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Program Codes:
HES.AS
Associate in Science Degree
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The Health and Exercise Science program explores the effects of physical activity on the human body in an effort to understand how to maintain or improve health, fitness, and athletic performance. The curriculum emphasizes factors that impact human movement behavior including physiological, psychological, social, and environmental influences. Graduates of the program may transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field or enter careers in fitness training, exercise physiology, personal training, coaching, health education, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning coaching, wellness coordination and many other health and physical fitness-centered fields.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
An exploration of the study of exercise science in a multicultural society. Students analyze various career pathways in the field of exercise science, health, and sports studies. Additionally, students discuss foundational philosophies, theories, and concepts in exercise science, sports, and health.
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
An introduction to the concepts and values of physical activity. Instruction will focus on proper exercise techniques and the theories associated with health and skill-related fitness. Students will apply concepts learned in the classroom in a lab setting. Appropriate gym attire required for some activities.
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Algebra I, MAT-013, or the equivalent as demonstrated through multiple measures.
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
An introduction to the concepts of weight training and the basic principles of strength, conditioning, musculature development and progression, fitness nutrition, and issues related to health and wellness.
This course introduces students to the psychological development of the individual across the life span. Developmental concepts and theories are reviewed and applied in the study of the various stages of life.
An exploration of all areas of nutrition as it affects the active person. Emphasis is on essential dietary nutrients, the body’s nutritional reaction to increased exercise demands, dietary planning, body weight and composition, and long and short-term effects of nutrition.
An examination of health as a variable entity having physiological, psychological, social and multicultural dimensions. The course explores the relationship between cultural and health behavior as a means of increasing cultural sensitivity. Students will assess their health status and behavior as well as explore personal decision-making processes. Topics include, but are not limited to, establishing a basis for wellness, understanding sexuality, aspects of substance use and abuse, maintaining fitness, stress and stressors, and protecting one’s self against disease and environmental risks.
An examination of the historical and contemporary experiences of the U.S.'s diverse and multicultural population, including cultural values, lifestyles, and contributions of a cross-section of diverse identitites, which include categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability status. Students apply a sociological perspective to policy issues regarding diversity and multiculturalism, as well as discuss how a person's status in each group influences his or her social interactions, rights and life chances.
A focus on the physiological and psychological aspects of stress, the impact it has on one's health and the development of sound approaches, both holistic and traditional. Students will identify the role stressors play in their lives and develop individual stress management plans.
An introduction to the physiological basis of fitness. Students explore the areas of strength, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, body composition, and flexibility. Students demonstrate, design, and implement correct programs in these areas.
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
An introduction to the foundations of cardiorespiratory conditioning, the components of fitness, principles of exercise, heart rate monitoring, basic nutrition, and issues related to health and wellness.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
The theory and practice of professional rescuer CPR and basic first aid skills. Topics covered include accident and disease prevention, body systems, respiratory and cardiac emergencies and sudden illnesses. The ability to recognize serious medical emergencies and the course of action are the basic components of this course. American Red Cross certification(s) will be presented to qualified students.
An introduction to health-related fitness assessment, analysis, and exercise programming based on assessment outcomes. Students will administer and review assessments under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Pre- or Co-requisites: HES-121, HES-122, HES-123 or HES-125 and BIO-112
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
The Health and Exercise Science program provides the opportunity for students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to enter the continually evolving field of exercise science and the health and fitness industry. The Associate of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university degree program in exercise science and health studies, or employment in fitness and health related industries.
The Associate of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science offers a variety of career opportunities, such as those involving fitness training, coaching, health education, exercise physiology, exercise research, health promotion and program management, personal training, rehabilitative exercise, wellness coordination and many other health and physical fitness-centered fields.​
This program’s curriculum will teach students the skills and knowledge needed to perform fitness assessments, design individualized exercise programs, evaluate human movement, and make nutritional recommendations. In addition, a degree in exercise science will serve as a solid foundation for students seeking admission into athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports medicine degree programs.
Unlike our current Liberal Arts-Physical Education/Recreation program, which is designed for students interested in working in the field of education, the Health and Exercise Science program is intended for students looking to enter careers in fitness training, exercise physiology, personal training, coaching, health education, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning coaching, wellness coordination and many other health and physical fitness-centered fields.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution. Students will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and should have all of the lower division general education requirements completed. In addition, articulation agreements between MC and four-year institutions provide a seemless transfer option. Students should discuss transfer options and processes with an advisor.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. The time can be shortened by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
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