Aerobic Dance Exercise
Advanced Aerobic Dance Exercise
Beginning Resistance Training
Intermediate Resistance Training
Advanced Resistance Training
Stress Reduction Through Movement and Mindfulness
Beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Intermediate T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Advanced T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Beginning Swimming
Intermediate Swimming
Advanced Swimming
Beginning Badminton
Intermediate Badminton
Advanced Badminton
Beginning Tennis
Intermediate Tennis
Advanced Tennis
Beginning Golf
Intermediate Golf
Advanced Golf
Beginning Gymnastics
Intermediate Gymnastics
Advanced Gymnastics
Beginning Softball
Intermediate Softball
Advanced Softball
Beginning Volleyball
Intermediate Volleyball
Advanced Volleyball
Total Units33-34.5

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements

1

NUTR-255 Science of Nutrition is required for the Kinesiology major at SDSU.

Certificate of Achievement

Any student who chooses to complete only those courses required for the above major qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement in Exercise Science and Wellness. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.