The exercise science major at the College of Charleston experienced considerable growth in its first year. There are now roughly 250 exercise science majors, and more students are added daily.
The exercise science major gives students a broad background in exercise science, including numerous opportunities for hands-on experience in the field. Most majors continue their studies in graduate or professional school. The College’s exercise science professors possess a broad range of expertise from biomechanics to exercise physiology, kinesiology, strength and conditioning, and exercise immunology.
“It is very encouraging that we now have high school juniors visiting campus and asking for information about exercise science,” says Professor Bill Barfield, director of the program. “They see the potential for learning and positioning themselves well for advanced degrees in physical or occupational therapy.”
This fall, Professor Wes Dudgeon and Professor Guy Hornsby, both exercise physiologists, will join the exercise science faculty. Dudgeon’s research interests focus on sport physiology, HIV/AIDS and sport nutrition. Hornsby just completed his Ph.D. at East Tennessee State University, where he also served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Division I baseball team, and as a graduate assistant in the sport science lab.
Several new exercise science classes are under development. Mike Flynn, professor and chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, will be teaching a new course in scientific writing this fall. Other courses in the major include Therapeutic Exercise, Advanced Resistance Training, Biomechanics, and Motor Development and Motor Learning.
For more information, contact Bill Barfield at barfieldw@cofc.edu.
