POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam has been approved to offer a new baccalaureate program in the field of exercise science.

The college's Department of Community Health will offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science, beginning this fall. The new major focuses on the scientific and applied study of the human body, including prevention of injury and performance. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will learn the research behind and the application of sound exercise and physiology principles.

The exercise science major includes courses in biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, community health, sports medicine, movement science, strength and conditioning and personal training fundamentals. An internship will be required to complete the major. Students majoring in exercise science can also choose from electives in therapeutic recreation, physics, chemistry and business management.

"This program is exciting because it exposes students to the challenges of understanding human physiology and movement science, combined with the strong liberal arts foundation at SUNY Potsdam. Students will not only have the technical knowledge necessary to work in exercise science -- SUNY Potsdam's liberal arts curriculum will also prepare them to become leaders in their chosen field," said Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, chair of the Department of Community Health. "The new exercise science major, combined with the master's degree program in community health approved last year, will provide an educated workforce in St. Lawrence County and beyond to address some of our region's most pressing health concerns."

The curriculum was developed using standards and guidelines from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Students will be able to choose between two tracks: the exercise and sports performance track and the pre-professional track. Within the exercise and sports performance track, students will be prepared to work specifically in the exercise science field, focusing on the enhancement of human physical performance, with an eye toward athletic-specific training.

The pre-professional track also prepares students wishing to work in the exercise science field, while also incorporating pre-requisite coursework for those interested in pursuing graduate studies in other related allied health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and clinical exercise physiology. However, students should check carefully with the specific program and institution to which they are applying, to ensure the courses they complete at SUNY Potsdam meet that program's specific pre-requisites.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, exercise physiologists most often work in hospitals, outpatient clinics and nursing and residential care facilities. Hospitals employed 53 percent of exercise physiologists in 2012. Other areas of employment include work in corporate wellness programs; instruction and supervision for private or public fitness clubs; sports and wellness program instruction; strength coaching for university, military and professional sports programs; physiological equipment testing and evaluation; supervision of fitness programs for police, fire, correctional services and emergency response organizations; instruction at community centers, spas or resorts; cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program support, and consultation for sports and athletic programs and non-profit organizations.

For more information about the program, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/majors/exercisescience.cfm.