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Exercise Science
Program Overview
Athletes and sportspeople (coaches, spectators, support staff) represent one of the largest “mission fields” in the world. Additionally, individuals working in the allied health field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical) include numerous opportunities for mentoring relationships through which believers can influence others for Christ. The program includes coursework designed to qualify students for multiple professional certifications from organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries (CSRM). Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths in various community, church, and parachurch settings, including sport coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and athletic administrators. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue graduate work in a kinesiology and/or allied health related field. Due to the wide variation of jobs and graduate school preparations, it is essential for students to plan their course of study with their advisors to align with his/her career aspirations.
All four-year Johnson students complete two majors: one in Bible and Theology and one in their chosen field, such as Exercise Science. Transfer students with substantial prior coursework may complete a reduced set of Bible and Theology requirements instead of the major. Learn more about the Bible and Theology curriculum here.
Core Classes
<strong>Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab</strong>
An introduction to the structure and function of the human body, this course is designed for students pursuing health-related fields or majoring in Life Sciences. Course topics begin with discussions of organic chemicals and cells before progressing to tissues, organs, and body systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, and nervous systems. Discussions will include the significance of system homeostasis upon organismal function and will also encourage students to integrate an increased understanding of the body into a Christian worldview. The course includes lecture and integrated laboratory applications each week.
<strong>Anatomy & Human Body Systems with Lab</strong>
This course introduces students to human body anatomy and physiological functions. Topics will include but are not limited to the general and special senses as well as to the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The course will address both normal function of body systems and the impacts of system imbalance or injury.
This course provides an overview of human development in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual domains from conception to death in old age. Emphases include the ecological context of human development; biological and environmental influences on development; developmental anomalies and their impact on the individual and family; and implications of the knowledge of human development for Christian ministry, counseling, and family life education.
This course focuses on motor skill acquisition; variables that influence learning and performance of motor skills; and the relationship between skill acquisition, growth, development, and adaptation. Students apply these principles in teaching and coaching motor skills.
This course focuses on theories, organization,
methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
This course is designed to help students understand the most common muscles and muscle groups relevant to exercise and body movements. The course will focus on muscle origin, insertion, and action which will better equip the students to understand what exercises target and which body movements are generated by specific muscles and muscle groups. This course will give students additional knowledge that will help improve body awareness, which, over time is helpful for lifetime health and fitness.
Content of this course is a solid foundation for understanding and explaining body movement. Improving one’s understanding of body movement is important for lifetime wellness, adapting exercise to one’s abilities, as well as provide some context of understanding with musculoskeletal medical needs.
The course serves as an introduction and foundation to the Exercise Science major. Students will examine how physical activity permeates all aspects of life. A strong emphasis will be placed on career exploration, career opportunities, and professional development. This will entail the creation of resumes and cover letters, bringing in guest speakers from the field of kinesiology, and enhancing student professionalism and leadership skills.
This course is devoted to assisting students in learning and using theoretical and practical information related to the psychology of sport and physical activity. Effective mental training skills for successful sport and life performance are also discussed. Lectures, labs, discussions, role playing, and guest speakers are used to illustrate the theoretical and applied foundations of sport psychology.
This course provides instruction and practice in prevention, care, and evaluation of common sport-related injuries. Students will learn how to manage injury and emergency situations in the absence of an athletic trainer or medical professional.
This culminating course for the Sport & Fitness Leadership Major focuses on legal, ethical, and professional standards for sports professionals. It gives attention to issues related to church, school, and community settings.
Principles of Biology I
This course is required for all life science majors as part of a 2-semester sequence with BIOL 1124, which should be taken during the same year. The first semester emphasizes foundational biological principles and integrates cellular-level process such as metabolism, cell division, gene regulation and inheritance with global processes such as energy and nutrient exchange and natural selection. Includes a three-hour weekly lab. Offered Fall term.
Principles of Biology II
This course is a continuation of BIOL 1114. The second semester emphasizes the diversity of life across kingdoms. Emphasis will be on understanding how cellular processes contribute to organismal-level physiology across multiple kingdoms, including growth and reproduction processes. Ecological concepts such as interaction within and between populations and the abiotic environment will also be introduced. Includes a three-hour weekly lab. Offered Spring term.
Anatomy & Physiology II
A continued introduction to the structure and function of the human body with respect to the blood, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. This course is designed for students pursuing health-related fields or majoring in Life Sciences. Discussions will consider the contributions of multiple body systems to overall homeostasis. The course emphasizes the interdependence of body systems and encourages students to use the course material to deepen Christian faith. The course includes lecture and integrated laboratory applications each week.
General Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to chemistry, including chemical formulas, periodic law, equations, stoichiometry, structure of the atom, chemical bonding, thermodynamics and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, making calculations, and the collection
and interpretation of data. Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
General Chemistry II
This continuation of CHEM 1114 is an introduction to chemistry, including gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, salts, kinetics, electrochemistry and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, calculations, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.
Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
Human Development for Health Sciences or Human Development
Nutrition
Students pursue a scientific study of the principles of nutrition, essential nutrients and functions, and their application in meeting nutritional needs throughout the life cycle. The course emphasizes nutrients and their relationship to optimal health and selected disease states, diet application, nutritional misinformation, controversial diets, obesity, food supplements, consumer fallacies, and exercise. An exploration of
holistic approaches to health is utilized in order to attain optimal health toward the end of honoring and glorifying God through our bodies.
General Physics I
This algebra-based physics course includes the basic principles of physics: mechanics, heat, and wave motion including sound. This course includes a laboratory session.
General Physics II
This course is a continuation of PHYS 2010. It covers electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. This course includes a laboratory session.
Introduction to Psychology
This course introduces the field of psychology—the scientific study of human behavior and experience. Students are acquainted with the major concepts and terminology of the discipline providing a broader understanding of self and others. The course includes brief studies of the history and systems of
psychology, human neuroanatomy, sensation, perception, learning and thinking, human development, personality, social interaction, health psychology, and abnormal psychology. There is also an emphasis on applied psychology so that students are prepared for advanced courses in social science and other professional studies.
Abnormal Psychology
This is a study of the theory of abnormal psychology and how this relates to Human Services. Focus is on how to determine the identified pathology in an individual, couple, family or a larger system, and includes the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and other “assessment tools. The meaning of “abnormal” thought, affect, behavior, and related concepts are examined within biblical, historical, and cultural contexts.
Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology is intended for students studying in the health occupational fields. This course requires the student to recognize and apply basic medical terminology by providing basic knowledge of prefixes, suffixes and root words. The student will move from basic word parts to recognition
and application of medical terms to various body systems.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Health & Fitness Electives (see below) and/or Royals Athletics
Sociology of Sport
This course provides an introduction to the sociology of sport by raising critical questions to explore the relationships between sports, culture, and society. This text takes an issues-oriented approach to the study of sports in society and encourages the discussion of current sports-related controversies. Students develop critical thinking skills by considering their own personal experiences, families, schools, communities, and societies.
Sports Ministry Models
This course begins with a historical overview of the use of sports in Christian evangelism and discipleship (e.g. athletic metaphors of the Apostle Paul, the “Muscular Christianity” of the Victorian era, and the contemporary Sports Ministry movement), along with biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for sports ministry (a theology of competition, victory, unity, character formation, and sportsmanship). Students then explore a variety of proven methods and models for using sports to share Christ with youth and adults (church leagues, sports mission trips, training camps, and clinics). Successful sports ministry programs serve as case studies providing ideas, lessons, and inspiration for their own outreach efforts. Participants learn about resources and organizations that promote sports ministry (such as the Association of Church Sports and
Recreation Ministers and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes), as well as professional opportunities in the field.
Exercise Physiology
This course provides instruction and practice in prevention, care, and evaluation of common sport-related injuries. Students will learn how to manage injury and emergency situations in the absence of an athletic trainer or medical professional.
Internship
Students integrate theory, praxis, and faith through a supervised leadership experience in a church, school, or community setting. Journaling and small group discussions facilitate reflection, mentoring, and growth.
Introduction to Coaching
This course includes an overview of the roles, qualifications, responsibilities, and skills required of coaches during the season and off season. It addresses principles and
philosophies of coaching, as well as issues affecting coaches both on and off the field.
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Principles of Sport Marketing
Students examine principles of marketing and apply fundamental concepts of pricing, product decisions, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and public relations to the sport industry. Topics also include marketing research and assessment, branding decisions, endorsements and sponsorships, licensing and logos, and trends in technology and media.
Aerobics
Basketball
Royals Wellness Program
Golf
Lifesaving
Racquetball
Running
Self Defense
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis & Badminton
Volleyball
Weight Training
Royals Athletics
Practicum
Functional Fitness
Triathlon Skills
Indoor Sports & Games
Lifetime Sports & Games
Outdoor Sports & Games
Careers
There are many careers available for students who graduate with a exercise science degree! Whether you’re interested in physical therapy, athletic training, or another discipline, this program will set you up to be prepared in these fields:
- Sport/Recreation Minister
- Coach
- Fitness Specialist
- Athletic Administrator
- Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Athletic Director
- Community Recreation Director
Graduates are equipped to pursue advanced graduate study in kinesiology, with strong preparation for careers in athletic training, physical therapy, and other movement-based health fields. Students may continue their education by pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or earning a master’s degree.
Athletes and sportspeople (coaches, spectators, support staff) represent one of the largest “mission fields” in the world. Additionally, individuals working in the allied health field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical) include numerous opportunities for mentoring relationships through which believers can influence others for Christ. The program includes coursework designed to qualify students for multiple professional certifications from organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries (CSRM). Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths in various community, church, and parachurch settings, including sport coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and athletic administrators. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue graduate work in a kinesiology and/or allied health related field. Due to the wide variation of jobs and graduate school preparations, it is essential for students to plan their course of study with their advisors to align with his/her career aspirations.
Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Sport and Fitness Leadership. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.
Department Overview


