This undergraduate program, grounded in the university's Liberal Arts Core, provides students resources for developing professional skills in exercise testing, physical activity leadership, health and fitness assessment, exercise programming, wellness coaching, planning health promotion programs, and public health. Graduates are prepared for beginning administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in commercial and community health and athletic clubs, corporate fitness and wellness programs, public health nonprofit and government agencies, and for undertaking graduate study in health education, exercise science, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, and public health. In addition, qualified students may apply for an accelerated B.S. to M.S. program in public health education and promotion.
Students will choose from four emphasis areas: exercise science/strength and conditioning, public health, pre-physical therapy, or pre-professional.
Students completing the baccalaureate degree in Marymount’s health sciences programs are prepared to apply for exercise physiologist or personal trainer certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), strength and conditioning certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
Upon successful completion of the health sciences program, students will be able to
Exercise Science/Strength and Conditioning Emphasis
The exercise science/strength and conditioning emphasis provides students with a theoretical understanding of the anatomical, neuromuscular, physiological, and psychological responses and adaptations to exercise. Through concentration-specific courses, electives, and internship, a health sciences (exercise science/strength and conditioning) degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess physical function and prescribe exercise for healthy individuals and special populations. This emphasis in health sciences enables graduates to gain employment in a variety of settings as exercise specialists for youth, adult, geriatric, and special populations, including those with medically controlled diseases. Graduates also work as business owners and communication specialists and successfully enter graduate and professional schools. This emphasis prepares students to sit for certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), including those for personal trainers and exercise physiologists. Students taking this emphasis are strongly encouraged to consider the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program in Public Health Education and Promotion and should consult an advisor for more information. See B.S. to M.S. program.
Internship Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better; a grade of C- or better in HPR 202, HPR 301, and HPR 410; and a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount are needed to register for the internship.
Internship Requirements: When other requirements are completed and minimum grade requirements are met, the student completes a 120-hour, three-credit internship.
Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C- in BIO 151, BIO 151L, BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, BIO 162L, MA 132, PSY 110, HPR 202, HPR 260, HPR 300SL, HPR 301, HPR 302, HPR 304, HPR 307, HPR 410, and HPR 415.
Degree Requirements - Health Sciences (Exercise Science/Strength and Conditioning Emphasis)
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | One (1) health and human performance activity elective | |
| HPR 115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HPR 201 | Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | 3 |
| HPR 202 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| HPR 260 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 3 |
| HPR 300SL | Essentials of Personal Training | 3 |
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| HPR 302 | Fitness and Health Assessment | 3 |
| HPR 304 | Developing Physical Training Programs | 3 |
| HPR 307 | Strength and Conditioning of Athletes | 3 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 400 | Senior Internship | 3 |
| HPR 406 | Stress Management * | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| HPR 415 | Exercise Guidelines for Special Populations | 3 |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis * | 3 |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
Sample Degree Plan - Health Sciences (Exercise Science/Strength and Conditioning Emphasis)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| HPR 115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HPR 201 | Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
BIO 151: NS core course
BIO 151L: NS lab core course
EN 101: Composition core course
Year One - Spring
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| HPR 202 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| | One (1) health and human performance activity elective | |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
EN 102: Composition core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 260 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 3 |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Two - Spring
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis * | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Three - Fall
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| HPR 302 | Fitness and Health Assessment | 3 |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
Year Three - Spring
| HPR 304 | Developing Physical Training Programs | 3 |
| HPR 406 | Stress Management * | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Four - Fall
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| HPR 307 | Strength and Conditioning of Athletes | 3 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four - Spring
| HPR 300SL | Essentials of Personal Training | 3 |
| HPR 400 | Senior Internship | 3 |
| HPR 415 | Exercise Guidelines for Special Populations | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
This emphasis is intended for those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy and includes coursework in biology and the physical sciences.
Internship Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better; a grade of C- or better in HPR 202, HPR 301, and HPR 410; and a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount are needed to register for the internship.
Internship Requirements: When other requirements are completed, and minimum grade requirements are met, the student is placed in a 120-hour, three-credit internship.
Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C- in BIO 151, BIO 151L, BIO 152, BIO 152L, BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, BIO 162L, PHYS 161, PHYS 161L, PHYS 162, PHYS 162L, CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152, CHM 152L, MA 132, PSY 101 OR PSY 110, HPR 202, HPR 260, HPR 301, HPR 302, HPR 304, HPR 410, and HPR 415.
Degree Requirements - Health Sciences (Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis)
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
Sample Degree Plan - Health Sciences (Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| HPR 201 | Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | 3 |
| | | |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
Year One - Spring
EN 102: Composition core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| HPR 260 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 3 |
| HPR 308 | Global Health and Culture | 3 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
Year Two - Spring
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis * | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| HPR 302 | Fitness and Health Assessment | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | College Physics I * | 3 |
| PHYS 161L | College Physics I Lab * | 1 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course (politics, psychology, or economics) * | 3 |
Year Three - Spring
| HPR 304 | Developing Physical Training Programs | 3 |
| HPR 406 | Stress Management * | 3 |
| PHYS 162 | College Physics II * | 3 |
| PHYS 162L | College Physics II Lab * | 1 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
Year Four - Fall
| CHM 151 | Principles of Chemistry I * | 3 |
| CHM 151L | Principles of Chemistry I Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Four - Spring
| CHM 152 | Principles of Chemistry II * | 3 |
| CHM 152L | Principles of Chemistry II Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 400 | Senior Internship | 3 |
| HPR 415 | Exercise Guidelines for Special Populations | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Pre-Professional Emphasis
This emphasis is intended for those interested in pursuing a general health sciences plan of study or advanced study in a health sciences–related professional field, such as the master's degree in occupational therapy (OT) or athletic training (AT), or the doctorate in chiropractic medicine (DCM). Students will work with an advisor to satisfy the college/university prerequisite coursework needed to apply for advanced academic preparation.
Pre-Occupational Therapy: Suggested prerequisite courses include statistics, anatomy and physiology I and II, human growth and development, abnormal psychology, medical terminology, and general psychology.
Pre-Athletic Training: Suggested prerequisite courses include statistics, anatomy and physiology I and II, biology I and II, exercise science, physics I, college math or statistics, English, social sciences, and nutrition.
Pre-Chiropractic Medicine: Suggested prerequisite materials include a health sciences degree with coursework in English, psychology, social sciences, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, kinesiology, statistics, and exercise physiology.
Internship Prerequisites: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, a grade of C- or better in HPR 202, HPR 301, and HPR 410, and a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount are needed to register for the internship.
Internship Requirements: When other requirements are completed, and minimum grade requirements are met, the student is placed in a 120-hour, three-credit internship.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C- in HPR 202, HPR 260, HPR 301, HPR 302, HPR 410, HPR 415, BIO 151, BIO 151L, BIO 152, BIO 152L, BIO 161, BIO 161L, BIO 162, and BIO 162L.
Degree Requirements - Health Sciences (Pre-Professional Emphasis)
This degree requires a total of 120-122 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| BIO 152 | General Biology II * | 3 |
| BIO 152L | General Biology II Lab * | 1 |
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| HPR 201 | Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | 3 |
| HPR 202 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| | | |
| HPR 215 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| | OR | |
| HPR 240 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| | | |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| HPR 230 | Community Health | 3 |
| HPR 260 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 3 |
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| HPR 302 | Fitness and Health Assessment | 3 |
| HPR 304 | Developing Physical Training Programs | 3 |
| HPR 308 | Global Health and Culture | 3 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 400 | Senior Internship | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| HPR 415 | Exercise Guidelines for Special Populations | 3 |
| HPR | One (1) health and human performance elective | |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology * | 3 |
Sample Degree Plan - Health Sciences (Pre-Professional Emphasis)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor when making course selections. Total credits may exceed 120, and some summer coursework may be required to meet all degree and pre-professional requirements.
Year One - Fall
Year One - Spring
BIO 152: NS core course
EN 102: WR core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| HPR 260 | Introduction to Sports Medicine | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
Year Two - Spring
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| HPR 215 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| HPR 230 | Community Health | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| HPR 302 | Fitness and Health Assessment | 3 |
| HPR 308 | Global Health and Culture | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) health and human performance activity elective | |
Year Three - Spring
| HPR 304 | Developing Physical Training Programs | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four - Fall
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four - Spring
| HPR 400 | Senior Internship | 3 |
| HPR 406 | Stress Management * | 3 |
| HPR 415 | Exercise Guidelines for Special Populations | 3 |
| | One (1) elective or pre-professional course | |
Public Health Emphasis
This emphasis is based on recommendations by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). Students complete work in health promotion, natural sciences, socio-cultural perspectives, public health, and interdisciplinary health-related courses to positively influence the health knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors of individuals and communities.
Students are prepared to take the Certified Health Education Certification (CHES) exam through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) at the completion of this health sciences (public health) degree. This degree can lead to career opportunities in nonprofit and community health organizations, health departments, government agencies, corporate wellness programs, hospitals, and wellness coaching.
Students taking this emphasis are strongly encouraged to consider the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program in public health education and promotion and should consult an advisor for more information.
Internship Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better; a grade of C- or better in HPR 202, HPR 301, and HPR 410; and a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount are needed to register for the internship.
Internship Requirements: When other requirements are completed, and minimum grade requirements are met, the student completes a 120-hour, three-credit internship.
Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C- in HPR 202, HPR 215, HPR 240, HPR 301, HPR 330, HPR 410, and HPR 430.
Degree Requirements - Health Sciences (Public Health Emphasis)
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
Sample Degree Plan - Health Sciences (Public Health Emphasis)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| HPR 201 | Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | 3 |
| | | |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
Year One - Spring
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| HPR 115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HPR 202 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| | Mathematics (MT) core course - MA 132 recommended * | |
EN 102: WR core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology I * | 3 |
| BIO 161L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab * | 1 |
| HPR 225 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Two - Spring
| BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology II * | 3 |
| BIO 162L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| HPR 215 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| HPR 230 | Community Health | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
| HPR 240 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| HPR 301 | Health/Fitness Program Management | 3 |
| LA 250 | Legal Aspects of Health Care | 3 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
Year Three - Spring
| HPR 330 | Designing Public Health Programs | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | One (1) health and human performance activity elective | |
| | One (1) elective - HPR 335 Current Topics in Public Health recommended | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Four - Fall
| HPR 210 | First Aid and Safety | 1 |
| HPR 308 | Global Health and Culture | 3 |
| HPR 340 | Nutrition for Optimal Health | 3 |
| HPR 410 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four - Spring