The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently granted the endorsement after reviewing the program. There currently are no accreditations for exercise science, but the endorsement is similar, says Hjelm. The endorsement does not require an on-site visit, but includes an otherwise thorough review of the program.
The major has been offered to students for more than 10 years. The endorsement could help students find employment because it raises the prestige of the program, as only 60 institutions in the country have received the endorsement. Students also will get discounts on the expensive certification exam.
“I hope this will provide recognition so that more prospective students who are considering exercise majors will visit and choose North Park,” says Hjelm. “Exercise science is the study of how to appraise health status, test fitness, and design and implement exercise programs,” Hjelm says.
The degree enables students to work in cardiac rehabilitation, personal training and throughout the fitness industry. “Some students use this as a vehicle into grad school,” says Hjelm.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world.
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