Exercise Science

Exercise Science

Transfer Pathway A.S.

The Exercise Science Transfer Pathway A.S. curriculum has been specifically designed so that you can complete your associate degree and transfer with junior-year status to a Minnesota State university to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a number of majors, including, exercise and sport science, kinesiology, physical education, or human performance.

As a student in this A.S. degree program, you’ll complete the Pathway Curriculum (20 credits) and the General Education Curriculum (40 credits) for a credit total of 60.

This A.S. degree is part of a Minnesota State system agreement and will articulate with all other system universities and some Twin Cities metro area private institutions. This associate degree program prepares you to transfer to a four-year program in exercise science or kinesiology while also giving you the ability to begin a career in the fitness industry.

Minnesota State universities

  • Bemidji State University
  • Metropolitan State University
  • Minnesota State University Mankato
  • Minnesota State University Moorhead
  • Southwest Minnesota State University
  • St. Cloud State University
  • Winona State University

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

 Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

2023-2024 Required Courses

Pathway Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  PHED 1100
Introduction to Exercise Science
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Introduces the disciplines of physical education, kinesiology and exercise science and the professional opportunities in the fields. Significant historical events are presented and current issues in the disciplines are discussed. Students begin to develop a professional philosophy while beginning the process of career exploration and planning. This course is intended for students in the A.S. program for Physical Education or the A.S. degree in Exercise Science. This course will not meet the physical education requirement for the A.A. degree.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  PHED 1109
Weight Training
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Emphasizes individual improvement of body strength and toning through free weights and machine lifting routines, fitness testing, and individual weight programs. Discussions include fitness components, fitness principles, muscle identification, proper lifting technique, nutritional guidelines, and body composition. Students will develop a personal weight-training program based on their fitness pretests and goals. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of four credits.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  PHED 2000
Introduction to Personal Training
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Preparing students to become personal trainers with the skills to ensure proper exercise prescription for a variety of populations. This is an introductory course that prepares students with the basic knowledge and hands on experience to work with individual or group clients. This course provides content hat can be used for examinations required for various Personal Training certifications.

Prerequisites:

  • PHED 1109 Weight Training

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  HLTH 1110
Nutrition
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Introduces basic nutrition as it relates to total health. Personal nutritional health analysis as well as the relationship between diet and disease will be presented. The course includes current and controversial topics dealing with nutrition. The main focus centers on the basic nutrients and how the body uses, stores, and eliminates them. Nutrition and its relationship to exercise and weight control throughout a lifetime are discussed.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  HLTH 1155
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Studies the dimensions of wellness; including physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and others. Students will do self-assessments and develop a Wellness program, including a fitness plan, to achieve their goals and overcome any barriers. Students will also analyze their personal nutrition and develop strategies for improvement. Risk factors related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases will also be discussed. This course may be used to fulfill both the health and physical education requirements for the A.A. degree.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Physical Education Elective(s)    OR

Health Elective(s)
1

Physical Education Elective(s)


Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Health Elective(s)


Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  BIOL 2201
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include anatomical terminology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine systems. Lab component will hands-on experience with tissue specimens, as well as dissections of organs and a representative mammal. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:

  • BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology
  • BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  BIOL 2202
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Covers anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, acid-base and electrolyte balance, reproductive systems, and development. The lab component will include hands-on experience with models, histology slides and one or more representative animal specimens. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:

  • BIOL 2201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Pathway Curriculum 20

General Education Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  ENG 1108
Writing And Research Skills
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills

Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  ENG 1111
  ENG 1114
  ENG 1130
Research Writing    OR

The Research Paper    OR

Writing and Research For the Professions
3

Research Writing
Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

The Research Paper
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Writing and Research For the Professions
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  COMM 1100
  COMM 1110
  COMM 2230
Interpersonal Communication    OR

Public Speaking    OR

Small Group Communication
3

Interpersonal Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07
Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Public Speaking
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Small Group Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  BIOL 1120
  BIOL 1154
Exploring Biology    OR

Principles of Biology I
4

Exploring Biology
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces non-majors to important biological concepts and serves as a pre-requisite for Nursing and other allied-health programs. There is an emphasis on the molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution and ecology. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry which includes learning how to propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them. Students learn the proper use of microscopes and safe handling of lab chemicals and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. This course serves as a prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL 2201) and Microbiology (BIOL 2205 & 2305). It also aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Principles of Biology I
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces important biological principles and is intended for biology and biology-related majors. This course is the first of a 2-semester course series and, also serves as a prerequisite for other biology courses that are part of the Biology Transfer Pathway. There is an emphasis on molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry where students learn to propose and test hypotheses, as well as analyze, synthesize and communicate results. Students also learn the proper use of microscopes and the safe handling of chemicals, tools and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. Prereq: Requires one year HS chemistry or a college chemistry course.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CHEM 1010
  CHEM 1061
Introductory Chemistry    OR

Principles of Chemistry I
5

Introductory Chemistry
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces basic principles and concepts of chemistry to students who previously have had no chemistry or who desire a basic review of chemistry. This course is a lab science course designed for non-science majors and for students who need a basic chemistry course before enrolling in college chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: MATH 0840 with a grade of "C" or higher OR higher level math placement, either within the last 2 years.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Principles of Chemistry I
Course Outline
Credits: 5
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Includes study of basic chemical theory and application with emphasis upon atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, inorganic chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, reaction stoichiometry, periodic relationships, molecular structure, properties of gases and the kinetic molecular theory. The lab component of this course provides the student with the opportunity to apply chemical concepts through observation, data collection, quantitative measurement, problem analysis, and mathematical applications to chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: MATH 0940 with a grade of "C" or higher OR higher level placement, either within the last 2 years. Recommended: CHEM 1010 or a full year of advanced high school chemistry within the last 2 years and with a grade of "C" or higher.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  MATH 1103
Introduction to Statistics
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 04
Presents basic statistics which includes descriptive and graphical statistics, basic probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypotheses testing for one or two populations, linear regression, chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Professional statistical software, such as Minitab, will be integrated throughout the class. Graphing calculator required for the course. Recommendation based on the results of the Inver Hills Assessment Test or grade of "C" or higher in MATH 0820 or 0840 within the last 2 years.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • MATH 0103 Statistics Support

Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  PSYC 1101
Introduction to Psychology
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 05
Presents a survey of the science of psychology including theoretical and experimental findings and applications. Topics include research methodology, the nervous system, perception, cognition, learning, memory, human development, emotions, motivation, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, attitudes, social influence and growth processes. This course may not be taken for credit if you have already earned credit for Introduction to Psychology with Lab (PSYC 1201). Prereq: Placement into ENG 1108 or successful completion (grade of C or above) of ENG 99/Read 93

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5)
May be from PSYC
4



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5)
Not from PSYC
4



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area)
4



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in General Education Curriculum 40
Total Credits: 60
‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.