Mission and Outcomes
ABOUT
The Exercise Science Program became one of the first six schools in the nation to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), the largest programmatic accreditor in the health-sciences field. The program is also endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and represents SRU as a Gold Campus through the American College of Sports Medicine's Exercise is Medicine on Campus program.
Students complete a graded 480-hour internship after all coursework is finished. Further, graduates of the Exercise Science program report satisfaction with the ability of the program to fulfill the Mission and Program Outcomes. Data from Summer/Fall 2023, Spring 2024 (n=101) are reported below.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Exercise Science program at Slippery Rock University reported a 60% retention rate.
MISSION STATEMENT
Transform individuals into a team of critically thinking scientists prepared for success in a variety of graduate studies and professions in health, wellness and fitness.
Strongly Agree: 92.0%, Agree: 8.0%
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Professional Interaction and Communication:
To interact and communicate effectively by presenting information in oral, written, and technology formats; collaborating with professionals and peers; expressing ideas clearly; and giving and receiving feedback.
Strongly Agree: 92%, Agree: 7%, Neither Agree/Disagree: 1%
Professional Competence:
To utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate health behavior and risk factors; develop, implement, and evaluate exercise and wellness programs, and employ behavioral strategies to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.
Strongly Agree: 96%, Agree: 4%
Ethical Reasoning:
To make well-informed and unbiased decisions to enhance the well-being of others.
Strongly Agree: 92%, Agree: 7%, Neither Agree/Disagree: 1%
Professional Behavior and Involvement:
To model professional behaviors (including preparedness, engagement, and appearance), and demonstrate professional involvement across the major.
Strongly Agree: 93%, Agree: 7%
Critical Thinking:
To demonstrate clear and accurate reasoning to make decisions and solve problems.
Strongly Agree: 94%, Agree: 6%
CULMINATING EXPERIENCE
The exercise science internship provides the opportunity for students to develop and apply exercise science knowledge, skills and abilities in a supervised university approved setting. The internship is 12- credits which is equivalent to 480 hours. This final course requirement is an opportunity for students to specialize in an area of their interest. Student interns are expected to learn new skills specific to the area they have chosen and transition from student to entry-level professional.
96% of students earned a passing grade.