Question on Exercise Science Major

[Mayonaise32]

I have a question to ask about majoring in exercise science to become a physical therapist. I have found that most physical therapy schools require that you have taken the courses of Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry 1 and 2, Statistics, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. But the layout for the Morehead State Exercise Science major course does not include many of these courses. I will attatch a file below of the layout for the exercise science major. How can I major in exercise science and do physical therapy if I can't take the courses needed? Should I just do Pre-Physical Therapy instead?

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[Akiramay]

With my school (U of I in Urbana-Champaign), I was able to be a Kinesiology major and be pre-PT. For me being pre-PT just meant I was taking the pre-reqs necessary to apply to PT school. For your curriculum, can you choose anything for your electives? If so, could you take the courses not already set in to the curriculum then? Usually all majors require at least one or two basic science courses (bio, chem), which would be fulfilling a 'gen ed' (general education) requirement. What does the pre-PT curriculum map look like? Have you talked about this to an advisor? They might be able to help you.

 

[dizzy88]

Pre-reqs don't necessarily have to be included in your major. I was an exercise science major and the only pre reqs that coincided were anatomy and biomechanics. I just filled in the others along with my coursework.

You could be an art/history/dance/computer science major and apply to PT school. Just make sure you take the pre reqs that the PT program wants.

 

[goyo1010]

You can simply take those classes concomitantly with your degree plan. However, ask your advisor about substituting prereq classes with degree required classes. If the classes are similar enough, they may substitute it. For example that Bio 1/2 class or A&P class could substitue your Bio class in your degree or your Stat class could sub a math class from your degree.

Talk with your advisor. Biggest advice. And take a look at the schools's prereq requirements, as they may have substitution possibilities.

 

[hefe]

Exercise science is a largely unemployable degree with dismal prospects if you decide you don't like the healthcare field and applying to graduate school later.

I wish I could have chose something else like IT, or a business field and simply done my pre-reqs. I could have gotten the same research experiences and grade opportunities in the other major too. However, I would be a more rounded person to prepare for my career later.

Now? I'm stuck trying to piece that education I missed out on here later into my life and career. It will simply not be the same.

 

[goyo1010]

Sadly, it's true. Kinesiology/Excercise Science isn't much of a terminal degree. You have to think long and hard before you settle on a major such as this. If you decide to not go into health care, this degree won't help you as much in other fields, unless you go into personal training, get your masters/phd for research to become a exercise physiologist, sport/factility manager, etc.

Exercise science is a largely unemployable degree with dismal prospects if you decide you don't like the healthcare field and applying to graduate school later.

I wish I could have chose something else like IT, or a business field and simply done my pre-reqs. I could have gotten the same research experiences and grade opportunities in the other major too. However, I would be a more rounded person to prepare for my career later.

Now? I'm stuck trying to piece that education I missed out on here later into my life and career. It will simply not be the same.

 

[Shelby029]

best thing to do would be to talk to your advisor. They know all sorts of things about planning your degree that'll make your life easier - its their job, they're there to help!🙂

 

[markelmarcel]

+3 on the exercise science degree. In fact, when I was first switching into something health/fitness related I wanted to get my master's in exercise science and the program chair told me not to waste my time. I also had a friend of a friend go to talk about getting her major changed and she literally pushed her out of the door telling her that it's not worth the money.

If I had to do it all over again, knowing that I wanted to be a PT, I would've gotten an ATC degree. Otherwise, I'm happy I have a degree in education; I've put my certification on voluntary inactive and no one can ever take that away from me, I can always go and be a teacher if I want! 🙂

 

[Yohan]

I agree on talking with an advisor, but make sure they are program specific because some of the general advisors do not know much more than you about PT (that's why they're general advisors). I'm pretty sure you can still major in excercise science and take the PT pre-req. courses as electives.

Just like Markelmarcel said, if I had to do it all over again I would've gotten an ATC degree...

 

[CmichStudent]

I'm just repeating everyone else.

Typically "Pre-Physical Therapy" is not a major. I'm a Pre-Pt student, but to say I'm getting a major in Pre-Pt would be incorrect, I say I'm a Therapeutic Recreation major and completing pre-reqs to go to PT school. You can still be an Ex-phys major, you just have to add in the PT pre-reqs to your course load.

Good luck in your studies, I suggest mapping out a yearly plan to assure you graduate on time and with all the pre-reqs for PT and your major.

 

[SB06]

I have a BA in photography, and I am currently enrolled in an Exercise Science- Pre PT program. I am starting to wonder if it beneficial to take the ExSci courses or if I should just focus on the prereq classes. I have already taken Physio, I have the Humanities/Psych courses done, but still need math, Physics, Chem, and Anatomy. Any advice?

Also, what is ATC?

Shannon

 

[kcrat21]

I have a BA in photography, and I am currently enrolled in an Exercise Science- Pre PT program. I am starting to wonder if it beneficial to take the ExSci courses or if I should just focus on the prereq classes. I have already taken Physio, I have the Humanities/Psych courses done, but still need math, Physics, Chem, and Anatomy. Any advice?

Also, what is ATC?

Shannon

Just take the pre-reqs. Don't get another BA. It's not worth it. PT schools will take a photography major if you have a good gpa and a good gpa in your pre-reqs. Also an ATC is a certified athletic trainer.

 

[FH1022]

Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology has been a great major as far as preparing me for PT. I suppose it depends on the university though. I have had lots of practicum type courses where I have spent time doing fitness assessments on all populations. These assessments were really similar to initial evaluations one might perform as a PT. I really got a feel for how to treat patients of all ages through these courses and communication is an extremely important factor as a therapist. Also, I was exposed to a lot of movement science courses with labs(kinesiology, exercise physio, motor development, athletic training) that other majors most likely aren't required to take as part of their curriculum. I was required to take physics, chem, and bio for science majors but I understand that some schools don't require that of an exercise science major. If your's doesn't, just make it a goal to get them done and be sure you want to go somewhere in the health, exercise, rehab, or wellness direction.

 

[WolverinePT]

You should be aware when choosing your major that some of the courses will likely only be open to that specific major, or those people have first priority. Depending on where you apply, this could be a big deal. For example, at my university Exercise Physiology was only open to Physiology major and some PT schools require this course.

But I do agree that Exercise Science/Physiology/Kinesiology is unemployable. Most undergrad majors are now. To get a decent job in this world, it seems you have to earn a postgrad degree. So do what you like and what you are best at.