Springfield College applied exercise science program is truly second to none. Springfield College is one of only two colleges in the state of Massachusetts to achieve accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP, the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences in the United States, reviews and accredits more than 2,000 educational programs in 22 health science occupations. It has accredited only 25 applied exercise science undergraduate programs, including Springfield College.
At Springfield College, students learn from distinguished faculty with diverse areas of specialty who are still active in the field and whose research has led to essential and enduring findings on topics such as the impact of low- carbohydrate weight loss diets and low-fat weight loss diets on muscle mass, and whether or not exercise improves the health of patients suffering with chronic kidney disease. Faculty are not just committed to the field, but also to helping their students become leaders who will contribute to its continued growth. The department is comprised of faculty who are readily available and consider student growth to be the most important aspect of their job. Members of the faculty demonstrate a unique interest in staying in touch with their students, even long after they graduate.
The applied exercise science major offers a personalized approach to an undergraduate education. Small class sizes ensure that students will have the opportunity to build relationships with faculty and their peers. In addition, opportunities for students to gain real-world experience are vast. Springfield College students have interned in corporate, collegiate, private, and clinical settings; spa and wellness facilities; and sport and professional sports organizations. ESPN, the Boston Red Sox, Harvard University, the Canyon Ranch, and the United States Olympic Training Center are just a few of the organizations for which Springfield College exercise science students have interned.
Coursework at Springfield College is enhanced with the recently built Exercise Science/Athletic Training facility, which is part of the College’s state-of-the-art Wellness and Recreation Complex, providing students the opportunity to learn in world-class facilities. The research endeavors of students are also enhanced by the new facilities, including a human performance laboratory, biochemistry laboratory, and strength laboratory. In 2009, the complex received the Outstanding Sports Facilities Award at the annual conference of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. Since hands-on learning is an essential component of the applied exercise science program, these facilities provide Springfield College applied exercise science students with a competitive edge. Springfield College graduates are highly sought. Employers know that graduates of Springfield College program in exercise science are well prepared and that they have gained valuable experience, the know-how to excel in the field, and the opportunity to work in first class facilities.
The College is internationally renowned for innovation that has improved people's lives since 1885. Stellar visionaries from the College have made indelible marks on society, science, and health and wellness, including James Naismith's invention of basketball in 1891. The exercise science and sport studies department has a rich history in all areas within its curriculum. Springfield College was one of the first institutions in the United States to develop the applied exercise science academic program in the late 1980s. While remaining proud of its history and to all of the faculty and alums who have made great contributions to the field, the department is also forward-thinking and committed to ensuring continued advancement through graduating skillful leaders who go on to affect positive change and make valuable contributions to the field.
Springfield College graduates are well-prepared for work in the field, as well as for continuing their education in graduate school. Springfield College offers graduate programs in exercise science and sport studies, allowing many applied exercise science undergraduate students interested in pursuing an advanced degree to stay at Springfield College as they complete their graduate work. Many applied exercise science undergraduate students appreciate this option, as they have already built relationships with professors and become familiar with the campus, making the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies a simple one.