The Frequency of Dedicated Coursework in Behavior Change in Accredited Baccalaureate Exercise Science Programs

Abstract

Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity (PA), low levels of participation in PA remain a concern. Professional programmatic standards including behavior modification techniques are outlined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Commission on the Accreditation of Exercise Science (CoAES), but it is not clear how these competencies are being met. Given the complexities of PA behavior, dedicated coursework addressing the fundamentals of behavior modification is valuable. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of dedicated coursework focused on behavior change in CAAHEP/CoAES-accredited baccalaureate exercise science (EXS) programs. We searched the curricula of CAAHEP/CoAES-accredited baccalaureate EXS programs to determine if dedicated behavior modification courses were required. We organized programs by American College of Sports Medicine region and Carnegie Classification. Of the 65 accredited programs found, 19 (29%) had specific courses in behavior modification. Of these 19 programs, New England (57%) and Northland (50%) regions had the highest percentage of required coursework. Carnegie master’s colleges and universities had the highest percentage of programs containing dedicated courses on behavior change (42%), compared with baccalaureate colleges (21%) and doctoral universities (37%). Despite established educational competencies, many accredited EXS programs do not include dedicated coursework in behavior modification. Although CAAHEP/CoAES accreditation standards include behavior modification competencies, to maximize the benefits of PA and exercise and prepare the next generation of exercise professionals, dedicated coursework in behavior change should be incorporated into EXS curricula.