3+3 Program in Exercise Science and OT or PT

Curriculum

Belmont University provides an opportunity for high achieving students majoring in Exercise Science to gain entry into one of the university’s doctoral programs in occupational therapy (OTD) or physical therapy (DPT) after only 3 years of undergraduate study.

Either the OTD or DPT program can be completed after three additional years for a total of 6 years (3+3) at Belmont University. Students will earn the BS in Exercise Science while completing their first year of the graduate program. It is strongly recommended that students indicate their intent to pursue the 3+3 program in their application for admission and  begin the program of study at the start of their freshman year to be able to fulfill the accelerated pace of coursework. The 3+3 program is an accelerated option that requires meeting a number of rigorous requirements while completing major and prerequisite coursework, BELL Core, and WELL Core requirements within the first 3 years of undergraduate study to be eligible for consideration for admission to the graduate program.

See all program requirements

Exercise Science Courses You'll Take

BIO 2230: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

A study of the cells and tissues as well as the skeletal, muscular, neural, and special sensory systems of the human body. Two hours lecture and 4 hours laboratory per week.

BIO 2240: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

A study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive systems of the human body. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

EXS 1010: Foundations of Exercise Science

This course will enable students to discover the variety of topics, fields of study, and community opportunities as it pertains to exercise science, health and physical education, and sport. Students will be involved in assessing career paths through experiential learning.

EXS 2000: Kinesiology

This course will address the structure and function of the human body as it applies to movement, exercise, and sport.

EXS 3120: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Science

This course will introduce the rationale, procedures, and interpretation of health/fitness assessments with particular attention given to practical application appropriate for these assessments.

SPM 2350: Prevention and Treatment of Injury

Designed to help students recognize and control injury risk factors through an introduction to the public health approach to injury prevention. Additionally, it includes skills training for certification in CPR, AED, and first aid to provide immediate and temporary care in the event of an injury or sudden illness. There will be a fee for this course to cover certification cards.

EXS 3010: Exercise Physiology

This course deals with the functional physiological changes in the human body brought about by acute and chronic exercise. Energy systems of exercise, physiological support systems, and methods of physical training are addressed.

NTR 2230: Principles of Nutrition

The study of the nutritive value of foods, the effect of food on the overall health of the individual, and nutritional needs throughout the life span. The course will explore how the body fuels itself, and the effects of diet on performance, health and well-being.

EXS 4210: Exercise Prescription

This course will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for the development and implementation of an exercise prescription according to guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine.

EXS 4500: Internship in Exercise Science

This course is designed to give students practical work experience in an Exercise Science related field. The internship will culminate with a final report summarizing the quality of the experience. Pass/Fail.

EXS 4015: Senior Capstone in Exercise Science

This is a senior level course that will focus on reading and understanding the research pertinent to Exercise Science, preparation for certification exams, job seeking skills and current events in Exercise Science.

STR 4110: Optimizing Human Performance

The purpose of this course is to provide practical knowledge to develop mobility, enhanced movement, posture, and recovery between training sessions, while improving human performance and quality of life.

BIO 2240: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

A study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive systems of the human body. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• In your first three years, you will complete 96 of the 128 credits required for a B.S. in Exercise Science, which includes 24 credits of specified prerequisite courses for entry into the OTD program.
• With cumulative and prerequisite GPAs above 3.0 at the end of your sophomore year, you may apply (through OTCAS) for Early Decision to the OTD program a year prior to your desired entry.
  • The GRE requirement is waived for 3+3 applicants, but all other specified credentials are required. As a 3+3 applicant you must also demonstrate progress in developing professional behaviors for occupational therapy practice.
  • If you have an overall and prerequisite GPA of at least 3.7 and present remaining application credentials which validate your preparedness for doctoral study, you are guaranteed admission to the OTD program.
  • If your overall or prerequisite GPA is below 3.7, you will still be considered for Early Decision but on a competitive basis with other applicants. Your application could possibly be deferred until after fall semester grades are submitted.
• If admitted as a 3+3 candidate, you must complete all specified requirements, including the BELL Core and WELL Core, by the end of the spring semester of your third year.
• If not admitted to the OTD program as a 3+3 candidate, you may continue your bachelor’s degree but must add a minor to your Exercise Science major. You may re-apply to the OTD program during your senior year for entry after graduating with your B.S.
• Specific requirements for the 3+3 program are detailed in the Belmont University catalog. Questions should be directed to the Department Chair for Exercise Science.

• In your first three years (including two summers), you will complete 110 of the 128 credits required for a B.S. in Exercise Science, which includes 41 credits of specified prerequisite courses for entry into the DPT program.
• With cumulative and prerequisite GPAs above 3.2 at the end of your sophomore year, you may apply (through PTCAS) for Early Decision to the DPT program a year prior to your desired entry.
  • All specified application credentials are required, including results of the GRE examination. As a 3+3 applicant, one of the two required recommendations must be from your Exercise Science faculty advisor and the other from a licensed physical therapist.
  • If you have an overall and prerequisite GPA of at least 3.7 and present remaining application credentials which validate your preparedness for doctoral study, you are guaranteed admission to the DPT program.
  • If your overall or prerequisite GPA is below 3.7, you will still be considered for Early Decision but on a competitive basis with other applicants. Your application could possibly be deferred until after fall semester grades are submitted.
• If admitted as a 3+3 candidate, you must complete all specified requirements, including the BELL Core and WELL Core, by the end of the spring semester of your third year.
• If not admitted to the DPT program as a 3+3 candidate, you may continue your bachelor’s degree but must add a minor to your Exercise Science major. You may re-apply to the DPT program during your senior year for entry after graduating with your B.S.
• Specific requirements for the 3+3 program are detailed in the Belmont University catalog. Questions should be directed to the Department Chair for Exercise Science.

There is no better place to learn Exercise Science than in Nashville. In fact, many of our students have found full-time employment from the required internship they complete while in college. All Exercise Science students must complete a 150-hour internship, and placement can be chosen based on a student’s career interests. Hours can be used to satisfy Occupational or Physical Therapy observation hours (a graduate application requirement).

We support our students in their efforts to secure their required internship and have located placements with professional, minor league and collegiate sport environments. Over the years, students continue to point to their internship experience as one of their most valuable, as it validates the curriculum and helps students realize how much they’ve learned.

Internship partners include:

• STAR Physical Therapy
• Chadwick’s Fitness and Performance Training
• Vanderbilt University Strength and Conditioning
• D1 Sports Training
• Rock Steady
• Belmont University Strength and Conditioning
• TITLE Boxing Club
• The Brown Center for Autism
• Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Small World Yoga
• IronTribe Fitness
• Vanderbilt Sports Medicine